Southpaw729 wrote:I fully get both the economic and location "advantages" of staying at home to play. However I have always felt that part of this whole softball extravaganza we put ourselves through is the experiences and memories our DDs get to keep through the process. Although the aroma of cattle may not be an endearing memory of Midland I think playing on the same fields for PGF in SoCal the girls play friendlies at just won't create the same memories.
We played in 107 degrees in Portland a few years back and, yes, it sucked but my daughter still tells the stories of the tournament and our drive up and back. I just don't think playing in HB would have meant the same to her. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I thought I'd weigh in.
I don't believe you are the minority and I agree 100%. Experiences shape you, whether good or bad, and it is fun to travel outside of Cali to play. I can remember a ton about Midland, Texas, where my team finished 5th yet don't remember a whole lot about winning a National Championship in CA. The only exciting thing I remember from that Championship week was river rafting up north with my teammates and the funny stories we still share (most of which are off the field).
