In10city

Very clever indeed those 4 inch heels. But good thing nobody got a hit and had to run... I've got a similar question/comment. When we're home, how many feet of dirt am I "legally" allowed to add or subtract around homeplate (depending on type of pitcher). Also, if we're facing a pitcher that predominantly throws one really good pitch (curve, slider, etc), what are the guidelines for plate and/or mound adjustments? Do I have to understand trigonometry or is there a manual I can give to my "field crew" (J.V. parents) before each game? Need to know as soon as possible since we will be facing a 4'7" left hander (heck of a slider) later this week. On a side note, his mom told me that he's gotten letters from lots of private schools and even a nod from a scout for an unnamed minor league team. She knew he was a scout because he had one of them fancy guns that measured speed. Only thing was, she couldn't hear the speed of the pitches 'cause every time he plugged it in and turned it on, it made the strangest blowing sound. But she knew it was good because the guy kept setting the controls to "High" and "Heat".

Who pitched for LaVergne? Smyrna? Hendersonville over Gallatin 6-5 in 8 innings

My thoughts (in no particular order): Who's pitching? What time's the game? Will it be cold enough to wear long underwear? and mostly, Sure glad I haven't ever bet money on their games. I'd have lost a bundle over the years.

Actually, I think the transferring player is only eligble to play JV ball at the new school until one year after the transfer.

Pinto beans @ Wilson Central were excellent, I hear. Siegal used to have that Italian Ice stuff. Hendersonville also has it at their football and basketball games in case it's the off season. (Try the blue; it's not the best but then the blue lips make it fun.) Chicken sandwiches @ Lebanon were pretty darn good. Cheese sticks @ Smyrna, I think. Maybe at Mt. Juliet too. Can't remember exactly where (in a very rural part of Kentucky), but a few years ago, I got a country ham sandwich that was truly amazing. Home grown tomatoes, fresh lettuce, the works. Oh wait a minute. Maybe that was on one of my horse judging scoutings. On a side note, I recently discovered that high school softball tournaments have the absolute best hospitality "rooms". What advice (rules, equipment needed, lesser known colleges with softball teams, etc.) can ya'll give me to make sure I can add softball to my scouting repertoire?

I have to give Corey the nod. (Is he a Soph. or Jr.?) No, utility ain't dead yet.

Slyder, I've made this a year round thing with very little change in "costume". Here are three hints to help: 1. Scout out the concession stand before you commit to attend. 2. Look for lesser known events to "scout" during off season (e.g. Bowling, Soil or Horse Judging, Marching Band, Culinary Arts, etc.) 3. Adjust scout costume as necessary for above (e.g. remove Oakleys and pullover for inside stuff, adjust bill position of baseball cap for various disciplines, replace Juggs gun for metronome, thermometer, etc.). Hope this helps!

Hmmm, I understand it was a little more than her teeth she "lost" at that last match but then not everyone can "pull off" the wife beater look, esp. when you weigh that much (Bless her heart...). A few more questions (although I hate to bother you since I know you're getting ready for the big day): 1. Is it okay to laugh if a batter swings at a 55 foot bounced pitch and fouls it over the backstop? 2. Are Mizuno pullovers still "cool"? What if it's one of those short sleeve shiny things? 3. Can I bring my dog/cooler/grill/camper/mother-in-law to the reunion? 4. Did you know that Rustoleum now offers a spray paint that almost looks like silver? (I swear, I saw it at WalMart yesterday!) Then you won't have to fork out extra bucks for the Conair and/or Jugs Premium Edition. Please keep up the good work and let me know what I can bring for the reunion.

HHS over Wilson Central. Not sure of the score...

Beech

OMG E5, you're killin' me! But of course, count me in. On a side note, will they have any diversions for the wife and kids that day (like mud wrestling or a tobacco spitting contest)? Also, is a wife beater T under the overalls considered OK?

Hmmm, may I be so bold to add #5? 5. Carry @ least 2 of the following: laptop Juggs gun (working or not) briefcase (nylon's ok but make it higher end...) all weather gear sporting some college or minor league team logo.

Hey cc, here's a few thoughts (Ok, I haven't really SEEN all of these...): Always cry during the Star Spangled Banner. But not too much. And only behind your Easton's. Wear stirrups because "...the old way was better". (Not valid if entire team sports 'em on Oldies Day.) Delay game before every pitch so scouts can get a better look at your 30 second signal marathon. (Extra points if signals at any time resemble dance moves from "Saturday Night Fever".) If game gets boring, call, "Time'" and approach field umpire. Ask how his day went but make it look like you're yelling at him about something. Kick some dirt on him after he turns around. Bring unknown relatives to brag about how fair and ethical you are. Make sure they are strategically placed so that scouts are never alone. (Think: at car on arrival, at hotel on arrival, concession stand, dugout, bathroom, interview with other player or coach, back at his home, etc.) Use your imagination and remember that stalking has to be proven before they can arrest you. Give each scout his own T-shirt, baseball hat, and hoodie with your team's logo. May also be helpful to use services from the parents (e.g. free tax advice, reduced car prices, an untraceable cell phone). Again, be creative! Just because you don't play his son doesn't mean good ol' Dad won't fork up a few thousand for the chance his son MIGHT play next year. Hope these help!

It was a good, close game (BHS over HHS 3-2...Beech's one run homer put them on top). Hall pitched a good game for HHS but I think the bats weren't up to their recent standards. (Wish I could tell you the BHS pitchers....)

cbq, You're exactly right. Scouts aren't interested in high school stars that can only be stars in high school. (I am not referring to Sonny. I don't doubt that he can go on.) But the average sized 88-90 mph pitcher is often overlooked for the 6'5" 80 mph picher with "potential". (I've seen it first hand. A Braves scout told me that if the kid wasn't at least 6 foot, he wouldn't get a much of a look.) Seems like a lot of wasted talent to me. Unfortunately, I guess size does matter.

Congrats on the Beech win. I hate that Gallatin is "rebuilding" again; they've had a few tough years. (Didn't they lose a coach to cancer a few years back?) Sounds like Frey had an excellent night. (Is he a Jr. or Sr.? I'm getting old and forgetful....) Who will pitch Thursday night?

Excellent job on the analysis. Wow, 10 strikeouts for Faust. That's pretty impressive too. What's Hawks feeding those boys? And how'd tonight turn out?

Thanks divingcatch. I 'm gonna try to catch it too...

I'll take Beech over Gallatin but no way am I naive enough to hazard a guess on the BHS-HHS match up. (Who's HOME and what time is the game?)

Hey Riverdaleman! (Hope you have a great season!) Just a few thoughts: 1. For those baseball players that play football, basketball, golf, etc., let 'em play. Yeah, it may be hard to "catch up" for baseball but they all have to make a decision before college. Let 'em enjoy whatever sport, extracurricular activity, etc. while they can. A second (Spring) tryout could ensure fair treatment. 2. For the other 60-90% that have already chosen baseball, let them play too. On their school team. Together. 3. "Family Time"? Why else do concession stands offer coffee AND candy? Why do most schools charge little if anything for kids, faculty, and coaches' families? (I know I've spent more time with my family because of baseball...) 4. Do I really need TSSAA telling me how to run my home life too? Like I said; a few thoughts...

Did Oakland win all of their games?

Hey Gville 80! Here's my early scouting report> H'ville is pretty young this year. Not sure who the second Freshman is but I saw one start @short last week. Pretty solid for a 9th grader. I understand they're starting a lot of Sophomores too (1st and 2nd; rest I don't know). Also caught a Beech scrimmage and game (Riverdale) with their 27 Seniors. (LOL) Looks like a decent team with experience to get through the district. Pitching should be strong. Oakland is up too. Couple of good wrong handers. And if size alone would win games, they'd win State. Station Camp could surprise people this year. A guy named Johnny Angel (I'm not kidding) has been a pivotal influence from what I've heard. Mt. Juliet has several prospects. Looks like a good year for Sonny too. Guess that's the scope of my experience so far. I'll let you know how it goes. Have a great 2007 season!

Isn't the Spring Fling site determined by a city's bidding on it (and subsequent multi-year contract) with TSSAA? So really, what difference does it make what we think? (I'm not happy with them anyway; FOUR scrimmages???? 50% Fall Ball roster??? Geez...) And Challenger, you're exactly right. Since 1991, there have been several Seniors that have graduated on a baseball field (after competing in a state tournament) instead of on their high school's football field or basketball gym. But I bet all of them treasure that moment. Here's to a great season.

4, 7, and 9. In no particular order.

Thanks David (again). Seems more logical...