Having played the game of softball for over 25 years there are a ton of things I’ve learned. I’ve managed teams for over 10 years and co-managed with one of the best sponsors in the state, Ronnie Moore – J&R Logistics. There is so much more to the game of softball than worrying about getting paid to play or having everything paid for (trust me, those are nice to have). One of the things I’ve learned over time is team chemistry is the most important ingredient to being a better team. Of course having good players helps maintain chemistry but finding the right mix of good players who are good chemistry guys is far more important. A few people have asked me over time why do people want to play on your teams especially since we only paid for tournaments, balls and uniforms (keep in mind I said “only” which equals over $5000 of Ronnie Moore’s money every year, not many teams have this luxury) and having had some of the top players in the state who have been paid to play, my answer is simple, if you can’t enjoy the guys and their families going into a weekend of softball, you have the wrong mix. There are a few teams fortunate enough to have incredibly generous sponsors but not all of them have finished out an entire year due to the wrong mix and in some cases, not worth the investment. Having had the opportunity to play for a sponsor who paid for everything i.e. travel and food, etc…there is a ton of pressure on the team to perform in order to validate the sponsors generosity. With that comes the need to continuously find the best players and change the roster during the course of the season and one thing I’ve learned and have always maintained, you start off the year with a team, you finish the year with that team. Of course people can argue my thoughts mainly if you are a sponsor who’s investing into a team and you are expecting the team to deliver and I understand that completely but find the right chemistry guys who are good ball players, you’ve made a sound investment. Too many players out there today are only worried about themselves and “what’s in it for me and what are you paying” and from my perspective, those are the wrong mix of players. My worries going into a weekend of softball is making sure our players and families have FUN, period! Competing and winning are at the top of the list however when you have chemistry, success finds its way!
For all you younger ball players coming up in this game, find the right mix of chemistry and you will have much more fun and a better team. The trick is finding a sponsor who shares those same values and gives the team a chance to grow without constantly turning it over and you will by far have more fun and SUCCESSS!
Of course there will be people arguing some of my insights but from my experience, this is what made MY/OUR teams successful. AR Xtreme HPC/Team Lovell Taylor Oil/Cline Logging 5JE/DTS 5J Electric PTI Worth J&R Logistics
Good luck to everyone this year
agree completely
Posted by mye too sense on October 17, 2014, 7:49 am, in reply to "MY .02" Edited by board administrator October 17, 2014, 7:51 am
although chemistry does make you better it doesn't make you good. chemistry helps over achieve but doesn't necessarily help you achieve. You are correct when you say, "one of the things I've learned over time is team chemistry is the most important ingredient to being a better team". You are 100% correct! It does make you better. Also, success is all in perception. Looking from the inside out you might think your team is extremely successful. From the outside in you may look like a terd. Who cares? Just depends on how you measure success and as long as you feel success that is all that matters.
Re: agree completely
Posted by cates on October 17, 2014, 8:09 am, in reply to "agree completely"
Well said...like I said, it's just my perception. There will be lots of good arguments on both sides of this.
Cates
typo
Posted by rick stocker on October 21, 2014, 2:10 pm, in reply to "Re: agree completely"
Diod you mean "Thomas Oil"?
But you are completely right about chemistry. If it has any chance of being a fun year, you need good people more than you need good athletes.
Re: typo
Posted by cates on October 22, 2014, 6:28 am, in reply to "typo"
No Rick, not Thomas Oil actually Taylor Oil. But I do agree you need good players with good attitudes. Find the good ones that don't have thier hand out and you've got it made!
Re: typo
Posted by Jumbo Shrimp on October 21, 2014, 8:01 pm, in reply to "typo"
Actually you need good athletes that that are good enough people to get along with their teammates . You can't win with "good people" my preacher is a great person but he can not catch a ground ball to save his life .
true
Posted by rick stocker on October 22, 2014, 9:12 am, in reply to "Re: typo"
If your team intends to play "serious" ball, then yes, they have to be skillful players, besides being good guys.
But I have seen many talented ballplayers that were poison to every team they played on.
finally
Posted by knuck knuck on October 22, 2014, 7:09 am, in reply to "Re: typo"