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July 9-10 A moment of reflection and Hooters! |
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Written by rthornton
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Wednesday, 13 July 2005 |
After 10 years of sponsoring a mens slow pitch team, watching endless games, enduring the heat of summer and the cold of fall, what is it that keeps me entertained and excited for each upcoming shoot? That is the question 44 Core is attempting to answer, not just with me, but with over 18 million players of this wonderful sport. I have yet to show up to a tournament and say to myself, “This is so boring”. I show up, talk to the tournament directors, umpires, players and fans, then know, “this is awesome”, because I am always enthused to be a part of the game.
Unfortunately there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm for slow pitch softball at the moment. Recent statistics reveal that slow pitch softball has declined 20% the last year. 20%, that is a chunk. Some states are feeling this burden more than others. Some states have combined C and B to make up for low attendance at NIT and Qualifiers, and some states directors even allow teams to petition down a notch or stay at the same level to keep the interest fueled. Whether or not these tactics are working or just add fuel to the already disgruntled fire is not for me to answer, but rather for each and every one of you to choose what the end results are. How can we as participants and fans of this great game give it the boost it needs? If you were a state director, what would you do?
 | | C League Champs - KVB Sidewinders |
44 Core is one way we hope to give softball the recognition it deserves. We hope this film will reach people who had no idea what a uniquely American and competitive sport this is. (Insert National Anthem here) The world today is filled with newspaper headlines and top news stories about our brave soldiers fighting in Iraq, suicide bombers in London, and all out discord. Slow pitch softball is a release, a way for all the working stiffs out there to come out on the field and be someone they are not in the day to day dealing with the outside world. Slow pitch softball players are a diverse group of ordinary people cutting loose for a weekend to be the most competitive people they can be, putting behind race, religion and politics. You are the inspiration for 44 Core.
July 8th-10th found us in Shawnee Kansas Again. This time around Phil Smith and his 14th Annual Hooters/Linedrive tournament welcomed us with open arms. I’ve yet to meet a tournament director that I have not liked. But Phil ranks among the top. The umpires were  | | C League 2nd place - Cody’s Worth |
fantastic, and Cody’s Worth is my stand out team of the tournament for not only their competitiveness but also their sportsmanship. These guys played their way from the losers bracket to the championship game. Exhausted, sweaty, and very dirty (especially the shortstop) they took the time to chat and joke around with me. Their second place finish behind KVB Sidewinders is nothing to scoff at. Great job guys! With tournament directors, Umpires and players like these, I can not see how slow pitch softball will ever be anything but a great sport with great people.
Again, if you see me in the stands, do not hesitate to flag me down for a chat, just keep in mind that Justin, our cameraman, while filming, can not hear you. So do not think he is ignoring you.
Till next time....
Rena
ps. Check out other Tournament winners in the photo gallery!
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 13 July 2005 )
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