LL Softball on ESPN, MI vs TX

[I'mOklahoma!]

Not that it's a big deal, but the Junior League Softball World Series is played on a skinned infield. This is the series played in Kirkland, Washington.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by I'mOklahoma!

Not that it's a big deal, but the Junior League Softball World Series is played on a skinned infield. This is the series played in Kirkland, Washington.

After looking at the pictures, so is the Sr. League. I was just quoting what I was told by a So. Regional representative.

[WestMichBlue]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

After looking at the pictures, so is the Sr. League. I was just quoting what I was told by a So. Regional representative.

I am not sure it is a LL rule; I think it is a Kalamazoo thing. Kalamazoo hosted LL SB WS for near 30 years, probably since LL started SB championships. Gradually younger divisions have been moved away to other locations in the US, but the Big League still stays. (Though I have heard that Kzo’s grip on the BL WS is tenuous, at best.)

Truth is they are playing on a 60’ LL baseball field. It is the centerpiece of the host LL, a quality field with seating for over 5,000 and press box and TV stands. They simply shave off the pitcher’s mound, chalk a circle, and play softball.


And they get away with it – because of their long-standing relationship with LL.


WMB

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by I'mOklahoma!

Not that it's a big deal, but the Junior League Softball World Series is played on a skinned infield. This is the series played in Kirkland, Washington.

Yes, the one in Kirkland is on skinned infields. this is a fine park that is operated in part by the city but is for the exclusive use of LL. I've gone over there the previous 3 years (would have gone this year but they wouldn't let me out of the CCU)...the softball being played was B level at best. Umpiring was actually pretty good last year, but all the guys from the USA working the tournament were also ASA umpires. The one confounding thing is the process of pitch hits the glove..1...2...3...every umpire looks at their indicator and clicks the appropriate dial. I know this is NOT restricted to LL but it frustrates me just the same!

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

Yes, the one in Kirkland is on skinned infields. this is a fine park that is operated in part by the city but is for the exclusive use of LL. I've gone over there the previous 3 years (would have gone this year but they wouldn't let me out of the CCU)...the softball being played was B level at best. Umpiring was actually pretty good last year, but all the guys from the USA working the tournament were also ASA umpires. The one confounding thing is the process of pitch hits the glove..1...2...3...every umpire looks at their indicator and clicks the appropriate dial. I know this is NOT restricted to LL but it frustrates me just the same!

When I worked the Jr. League Southern Regional in '04 the base umpires were not permitted to carry indicators or brushes.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

When I worked the Jr. League Southern Regional in '04 the base umpires were not permitted to carry indicators or brushes.

Now that is a little ball "thing". Stupid, IMO, but that is the way it is.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Now that is a little ball "thing". Stupid, IMO, but that is the way it is.

Our evaluators were "little ball guys" (which most of LL is btw). And it came back to bite them on the butt during this tournament. In a semifinal game between WV & TN (I was not in this game), they were tied 1-1 in the 9th inning with TN up in the top of the inning. Two outs - R1 on second, R2 on first 2-2 count on the batter. PU calls strike 3 to end the inning. TN coach comes down and says that's strike 2. He calls all BU's in and all 3 of them say they thought it was strike 3 - but none of them have indicators. If it were my plate game, at that point I say we all agree - strike 3 inning over. He turns to the book (that had not been correct all week on this field) which has strike 2! He puts the batter back in the box and the next pitch is crushed for a 2-run double! TN goes on to win the entire tournament!