"I'm sorry for what happened last night but frustration has set in watching young players that you know are so much better not play to their potential. Over the many years I have seen many games where we have looked terrible. However, this season has been one game after another other. It seems that I have very few players who really WANT to play ball. Many are here because parents are making them be here. It�s why they show up late, worry about seeing just how many sunflower seeds they can cram in their mouth, calling people on their cell phones, sitting with their parents and friends in the stands instead of with the team, and generally just not caring about what goes on on the field.

The episode last night dealt with a parent thinking a child was ready to play infield when she�s not. First she signed up late, attended only two practices, has missed four of seven games, and was late last night. She can�t thrown from second to first, swings at pitches 6-10 feet over her head (last night), sits in the dugout while others are warming up, when she does �warm up� she throws the ball all over the place, and isn�t interested in the game at all.

I�m not proud of myself last night nor of the team. I have never fussed about losing � that happens in rec softball � but I am upset with the lack of effort being shown by a number of players.

Due to players showing up late or not at all I began putting together a batting order based on when a payer arrives. This has meant weak players batting first and no consistent batting rotation leaving players on base due to them being followed by players who just watch strikes go by. We had four strike outs in a row last night with players never swinging the bat � just being �called� out on strike. We can�t blame that on umpiring.

I told my wife that my dream was to make 25 years but it is getting harder and harder. I see the same thing at school each year as children this age had a deepening �I don�t care� attitude. God bless the girls who still just want to play softball. I love this game and want to do more. I would love to have extra practices but when I ask the girls I get � �we won�t be in town�, �I can�t make it that day�, �No one can bring me�, or �I have to go�� Therefore, on we go with what we have.

We play Thursday against the team that hasn�t lost a game and is proud of how many runs they beat a team by. If we don�t shape up we will be just another victim to lose by 20 points or more.

Coach Greg"