Softball Drama in the NEC
Editors Note: The following Softball League Complaint letter was sent in by a reader and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for sending it along. There is just something great about softball league arguments. I’m not sure if other people will like this as much as me, but I thought it was freaking hilarious and had to share it with everybody.
This letter is dead serious and was written by one of the managers of the Marblehead softball league I used to play in. Can you imagine why I quit?
Hello Evan, John and others...,
The bat in question is a Miken Ultra 2 and it WAS LEGAL for a few years. The bat was considered illegal recently (last couple of years). This is NOT the only illegal bat in softball, but IS the most well known. I also use a Miken Freak which IS LEGAL and just as frequently used as the other is. I went to my car to get proof that the broken bat in my car was a LEGAL ASA stamped Miken Ultra 2, when it was deemed legal, to show Kenny and any others that may have had any doubts. I also have 2 other bats in my bag as well as 3 other Miken Freaks on the way to continue towards playing softball without a Miken Ultra 2. I reiterate, my team HAD BEEN PLAYING with a Miken U2 while it was legal and continued to do so afterward, and up until the other teams decided to mention anything to any umpires. According to ASA it is legal to use a bat only up until the competitor calls for it, until then a team can not be penalized. I just left an ASA sanctioned tournament in Webster (Friday and Saturday), and most every team in the tournament was using this bat. There were a couple of instances where other teams were called upon for the bats in their teams bags, but only after the opposing team ASKED for an inspection. Let the truth be known, most of my players enjoy using the Miken Freak and only the smaller players use the U2 for the thrill of possibly hitting a home run. I find John’s accusations a little harsh, inaccurate, and out of line considering especially the fact that he WAS NOT THERE on Monday night. As I said earlier, the "couple" of bats that John claims "disappeared" is completely a false accusation. The only bat I have that is considered by the ASA to be illegal, is the one Kenny seized at the game. The only bat I went to the car for was the older broken U2 bat, to serve as proof, that the bat used to be legal with an ASA stamp on it. I decided against displaying it, because there was already enough confrontation on the field and the game didn't need any more. To say that I verbally protested was also inaccurate, I brought my bats over and Kenny didn't find ONE other illegal bat. I was constantly screaming afterwards about how my players continued to hit home runs and hard balls WITHOUT the U2!!! I was constantly asking for Phoenix and Kenny to check the bats that were used when those balls were hit. AFTER THE BAT LEFT THE GAME, everything used was completely legal and we still won as John noted 24-14, further showing that we DID NOT NEED the Miken U2 to beat John's team or any other team for that matter. It is the opposing teams responsibility to make sure the umps check bats before any game. If a bat slides by, it is usually detected because of an inordinate amount of deep or hard hit balls.
I once was what every other team has been or still is in this league. I have been in Marblehead softball for over 10 years and had a losing record in probably half of those seasons. I lost MANY, MANY games by slaughter rule and found it not only disappointing but humiliating. It is hard enough to get players to show up, let alone getting them to show up and be embarrassed. I have had many struggles and continue to have them less frequently, thankfully. I had to endure many illegal situations with regard to the former Sail Loft and language, illegal pitching, cozy umpire/competitor relationships, the police showing up on one occasion, and very immature antics for what is supposed to be a civilized fun evening out with friends. I often have tried to make this league better, I have offered players, pitchers, my own liquid refreshment, and invitations many times. I used to go to Flynnies and spend a lot of money with my team afterwards, I used to belong to Phoenix as Life Fitness for many years (as Clayton could attest), I had certainly spent many a time at Maddies until one of their players decided to go nuts on one particular instance. I have given many discounts to players in this league at my store, because most of them are good people doing the right thing. I certainly believe I have supported this league MORE THAN MOST. I have fought hard and expanded and contracted painfully, to become what I am today. I have said many times, IT IS NOT MY FAULT MOST OF THE TEAMS IN THIS LEAGUE, DO NOT WANT TO INVEST THE TIME, MONEY AND ENERGY INTO THEIR OWN TEAMS TO MAKE THE LEAGUE, BETTER AND MORE COMPETITIVE!!! Sail Loft, Riptide and I have all made many sacrifices and investments to make our teams what they once were or still are today. The Gerry had its day, and the Balldraggers (formerly known as the Landing) had many a decent season. If you have a personal vendetta because I am from Swampscott or my team is NOT from Marblehead, I am sorry you feel this way. If you guys as managers want a Marblehead men's softball league that is more competitive, then take the league into an arc or lob format or start investing the necessary time and energy it takes to put a good team out on the field!!!! I work 70-80 hours a week and I still manage!!!
As far as the other ridiculous accusations John has made, I absolutely and positively am SICK of the stupid and incredibly, inaccurate notion that I PAY MY PLAYERS!!!!! This is preposterous!!! I don't remember Maddies or the Riptide being characterized this way and they won more championships!!!! If the idea comes from the fact that my family or my personal financial statement reflects that I can afford such antics, then shame on all of you. I have worked hard to network and find the players that I have/had on most of my teams. I take them out after the games and buy them drinks and food when they WIN!!! I take them out to Red Sox games, jet skiing, and many other things that are given to me courtesy of my career. I ENJOY the respect, friendship and fun I have with my players and in return more and more players have asked me, if they can play on my team!!! I take personal offense to these remarks and would appreciate it if these accusations would stop!!!
The pitching rules have been around for years and some of you guys constantly bashed me for it, even though Stevie was winning for many years with the Sail Loft!!! Just because I brought in a crazy, pitcher with an incredible fast ball did everything start changing, the paying accusations, the rules accusations what more do you want from me. I have removed that pitcher from my team and NOT ONE of you has tried to pursue him!!!! What does that say????
Truthfully, I am sick of the whining John claims HE DOES NOT DO!!! There are a couple of others who fall under the same category and they know who they are. I have had many players from other teams in this league ask to play for me and I didn't want the controversy in almost all of the circumstances. As I said earlier, both, the Riptide and Maddies never endured these kinds of accusations. Frankly, my team is tired of the lack of competition from this league and we have already decided to leave for Danvers next year. Beating teams by slaughter rule is no fun for any team. Therefore, I have already previously mentioned to Evan about a month ago, and a few others around the league, Lynnway will no longer be a part of this league. I am sure next year the annual pack of whiners will find something or someone else to complain about, this is the nature of most softball leagues.
I can guarantee you there will NOT be another win in Marblehead with a Miken Ultra 2 to blame. THE BAT will never even make the field!!!
I appreciate the longstanding support and understanding from the others that know most of these allegations are false and understand the way softball is played. I appreciate the friendship of many players and other coaches around the league and thank them. Best of luck to the few of you out there who continue to do the best they can. Thank you for your time.