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Sunday, August 13, 2017
Saturday, July 26, 2014
NEW RULES
Experimental changes
New softer ball,
simplified lineup?
A new softer, lively softball for fall 2014 competition has been approved on an experimental basis by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel.
As Wesley Wolverines know, a softball's polyurethane core and a leather cover hardens in lower temperatures. That should be less the case with the new ball. The change serves double duty in cold weather: the ball gains some added bounce (approx 10%) when struck, while also causing less tissue damage should it strike a player (approx 27% less impact) plus less broken bat potential.
“With the new ball, whether you are playing in Arizona or North Dakota there should not be much of a difference in the softball’s performance,” said NCAA Softball Secretary-Rules Editor Dee Abrahamson.
► Flex rule adjustment
Another experimental rule for fall simplifies the designated player/(DP)/flex rule. The 10th line on the lineup card for flex players is now dropped. Instead, two players share a spot in the batting order, allowing either to bat and/or run any number of times without a substitution limit.
CLICK HERE for the full story
New softer ball,
simplified lineup?
A new softer, lively softball for fall 2014 competition has been approved on an experimental basis by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel.
As Wesley Wolverines know, a softball's polyurethane core and a leather cover hardens in lower temperatures. That should be less the case with the new ball. The change serves double duty in cold weather: the ball gains some added bounce (approx 10%) when struck, while also causing less tissue damage should it strike a player (approx 27% less impact) plus less broken bat potential.
► Flex rule adjustment
Another experimental rule for fall simplifies the designated player/(DP)/flex rule. The 10th line on the lineup card for flex players is now dropped. Instead, two players share a spot in the batting order, allowing either to bat and/or run any number of times without a substitution limit.
CLICK HERE for the full story
Friday, July 25, 2014
FINCH VIDEOS
Degree, softball journey
Chasing dreams:
“It's all worth it”
TWO SHORT VIDEOS: Jennie Finch talks about her softball journey, personal sacrifices, and how it is all worth the hard work.
Chasing dreams:
“It's all worth it”
TWO SHORT VIDEOS: Jennie Finch talks about her softball journey, personal sacrifices, and how it is all worth the hard work.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
NINA/ CLOSE GAME
Nina Marcano catches final innings
as Team Lime triumphs in close game
Wesley Wolverine sophomore catcher Nina Marcano (Townsend, DE) was positioned behind the plate for the final innings of this evening's closely contested Beach League game in Myrtle Beach, SC.
 |
| Nina catching at The Beach League |
Team Orange Washington Husky senior pitcher Kasey Stanchek (El Dorado Hills, Calif), who pitched well enough to win, allowed just two earned runs while striking out eight for her first loss at these games.
Nina caught the winning pitcher Florida State University Seminole sophomore Jessica Burroughs (Warner Robins, Ga) followed by closer University of Memphis Tiger junior pitcher/ INF Cierra Mangum (Las Cruces, NM), who recorded the final three outs for the save.
At the plate, Nina drew a walk and, as Wolverine fans have seen her do so many times before, promptly stole second base.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
NINA DOUBLES
Nina Marcano showing Wesley Wolverines
& DIII players can compete with “Big Fish”
 |
| Nina & Coach Greep |
After two days of rain, Wesley Wolverine Head Coach Juli Greep, caught a Beach League game today, July 23, with plenty of action, including a double and run scored by Wolverine sophomore catcher Nina Marcano (Townsend, DE).
“Finally got to see a full game.” texted Coach Greep about the Myrtle Beach, SC, league. “It was 92 degrees and raining off and on, but they got the game in.”
And, what a game it was. Team Lime and Team Orange passed the lead back and forth 11 times before Nina's teammates in the lime shirts pulled out a 7-6 victory.
“Nina caught, played 1st, 3rd and right,” wrote Coach Greep. “She also slammed out a solid double to center field.”
In the video posted below, you can hear the fielders shouting “three, three, three” as Nina rounds first and heads toward second base. They had conceded the double.
 |
| Nina doubled, scored a run today |
“I think she could have legged out a triple but she got the stop sign from the 3rd base coach,” said Coach Greep. “She then scored on an over throw by the catcher.”
During Nina's stint behind the plate, she caught for Washington Husky senior pitcher Kasey Stanchek (El Dorado Hills, Calif), who Coach Greep pointed out “has yet to take a loss at The Beach League.”
 |
| Nina playing third base |
Kasey throws an array of pitches: curve ball, rise ball, change up and drop ball. She refers to her pitching style as “shotgun” because she hits all corners of the plate.
The double slammed by Nina, Coach Greep noted “was her first extra base hit and I had the pleasure of watching it."
"Nina is really representing Wesley and DIII softball well,”said Coach Greep.
 |
| Nina playing first base |
Is Nina blazing a trail for other Wesley Wolverines to follow at The Beach League in future years? Coach Greep thinks so.
“It is very exciting to see that our small DIII school has players with the ability to compete with what is considered 'the big fish',” said Coach Greep. “I think a number of our girls would enjoy playing in the league and be able to seriously compete as well.”
PHOTO/ VIDEO CREDITS: Pictures sent by text message from the cell phone of Wesley Wolverine Head Coach Juli Greep.
VIDEO BELOW: NINA DRIVES THE BALL INTO CENTER FIELD FOR A DOUBLE
THREE BIG EVENTS
Three big events
Delmarva calendar crowded
with fastpitch softball events
No far from Wesley College, a lot of softball will be played in the coming days!
►USSSA EASTERN WORLD SERIES
Tuesday, July 29 – Saturday, August 1, Salisbury, Maryland
The USSSA Fastpitch Eastern World Series competition for the 16U and 18U club softball title begins next week and runs through Saturday, August 28. The games are played in and around the Salisbury/Ocean City, Maryland area.
It is happening just 55 miles south of the Wesley College campus.
Opening ceremonies are set for Tuesday, July 29, with competition beginning the next day, Wednesday, July 30. The match ups and game times are not revealed until the coaches meeting on Monday, July 28.
A total of 138 softball clubs will be playing for separate 16U and 18U titles. They are traveling from eleven states (i.e., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts).
The contests are held at seven different softball complexes: Henry S. Parker, Winterplace Park, East Side Youth Complex, East Wicomico Little League, Fruitland Little League, Showell Recreational, and Snow Hill (John W. Smith Park)
►TEAM USA VS MARYLAND ALL-STARS
Tuesday, July 29/ Waldorf, Maryland
On Tuesday evening, July 29, as this blog has reported several times, Team USA will play an exhibition game across the bay, south of Washington DC, against a specially selected Maryland All-Stars collegiate team, including players from the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC).
The contest will be held at Regency Furniture Stadium, home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf, Maryland.
CLICK HERE for this blog's post about this game
► LL INTERNATIONAL WORLD SERIES
Sunday, August 3 – Satuerday, August 9, Roxana, Delaware
Then, a week from this Sunday, August 3, The 2014 Little League World Series for Big League and Senior Softball will be played Sunday through Saturday, August 9th at the Lower Sussex Little League Complex in Roxana, Delaware.
Big League players are 14-18-year-olds. Senior Softball consists of 13-16-year-olds.
This is truly international competition with teams from Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe/Africa, and Latin America, as well as USA's Southeast, Southwest, West and a host Delaware club.
CLICK HERE for this blog's post about these games
Delmarva calendar crowded
with fastpitch softball events
No far from Wesley College, a lot of softball will be played in the coming days!
►USSSA EASTERN WORLD SERIES
Tuesday, July 29 – Saturday, August 1, Salisbury, Maryland
The USSSA Fastpitch Eastern World Series competition for the 16U and 18U club softball title begins next week and runs through Saturday, August 28. The games are played in and around the Salisbury/Ocean City, Maryland area.
Opening ceremonies are set for Tuesday, July 29, with competition beginning the next day, Wednesday, July 30. The match ups and game times are not revealed until the coaches meeting on Monday, July 28.
A total of 138 softball clubs will be playing for separate 16U and 18U titles. They are traveling from eleven states (i.e., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts).
The contests are held at seven different softball complexes: Henry S. Parker, Winterplace Park, East Side Youth Complex, East Wicomico Little League, Fruitland Little League, Showell Recreational, and Snow Hill (John W. Smith Park)
►TEAM USA VS MARYLAND ALL-STARS
Tuesday, July 29/ Waldorf, Maryland
The contest will be held at Regency Furniture Stadium, home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf, Maryland.
CLICK HERE for this blog's post about this game
► LL INTERNATIONAL WORLD SERIES
Sunday, August 3 – Satuerday, August 9, Roxana, Delaware
Then, a week from this Sunday, August 3, The 2014 Little League World Series for Big League and Senior Softball will be played Sunday through Saturday, August 9th at the Lower Sussex Little League Complex in Roxana, Delaware.
This is truly international competition with teams from Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe/Africa, and Latin America, as well as USA's Southeast, Southwest, West and a host Delaware club.
CLICK HERE for this blog's post about these games
WONDERWORKS
Nina, Coach Greep explore math, space,
and physics during Beach League rainout
Rain. There's nothing worse for softball. With so much dirt in the sport, it can kill a field when it is not even raining any more. So it has gone for Wesley Wolverine sophomore catcher Nina Marcano (Townsend, DE) these past 48 hours.
 |
Astronauts Nina and
Coach Greep
|
“Today brought another rain out,” texted Wesley Head Coach Juli Greep, who is visiting Nina at The Beach League, SC, summer games. “So we spent the day enjoying some of what Myrtle Beach has to offer.”
What they scouted out may end up on the Wesley Wolverines' 2015 docket when the team typically plays a 10 game schedule in the resort town next spring.
It is WonderWorks, which Coach Greep describes as an “indoor amusement park and museum” that houses interactive exhibits on the themes of space, physics and math. It's just what Wesley's Academic Affairs might place on the calendar for a traveling softball team's leisure time.
 |
| Nina tries her hand at virtual sports |
“We might have to check out WonderWorks as a team next spring,” wrote Coach Greep. “I think the girls would really enjoy it.”
Wonderworks' slogan asks its guest to "Let Your Imagination Run Wild" and that just what Nina and Coach Greep did as they, amongst many activities, investigated an authentic space suit replica, examined a simulated dinosaur skeleton jaw, and applied their softball skills to virtual sports games.
 |
| Nina and Coach Greep at WonderWorks |
After that it was a game of miniature gold and dinner for the coach and player. Nice day for a rain out!
“It appears the weather might be cooperating a touch more tomorrow,” Coach Greep added. “I'm hoping to see a game at 2:00 PM before I head out of town.”
Let's all hope for softball on Wednesday!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
NINA HARD HIT BALL
Only two innings played
Nina drives hard hit ball,
Coach Greep in the stands
 |
| Nina, catching for Team Lime, behind the plate last night. At bat is University of Washington Husky sophomore INF Jenna Kreamer. |
Flying in from the TC (Triple Crown) World Series, San Diego, CA, Wesley Wolverine Head Coach Juli Greep will now spend the next few days at The Beach League, Myrtle Beach, SC, watching her own Wolverine sophomore catcher Nina Marcano (Townsend, DE) play in these summer games.
It wasn't an auspicious start – weather-wise, that is.
“They only played 2 innings as the sky's opened up and drenched the teams and spectators,” Coach Greep texted back to this blog.
 |
| Nina & Team Lime warm up. Player #21 is University of Memphis Tiger junior INF Cierra Mangum (Las Cruces, NM). |
Last night, Nina played for Team Lime and caught for LSU Tiger sophomore pitcher Kelsee Selman (Lufkin, TEXAS). “She did a great job framing,” Coach Greep added.
At the plate, Nina faced Washington Husky senior pitcher Hailey Bator (Cle Elum, WASH) for the opposing Team Orange. Days before, Nina had tagged her for a hard hit single though the middle infield, but not last night, as Nina instead ripped the ball down the third base line where "it was miraculously snagged,” said Coach Greep, by Nina's roommate Limestone Athletics junior catcher (playing 3B) Erika Hansen (Richmond, VA).
 |
| Nina grabs a high fast one from LSU Tiger pitcher Kelsee Selman. |
The torched ball was “a screamer” noted Coach Greep. “Nina was on the attack, only seeing one pitch and jumping right on it," said Coach Greep.
“Hoping the weather cooperates tomorrow,” wrote Coach Greep. It appears there's better luck today as the weather forecast for Myrtle Beach calls for partly sunny with a high of 87 degrees.
PHOTO CREDITS: Pictures sent by text message from the cell phone of Wesley Wolverine Head Coach Juli Greep.
 |
| Nina drills the ball down the third base line. |
Monday, July 21, 2014
NINA PHOTOS
Nina's down time
at The Beach league
PHOTOS FROM Wesley Wolverine sophomore catcher Nina Marcano (Townsend, DE) at The Beach League summer games, Pawley Island, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
"Surf day!"-- Nina
"Reminiscing about the Wesley team's night at Señor Frogs and looking forward to going this week with some girls from the league." – Nina
"Every night when we prepare dinner my teammates teach me a new dish to make! Learning more than just softball."-- Nina
NINA DIARY
Surfing, Senor Frogs, softball,
Beach League keeps Nina busy
REPORT FROM Wesley Wolverine sophomore catcher Nina Marcano (Townsend, DE) from The Beach League summer games, Pawley Island, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
 |
| Erika Hansen |
“Things are going great here at The Beach League. I've been doing well, still making contact with almost every at bat.
“One of my roommates, Erika Hansen, from Limestone Athletics, actually took us all to the beach to teach us how to surf. I will be needing more practice... But it was a fun experience!
“I also took a trip to Broadway At The Beach with some of the girls in my condo. It was fun seeing all the stores visited during our own Wesley Wolverine Myrtle Beach trip earlier this year. I especially remember the wonderful time I had at Señor Frogs with my teammates, family, and coaches. “I miss everyone at home but I am happy to know that Coach Greep will be here today and my family will be here next week!” – Nina
SOFTBALL MASK
Safety comes first?
Should first, third, and pitcher
wear protective softball masks?
Should a college or high school softball player wear a protective mask on the field?
No, argue many involved in the sport. It telegraphs fear, they claim. They also insist it may seriously block the field of vision.
Yes, says Kentucky! The state's High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) recently recommended “that players at first base, third base and pitcher utilize the permissive requirement in the playing rules and wear face/head protection.”
The Kentucky association has even proposed their wording requiring masks be added to the national playing rules, but so far such an amendment for the game has been rejected.
The rate of overall softball injuries in a season is 1.46 per 1,000 players.
CLICK HERE for the full story.
Should first, third, and pitcher
wear protective softball masks?
Should a college or high school softball player wear a protective mask on the field?
No, argue many involved in the sport. It telegraphs fear, they claim. They also insist it may seriously block the field of vision.
Yes, says Kentucky! The state's High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) recently recommended “that players at first base, third base and pitcher utilize the permissive requirement in the playing rules and wear face/head protection.”
______________________________
“I don’t like (face masks). I think they’re cumbersome. I tell my (SDSU) girls who wear them, ‘come on, toughen up’.” – Stacey Nuveman, San Diego State University assistant softball coach (CLICK HERE for the source of this quote.)
______________________________________
The rate of overall softball injuries in a season is 1.46 per 1,000 players.
CLICK HERE for the full story.
NINA AFTER 3 GAMES
Nina Marcano off to quality start
at Myrtle Beach's Beach League
Wesley Wolverine sophomore catcher Nina Marcano's is playing a three week schedule of games at the Beach League, Myrtle Beach, SC.
Though it appears Nina has participated in six games so far, the accumulated stats posted at GameChanger seem to cover just three of these contests. Here are her online stats to date...
6 at bats
2 singles
1 stolen base
2 hard hit balls
3.667 pitches seen per plate appearance
.333 batting average / League average: .226
WHAT PITCH TO CALL
Conventional wisdom
What Pitch to Call
... And When?
Article by Gerald Warner of
PitchSoftball.com at www.pitchsoftball.com
Knowing which pitch to throw and at what location…then being able to do
it… is an important element of every pitcher’s effectiveness. However,
there are nearly as many ideas and answers regarding pitch selection as
there are pitchers, catchers, and coaches. Everybody has their own idea
on what pitch to throw in what kind of situation, and where the pitch
should be placed. And THAT is the key…pitch selection and pitch
placement should be situational…NOT a flat rule for every batter.
What Pitch to Call
... And When?
Article by Gerald Warner of
PitchSoftball.com at www.pitchsoftball.com
 |
| Gerald Warner |
We
need to know:
(1)
our pitcher’s capabilities with pitch type and placement
(2)
the batter’s history…what did she do in her previous at-bats
(3)
what we might expect her to do in this situation
(4)
whether or not there are runners on base
(5)
what her coach might want her to do
(6)
how many outs there are and what the current count is
(7)
what WE
want the batter to do this
time
PITCH
PLACEMENT –
As
mentioned previously, the selection of the pitch and the intended
placement should be based on the situation and what you would like to
have as the outcome. However, these are some recommendations
based on the conventional wisdom of experienced pitchers and
coaches…what usually works in typical circumstances:
BUNTING
situation – likely
runners are on base. You want her to pop it up and perhaps even
get the runner doubled-off. Keep it high in the zone, on the
batter’s hands.
HITTING
AWAY with runners in scoring position –
Go
for the ground ball. Throw a good drop ball or off-speed up and
in.
LEFT
SIDE SLAPPER – Up
and in
again. She’s trying to put it on the ground or through a hole
left or right of the pitcher. Be care to not let it go
over the middle or outside corner chest high…that’s the easiest
place for her to hit it.
Optional pitch – If
the batter is standing far back from the plate, or is has the habit
of starting down the line early, throw a curve away from her (screw
ball from a right handed pitcher) that stays low and just outside the
zone…a “chase” pitch
ANXIOUS
/ JITTERY BATTER –
Throw
her an occasional off-speed pitch
DEEP
IN THE BOX – Up
and inside, or an off-speed low and away
CROWDING
THE PLATE – Screw
ball up and in on her hands
WIDE
STANCE (a “no-stride” batter) –
Off-speed
or drop ball placed low
Again,
this is a topic where everyone is the expert. These
guidelines are based on our experiences, and those of veteran
coaches, pitchers, and hitters.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
SAMANTHA PROFILE
Player profile
Samantha Mahoski,
Wesley scholar athlete
Here is a profile of Wesley Wolverine junior 1B
Samantha Mahoski (Schenectady, New York).
We hope to have similar profiles from every Wolverine softball player. If you would like to submit a profile this summer, please write wesleysoftball@gmail.com to inquire about it.
WESLEY COLLEGE
WOLVERINE PROFILE
Player's name: Samantha Mahoski
Hometown: Schenectady, New York
Primary position: First Base
Secondary position: First Base
Where I attended high school: Schenectady High School
College graduation year: 2015
College Major: History
What I hope to do when I graduate: I hope to go to Grad school and earn my masters in library information science, with a focus in archival work. I also plan on going after my PhD as well.
My passion off the field: My academics, it's something that I wish to succeed at no matter what.
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
Academic achievements: I’ve successfully been a scholar athlete every semester of college thus far.
Campus clubs or organizations: I am currently President of the Historical Society on campus.
Academic trips taken: Traveled to California in the fall semester of 2013 and also the Oneida Community in Upstate New York with my honors class.
Non-major course that I have enjoyed the most: Into to American Politics. I not only really enjoyed the professor but the content of the course was really interesting to me.
Besides softball, what I like best about college: The opportunity to meet new people and having the freedom to do what I want. It is also nice to be held accountable, because in college it is up to you, and only you, to be successful.
Besides softball, my favorite spot on campus: 1.) The library because it is where I can accomplish mostly everything and 2.) My bed because I love sleeping.
PERSONAL "LIKES"
Things I like to do: I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and family.
My summer job: I work at an assistant living center for senior citizens, where I work life enrichment. This means that I help organize the activities and trips that the residents partake in. (i.e. Bingo, arts/crafts, trips to Price Chopper).
Best advice I've received: “Remember that everything good takes time” Reminds me to keep working hard no matter what and that with time will come results.
Favorite player: The Captain, Derek Jeter. He is the epitome of class and I admire his leadership, on and off the field. And also Mark Teixeira. As a first baseman I enjoy watching him play, and I often look up to him, as a player.
Favorite teams: New York Rangers and the New York Yankees.
Favorite books: Escape, Johnny Got His Gun, 1984.
Favorite movies: I can pretty much quote all of Bridesmaids. But I also enjoy 21 Jump Street (sometimes referred to as Jump 21 by myself) and the Heat.
Favorite quotes: “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” By Eleanor Roosevelt. She is my favorite person in history, without a doubt.
Who I would love to invite to dinner: Hillary Clinton because she inspires me.
What is most important to me: My friends and family. Without the support that they give me, it would be hard to do almost anything and without them I would not be where I am today.
Samantha Mahoski,
Wesley scholar athlete
 |
| Samantha Mahoski |
Samantha Mahoski (Schenectady, New York).
We hope to have similar profiles from every Wolverine softball player. If you would like to submit a profile this summer, please write wesleysoftball@gmail.com to inquire about it.
WESLEY COLLEGE
WOLVERINE PROFILE
Player's name: Samantha Mahoski
Hometown: Schenectady, New York
Primary position: First Base
 |
| Samantha: At bat, driving the ball |
Secondary position: First Base
Where I attended high school: Schenectady High School
College graduation year: 2015
College Major: History
What I hope to do when I graduate: I hope to go to Grad school and earn my masters in library information science, with a focus in archival work. I also plan on going after my PhD as well.
My passion off the field: My academics, it's something that I wish to succeed at no matter what.
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
 |
Samantha:
consistently
provides a stellar defense
|
Academic achievements: I’ve successfully been a scholar athlete every semester of college thus far.
Campus clubs or organizations: I am currently President of the Historical Society on campus.
Academic trips taken: Traveled to California in the fall semester of 2013 and also the Oneida Community in Upstate New York with my honors class.
Non-major course that I have enjoyed the most: Into to American Politics. I not only really enjoyed the professor but the content of the course was really interesting to me.
Besides softball, what I like best about college: The opportunity to meet new people and having the freedom to do what I want. It is also nice to be held accountable, because in college it is up to you, and only you, to be successful.
Besides softball, my favorite spot on campus: 1.) The library because it is where I can accomplish mostly everything and 2.) My bed because I love sleeping.
 |
| Samantha: ready on every pitch |
Things I like to do: I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and family.
My summer job: I work at an assistant living center for senior citizens, where I work life enrichment. This means that I help organize the activities and trips that the residents partake in. (i.e. Bingo, arts/crafts, trips to Price Chopper).
Best advice I've received: “Remember that everything good takes time” Reminds me to keep working hard no matter what and that with time will come results.
Favorite player: The Captain, Derek Jeter. He is the epitome of class and I admire his leadership, on and off the field. And also Mark Teixeira. As a first baseman I enjoy watching him play, and I often look up to him, as a player.
Favorite teams: New York Rangers and the New York Yankees.
Favorite books: Escape, Johnny Got His Gun, 1984.
 |
| Samantha: play at the plate |
Favorite movies: I can pretty much quote all of Bridesmaids. But I also enjoy 21 Jump Street (sometimes referred to as Jump 21 by myself) and the Heat.
Favorite quotes: “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” By Eleanor Roosevelt. She is my favorite person in history, without a doubt.
Who I would love to invite to dinner: Hillary Clinton because she inspires me.
What is most important to me: My friends and family. Without the support that they give me, it would be hard to do almost anything and without them I would not be where I am today.
REMINDER: USA GAME
After World Cup, across the bay
Team USA exhibition game,
Waldorf, MD, Tuesday, July 29
The USA Softball - Women's National Team will play an exhibition game against a specially selected Maryland All-Stars collegiate team later this month, Tuesday, July 29, at Regency Furniture Stadium -- home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs -- 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf.
► CLICK HERE for this blog's story about the upcoming exhibition game.
Team USA went unbeaten for the first time since 2009 in the World Cup games last week. Their final games of the season will be at the Netherlands' ISF World Championship, August 12 – 24.
Team USA is currently playing in the Canadian Open Fastpitch tourney, Surrey, Canada.
► CLICK HERE for espnW.com's excellent article by Graham Hays headlined FIVE LESSONS FROM THE WORLD CUP OF SOFTBALL that analyzes the TEAM USA's recent championship performance, e.g., Sara Nevins' dominant pitching … Valerie Arioto's amazing plate production … former Lady Vols Raven Chavanne and Lauren Gibson “productive partnership” & much more.
Team USA exhibition game,
Waldorf, MD, Tuesday, July 29
 |
| #19 C/IF Amanda Chidester |
The USA Softball - Women's National Team will play an exhibition game against a specially selected Maryland All-Stars collegiate team later this month, Tuesday, July 29, at Regency Furniture Stadium -- home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs -- 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf.
► CLICK HERE for this blog's story about the upcoming exhibition game.
____________________
TEAM USA SCHEDULE... Team USA is currently playing in the Canadian Open Fastpitch tourney, Surrey, Canada.
► CLICK HERE for this week's game dates, times, and scores
__________________
TEAM USA ANALYSIS... Wednesday, July 16, 2014
RISE BALL PHYSICS
A physics lesson
Does a rise ball
really rise? No!
Article by Gerald Warner of PitchSoftball.com at www.pitchsoftball.com
There has long been differing opinions between fastpitch softball players vs. die-hard students of physics and aerodynamics as to whether a properly thrown rise ball can overcome the gravitational force trying to pull it downward, enough to really RISE.
Author of this article, Gerald Warner, is a longtime softball addict who didn’t gain much from his Physical Science minor in college…so he has had to gain this information during the past several years from people who are a lot wiser. Our thanks to Jaclyn Parlo and Armstrong, Atlantic University’s Physics Department, Gustav Magnus, Angie Triplett and The College of Wooster Physics Department, and many others.
The majority of young pitchers who have been told or “think” they can throw a rise ball do NOT:
Although most of us pitching instructors, pitchers, hitters, coaches, and parents feel that we have seen rise balls “hop” over the top of a bat, there is no scientific evidence to prove that a softball can be thrown with sufficient speed and backspin to make an upward arc in its trajectory. Many of us have flicked a table tennis ball to make it dramatically curve, drop, and even rise. However, it has been estimated that a 6.8 ounce softball would have to be thrown at over 90 mph with a spin speed in excess of 35 revolutions per second in order to give the ball even a minor upward arc. So…
A “RISE BALL”, EVEN WHEN THROWN CORRECTLY, DOES NOT RISE…
it simply falls slower than a similar speed fastball that doesn’t have backspin and therefore has a more level plane on its path to the plate. Although the example below is exaggerated to show a more dramatic arc than what is actually less curved on a 60 mph fastball, look at the comparison:
However, because the ball doesn’t have the same gravitational drop as most batters expect, the batter perceives the rise ball to "jump" over the bat... and even major league baseball players have been unable to make contact with a well thrown rise ball from a female pitcher.
THE MAGNUS EFFECT - Although there are many factors that contribute to the success of any “breaking” pitch, the easiest for most of us to understand is that the spinning seams on the ball “dig into” the air, causing it to move up, down, or sideways more than a ball that is thrown without the same spin.
The principle known as the Magnus Effect (or Magnus Force) lowers the air pressure on one side of a spinning softball, creating low pressure (essentially a slight vacuum), and causing the ball to either move in a specific direction or, in the case of a rise ball, remain in the air for a longer distance and therefore not dropping as much in the trip from the pitcher’s hand to the batter.
Does a rise ball
really rise? No!
Article by Gerald Warner of PitchSoftball.com at www.pitchsoftball.com
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| Gerald Warner |
Author of this article, Gerald Warner, is a longtime softball addict who didn’t gain much from his Physical Science minor in college…so he has had to gain this information during the past several years from people who are a lot wiser. Our thanks to Jaclyn Parlo and Armstrong, Atlantic University’s Physics Department, Gustav Magnus, Angie Triplett and The College of Wooster Physics Department, and many others.
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The majority of young pitchers who have been told or “think” they can throw a rise ball do NOT:
- Release the ball with correct backspin (top-to-bottom as seen by the catcher)
- Impart fast enough spin speed (at least 23 to 25 revolutions per second)
- Pitch the ball fast enough (mid-50’s at a minimum)
More information on the correct techniques for throwing a rise ball are on this website at: Rise Ball Secrets
Although most of us pitching instructors, pitchers, hitters, coaches, and parents feel that we have seen rise balls “hop” over the top of a bat, there is no scientific evidence to prove that a softball can be thrown with sufficient speed and backspin to make an upward arc in its trajectory. Many of us have flicked a table tennis ball to make it dramatically curve, drop, and even rise. However, it has been estimated that a 6.8 ounce softball would have to be thrown at over 90 mph with a spin speed in excess of 35 revolutions per second in order to give the ball even a minor upward arc. So…
A “RISE BALL”, EVEN WHEN THROWN CORRECTLY, DOES NOT RISE…
it simply falls slower than a similar speed fastball that doesn’t have backspin and therefore has a more level plane on its path to the plate. Although the example below is exaggerated to show a more dramatic arc than what is actually less curved on a 60 mph fastball, look at the comparison:
THE MAGNUS EFFECT - Although there are many factors that contribute to the success of any “breaking” pitch, the easiest for most of us to understand is that the spinning seams on the ball “dig into” the air, causing it to move up, down, or sideways more than a ball that is thrown without the same spin.
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