Al Strott (“Buzz”) took some photos of us playing last Thursday, November 15.
Here is a link for it. I do not know how long it will be up for. He took a lot of photos. If you were playing last Thursday, then you are probably in there.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/strottphotos/sets/72157703744295235/
Remembering Ernie Jones
A Visitation Service for Ernie Jones, long-time Prescott Senior Softball player, sponsor and patron who passed away last weekend, will be held on Friday, September 21, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 South Cortez Street in Prescott.
There will also be a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 22, at 10:00 AM at the Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Gathering Center, 530 East Merritt Street in Prescott.
A Visitation Service for Ernie Jones, long-time Prescott Senior Softball player, sponsor and patron who passed away last weekend, will be held on Friday, September 21, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 South Cortez Street in Prescott.
There will also be a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 22, at 10:00 AM at the Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Gathering Center, 530 East Merritt Street in Prescott.
Prescott Senior Softball will also remember Ernie with a gathering before our games on Thursday, October 4, starting at 8:30 AM on the ‘AAA’ field. All present and former PSS players and members are invited to share your remembrances with his family and fellow softballers. We’ll be sure to make time for everyone.
Thank you
2018 Majors Fall Ball Schedule and Teams
2018 AAA Fall Ball Schedule and Teams
2018 AA Fall Ball Teams and Schedules
2018 PSS Summer Survey Results
We were in Vibrant Living a supplement to the Daily Courier, August 5th, 2018.
Annual Wood Bat Day
2018 July 4th Parade
The PSS golf outing is scheduled for June 27th. Click here to Register This has been a fun event for both serious and less serious golfers. Last year we had more women teams, which is a welcome sign of the changing demographics of our event. You may invite non PSS people, as long as one person in the foursome is a PSS member.
Nice article in the Courier on Bucky’s
PSS PICNIC – Horseshoe Tournament
Wednesday June 13, 2018
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Goldwater Lake Ramada – Free Parking
Click on flyer below for more information
PSS PICNIC and Annual Horseshoe Tournament Flyer
FROM: Doug Randall
PSS Board President
The player draft to select the teams for the Prescott Senior Softball summer season will be held on March 26 (‘Major’ Division), March 29 (‘AAA’) and April 2 (‘AA’). All players who want to play this year should make sure that they are registered for the proper division’s draft. If you are not on the “draft-eligible” list for the ‘Major’ division, for example, you will not be drafted onto a ‘Major’ team even though that may be where you might wish to play. It will only take a moment to check with the division coordinators or Donn Moseley (Membership) to confirm your place in the proper draft.
Please Note: While PSS attempts to ensure that players can play in the divisions they prefer, it cannot be guaranteed. Participation in the ‘Major’ and ‘AAA’ divisions is competitive. Managers draft based on their assessments of players’ (1) playing ability, (2) dependability and (3) compatibility. A player who goes undrafted by a ‘Major’ team will be dropped to the ‘AAA’ draft, and a player undrafted by a ‘AAA’ team will be dropped to ‘AA’.
It is, therefore, important that managers know who you are. This is especially true for new players and players wishing to move to a different division. If the managers do not know who you are, or how you play, there is a greater chance that you may fall through your preferred division’s draft. So, with only a few Cactus Season playing dates remaining before our drafts, it is up to you to let your division’s managers get to know you. A word to the wise, so to speak.
We also ask that if you are anticipating a prolonged absence during the summer season (say, more than 5 games),
that you notify your division coordinator so he can make that information available to the mangers on draft day.
_________________
On a completely different note, our Second Annual Season Kickoff Barbecue will take place on Thursday, March 22, at the ramada at Pioneer Park. The grills will be fired up starting around noon. The barbecue is intended to introduce Prescott Senior Softball to potential new players, but is also a great opportunity for “old timers” to socialize away from the field. Ted Gambogi (Promotions) did a great job with last year’s event, and he’s looking to top himself this year. Anyone who might like to help out by flipping burgers and turning hot dogs on the grill should contact Ted at the ‘AAA’ field next game day. He’ll appreciate it, and so will we all.
Thanks, and we hope to see you at the barbecue.
We are in Facebook
Prescott Senior Softball is on Facebook. To see it just go to Facebook and in the search category type in “Prescott Senior Softball” .
To get the word out “Like” the page and then we start the networking.
We are in the Courier
Click here – third paragraph down
Help get the Word Out
While we’re waiting for the weather here in Prescott to warm up here’s an idea. We have 14 new members. Our campaign is on track to break all previous records. Our PSS flyer is at the YMCA, Big 5 and Dicks’s. We’ll be back in the Courier too. Board members are distributing them further. You can help. If you are a resident of a neighborhood with a health club or belong to a community organization print off the flyer or ask Ted Gambogi (tgambogi@yahoo.com or call 309.363.8445) and get some hard copies to distribute around the quad city area. We also have business cards that you can distribute.
Survey Summary, plus Other Matters of Possible Interest
Chick Here for survey responses.
Softball Preference – The aggregate preferences of members were extremely close, although the results did vary by division. The ‘AA’ Division was strongly for the ‘New’ ball; ‘AAA’ favored the ‘Old’ ball, but somewhat less strongly; in the ‘Major’ Division, neither ball drew a majority of the votes.
These results were presented to the PSS Board, as was a motion to adopt the ‘375/44’ ball (i.e., to re-adopt the ‘Old’ ball) as the official PSS ball. The motion failed to pass.
Double Headers – When a division has an odd number of teams (as the ‘Major’ Division did last year), on any playing date one team must either play a double header or have a ‘bye’ (not play a scheduled game). ‘AA’ players overwhelmingly prefer a ‘bye’, while ‘AAA’ and ‘Major’ players nearly as strongly favor double headers. Each division’s governance committee (i.e., the managers, together with the division Competition Coordinator) should attempt to act accordingly when setting schedules for 2018.
Comments – Although many concerns and suggestions were advanced in the free form comments section, four appeared with notable frequency:
Umpires – Better and/or more umpires came up most often. Good umpires are important to a good league, and PSS wants to have good umpires. To that end, Jim Fisher, Board member for Rules and Umpires, is hoping to have more extensive and comprehensive training for all divisions this spring.
Good umpires need a combination of the following skills: Knowledge of the rules; good play-calling judgement; even-tempered on-field demeanor; and enough mobility to be in position to make calls. In addition, a person should be willing to serve as an umpire, something fewer people have shown in recent years. As good as our umpires are – particularly for an all volunteer squad – we can always be better, which we will try to do this year, and every year.
If you think you’d make a good umpire, talk to Jim Fisher to volunteer. If you’d rather not, then please don’t abuse those who do when they take their places behind the plate or on the bases.
Playing in the Proper Division – Many respondents evidently feel that we have some players who (in the respondents’ opinions) are playing in the ‘wrong’ division for their talents and abilities. We have always striven to allow people to play at whatever level they are most comfortable. No one is forced to play in a higher division, unless playing in a lower division would present a physical danger to others in the division.
For example, a 50-year old former professional baseball player might reasonably be expected to hit balls frequently that might injure a 75-year old ‘AA’ Division pitcher or third baseman. That 50-year old former pro would likely be moved up regardless of any desire to remain at the ‘AA’ level.
Going in the other direction, a player who desires to play in the ‘Major’ Division might not be drafted onto a ‘Major’ team. Playing at the ‘Major’ and ‘AAA’ levels is competitive, and managers choose players based on their perceptions of playing ability, dependability and compatibility. A player not selected at one level is entered in the draft for the next lower level. All players standing for the ‘AA’ draft are to be drafted onto a team unless they are deemed unable to play without being a physical danger to themselves or to others on the field.
These are the only restrictions we have on deciding which players may play in which divisions. They have served PSS well over the years, and it seems unlikely that they will change at this time.
Timing Issues – Some players complain that games are too long. The Competition Committee, under Bill McKnight, has several possible remedies for lengthy games, including beginning batters with a 1-1 count, doubling up innings in the field (to reduce time spent ‘running’ – make that moseying – to and from defensive positions) and utilizing a game clock to enforce time limits. Each division’s governance committee has a panoply of measures to choose from, and should address this matter prior to the start of the regular season. Experimenting during Cactus League games is encouraged.
Behavior Issues – Believe it or not, more than a few people find arguing and confrontational behavior objectionable. This includes some good umpires who simply will not umpire anymore because of what they see as abusive treatment by players. PSS policy has been and remains that only a team’s manager is permitted to “discuss” plays and rulings with umpires. Given the comments from our players, more stringent enforcement may be indicated.
It is unfortunate that this is an issue for our league. Jim Fisher and Bill McKnight, Board members for Umpires and Competition, respectively, will address this during the upcoming Cactus season with a goal of improving collegiality without sacrificing competitiveness. While their efforts will certainly go a long way, it will, in the end, be up to our players to control themselves and their teammates.
Some Other Matters of Interest
Discounted Prices for Equipment – Jim Fisher has been discussing the possibility of working with an on-line sporting goods vendor to provide discounted prices on softball equipment – notably bats – for PSS members. These discussions are ongoing, and members will be kept apprised of progress. However, early indications are that price breaks may be significant, so you may want to wait before ordering new bats for 2018. Neither, Jim, nor any PSS member or the PSS Association will receive any benefit, monetary or otherwise, from any deal struck with this vendor.
Skills Clinic – In some past seasons, we have been able to utilize the talents of some of our members with softball and/or baseball coaching experience to conduct skills clinics for our players. We are attempting to bring these clinics back this year, and we hope to have some concrete details within the next month or so.
Social Events – Last year’s season-opening barbecue at Pioneer Field was conceived as a recruiting tool, but it also served as an excellent social gathering for our returning players. The event was well scored on the recent survey, so we’re going to give it another go this year. We’ll let everyone know when we have a date and time for this so that you can all take advantage of the free hot dogs and hamburgers.
Recruiting – Ted Gambogi, PSS Board member for Promotions, is set to begin a round of visits and appearances at local civic groups and other organizations to spread the word about Prescott Senior Softball. The more players we can recruit, the more teams we can field, and the more variety we can have in our schedules for the season, so Ted’s work here is extremely important and valuable to us all. If you can help in any way, Ted would appreciate hearing from you, particularly if you have an ‘in’ that might help us ‘pitch’ a group or organization. He can be reached by email at tgambogi@yahoo.com or by cell at 309.363.8445.
Word of mouth remains our most effective recruiting tool. If you have any potential new members in your orbit, we have flyers, pass along cards and registration forms for you to distribute. Just get in touch with Ted for a supply, or see a Board member at the field. New players are always welcome, and any efforts to bring them in are greatly appreciated.
Hot Stove Meeting Summary from Dec. 4th
AA League
In an effort to keep everyone up to date on the happenings of PSS here are the notes from the recent Hot Stove Meeting
The following items of interest for the AA (B) League were discussed during the Hot Stove meeting and some changes will be implemented during the upcoming Cactus League:
(a) Run-Through Rule (over-run base rule) is eliminated. Runners are still required to avoid collisions.
(b) Game Day Draw Rules- the draw will be a random draw similar to the AAA (I) league. Chips will placed in a hat for all players signed-up to substitute, managers will select chips alternately until each team has appropriate number of players for the game.
(c) AA (B) League will no longer have player ratings ( no more “A” players)
(d) In Cactus League Pitchers must have a courtesy runner, again in an effort to speed up the game, won’t have to wait for pitchers to “gear-up” after being on base.
(e) Due to concerns about availability of pitchers- the managers of each team will draft a designated pitcher in the first round.
Other Items discussed included:
Roster size/# of Teams- this will be discussed as we get registrations and better idea of how many players will be in AA league.
In an effort to speed up the game discussed possibility of using 1-1 count. Coordinator and managers will discuss the possibility of trying it in the Cactus League.
AAA League
In an effort to keep everyone up to date on the happenings of PSS here are the notes from the recent Hot Stove Meeting
The following items of interest for the AAA (I) League were discussed during the Hot Stove meeting and some changes will be implemented during the upcoming Cactus League:
(1) Draw- need to have transparency- most agreed the AAA (I) League procedure was working well.
(2) Umpires- should be given priority on days they work. Most agreed and Steve Smith will work on implementing a procedure.
(3) Players 45/50 should only play in Major (A) League. Most felt that players should play in whatever league was appropriate to their ability. AAA (I) is projected to have only 1 player under 50 in the league and this individual has played 2 seasons in AAA (I) League.
(4) Courtesy Runner Rule- lot of discussion. this was a new rule implemented by the board in 2017. It was extremely restrictive, the board is eliminating 6 of the paragraphs and the rule will now state:
A courtesy runner (CR) may only be used for a player who requests one. A team’s manager and/or other p-layers may not require a player to request a CR. When a CR is used, all SSUSA rules regarding CRs apply, including the provisions of the tie-breaker rule.
(5) Play-off Schedule- league will what it can to avoid conflicts with major SSUSA tournaments and avoid having to play 3 games in one day at PSS end of season tournament. In terms of starting/stopping dates for the PSS season we have to work in conjunction with the City of Prescott.
(6) Ball Preference- complaint was the “new” ball(300psi 52 cor) after 3-4 innings turns to mush. Due to safety concerns raised in Major (A) league PSS changed balls 2 seasons ago, players have had the chance to evaluate
the ball. The Competition Committee would like to survey all PSS players and see the player’s preference. The results will be forwarded to the board as a recommendation as the board will make the final determination as to which ball the league will use.
(7) Try 1-1 count in Cactus as a means to speed games up, and evaluate the effectiveness prior to the start of the regular season.
(8) Roster size/#of Teams- To be determined after registration and after Major’s draft.
Major League
In an effort to keep everyone up to date on the happenings of PSS here are the notes from the recent Hot Stove Meeting
The following items of interest for the Major (A) League were discussed during the Hot Stove meeting and some changes will be implemented during the upcoming Cactus League:
Here’s what was discussed:
(1) Board at player’s suggestion changed the name of the leagues: Major, AAA and AA.
(2) No Player under 50- at this point we only have Chris Wright under 50 and if league was to change the rule back to 50, the right thing to do would be to grandfather Chris in anyway. This would be a board decision but we’re not bringing it to the board at this time.
(3) Courtesy Runner Rule- lot of discussion. this was a new rule implemented by the board in 2017. It was extremely restrictive, the board is eliminating 6 of the paragraphs and the rule will now state:
PLAYER DISCOUNT AT BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS!!
Big 5 Sporting Goods in Prescott and Prescott Valley have generously offered a discount to all PSS members. This will apply to softball related items only. They have a master list of current players, so bring your ID and get a discount.