TBR Interview with Coach Charlie Dobbins, Peace College

Curiosity...

Hi coach, what would be your take on a new beginning for mens fastpitch here in the south? How would/could a developmental program be started? Was in Canada a few years ago and was pleased to see a 12u and 10u boys tournament. Alas, though, the coaches told me that their numbers were dwindling as well.

 

Only way to do it is to reintroduce it as a new game....

Travel Ball as we know it now, where baseball and softball is played with one goal in mind...for the almighty scholarship carrot......
We see thousands of dollars invested in training, equipment, and fees to fund these travel ball teams... with no guarantee of the goal..

Starting a developmental 10U or 12U boys fastpitch program would only work if it was developed on a regional basis... Having one league in town X or state A creates nothing more than local competition.... Can't play a game if their is no one to play against.

Best option is go after the young baseball player that has ended his college or high school career, and has nothing left but slow pitch... I have nothing against slow pitch, beats jogging every day, but real athletes want real competition..

Notes from a barnstormer who has done this his whole life.
As we watched the demise of our game on the men's side, because athletes would rather hit 800 instead of becoming real hitters, we spent countless hours brainstorming what we would do if we were still young and wanted to introduce a brand new game..

Our thoughts...
We moved the mound to 48 feet, ball could be pitched with any delivery short of side arm.. move 3rd base in 6 feet, to round off the path to the plate, and you walked with 3 balls.... made it a hitters game...
created a wooden bat league with cork centered balls.

This would create a new version of an old game.... with the tag line, baddest game in town, only athletes need apply.... you bunt, slide, steal and hit fastballs.. fences are moved into 220.... gone are the triple wall bats, and 50 core balls.... You want these games to be 8-7, but still have a strikeout as a factor.... 5th inning on, start with last out on 2nd....
You have offense and defense.... fun game to watch...

It's fast paced, games played in 1 hour and 15 minutes, drop dead.
Each players throws in 3-5 dollars for umps.... Back to grass roots, pitchers learning from their mentors, small town atmosphere.... 18-80 if you can still play...

create one league, and they will come....