Pick Up Pitchers at Nationals? Yes or No?

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Dec 2, 2013
3,409
113
Texas
Note: Observation from a softball fan from afar. So I have been following various teams from Texas that have been playing at USA Gold Nat's and the Texas Fastpitch League because this is my only enjoyment this summer. One Big Time team in particular I noticed have been using pitchers that I have not seen before. They brought in a pitcher from California, 2 other pitchers from one of their other teams in the program, now a kid from New Mexico. Meanwhile, giving minimal innings to the pitchers that have been with the team the whole time. I now see a kid from our area pitching this morning that played with Uncle Rico's team from California this summer and with a GA team last year.

I am trying to put myself in the shoes of the coach and also the shoes of those pitcher parents that are not getting circle time. So if I am the coach, my job is to win at this level right? So I am going to find the best pitching that I can find to help me win. I probably need to consider bringing in players to look at for next year too. As a parent, I am not too happy that I travel with the team week in week out and watch these pick up players being paraded out to the circle while the full time pitchers are snubbed. I also noticed that a full time pitcher that was pitching in OK is not with the team this week. Probably got fed up. So when they win, do I say congrats on winning...with your pick up players?

I have mixed feelings on this. But my predominate feeling is, You compete with who got you there and sprinkle in the pick up pitchers as needed. If you really need pick up pitchers, but they don't. LOL!
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Hey Sox'y thanks for the eyes on Texas...been following teams there as well.
Uncle rico 😄 thats a gem !

As a hypothetical assumtion based on guessing....
The pick up player factor seems to have been okay'd by lack of softball in certain area's?!

Never good to pick up players that arent needed.
Perhaps a socially distanced blow out at a tourny may occur.
 
Aug 27, 2019
640
93
Lakewood CA.
Note: Observation from a softball fan from afar. So I have been following various teams from Texas that have been playing at USA Gold Nat's and the Texas Fastpitch League because this is my only enjoyment this summer. One Big Time team in particular I noticed have been using pitchers that I have not seen before. They brought in a pitcher from California, 2 other pitchers from one of their other teams in the program, now a kid from New Mexico. Meanwhile, giving minimal innings to the pitchers that have been with the team the whole time. I now see a kid from our area pitching this morning that played with Uncle Rico's team from California this summer and with a GA team last year.

I am trying to put myself in the shoes of the coach and also the shoes of those pitcher parents that are not getting circle time. So if I am the coach, my job is to win at this level right? So I am going to find the best pitching that I can find to help me win. I probably need to consider bringing in players to look at for next year too. As a parent, I am not too happy that I travel with the team week in week out and watch these pick up players being paraded out to the circle while the full time pitchers are snubbed. I also noticed that a full time pitcher that was pitching in OK is not with the team this week. Probably got fed up. So when they win, do I say congrats on winning...with your pick up players?

I have mixed feelings on this. But my predominate feeling is, You compete with who got you there and sprinkle in the pick up pitchers as needed. If you really need pick up pitchers, but they don't. LOL!
This is a problem I have with TB that I don't see in club soccer (my youngest is a soccer player). The governing bodies pay close attention to rosters and guest players can only come from that teams organization and with limitations. Players have ID cards and they are checked before games. Otherwise you get what we see in TB... All Star teams thrown together for every big tournament.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
This is a problem I have with TB that I don't see in club soccer (my youngest is a soccer player). The governing bodies pay close attention to rosters and guest players can only come from that teams organization and with limitations. Players have ID cards and they are checked before games. Otherwise you get what we see in TB... All Star teams thrown together for every big tournament.
The difference of one governing body!
 
Jul 8, 2020
54
18
I'm a pitcher dad. I understand having guest pitchers. In the situation you describe above, it seems like the pitchers on the team aren't up to the level the coach wants (assuming no health related issues). I would have the conversation with my DD and see if that is a team want to stay on. I understand coaches want to win, but they should balance play time if possible. It also depends on how the coach has managed the pitchers in the past. if it is a summer thing for whatever reason, maybe it's ok.
 
May 20, 2016
433
63
If i were the parent of one of the pitchers being sat for guest i'd be pretty perturbed. If you're flying kids in from CA to Texas i am assuming this is a high dollar team where parents are spending 20K+ a year for their kids to play on them so they can get exposure. Paying that kind of scratch to be sat for nationals and not be seen is messed up in my opinion.

To me end of the day that's one of many reason i'd never have my DD play for that kind of team.
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,409
113
Texas
I should have finished my thought. The coach is sending the message: I am bringing in pitchers to win, because you are not good enough even though I have you on my team. This is a Nationally recognized team with Major D1 commits littered throughout and don't need the exposure since every single one of those kids is committed except for the Pick ups!!! The monthly dues for this team are around $150/mo. Actually, not too bad. But just like with any traveling team, the 3 weeks of staying in hotel rooms during a summer run is what kicks you in the nutz!

Another theory: High caliber kids that are uncommitted. Major D1 coach(we'll use Mike White from UT for this scenario) needs to see these players play against the best. College coach picks up the phone and calls TB coach. Hey TB Coach, this Mike White (in my best New Zealand accent) I have some players that I would really like to see play in your next tournament. Can you make it happen? TB coach: Of course, give me the kid's contact information and I will get it done. And bam! Pick up player shows up and pitches at USA Gold Nat's and TFL finals against the best teams in Texas. That's what I would do, if I need to see some kids in action.

" To me end of the day that's one of many reason i'd never have my DD play for that kind of team." Parents don't know this is going to happen...until it happens. Frankly, I am kind of surprised it is happening since this team has plenty of talent.
 
May 20, 2016
433
63
Another theory: High caliber kids that are uncommitted. Major D1 coach(we'll use Mike White from UT for this scenario) needs to see these players play against the best. College coach picks up the phone and calls TB coach. Hey TB Coach, this Mike White (in my best New Zealand accent) I have some players that I would really like to see play in your next tournament. Can you make it happen? TB coach: Of course, give me the kid's contact information and I will get it done. And bam! Pick up player shows up and pitches at USA Gold Nat's and TFL finals against the best teams in Texas. That's what I would do, if I need to see some kids in action.

I would think a coach would just ask that person to come to their university and pitch against some of their players if they really wanted to get a look at them.

And not for nothing those dues are ridiculously low for a club playing at that level. I guess that have some good sponsers?
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,409
113
Texas
I would think a coach would just ask that person to come to their university and pitch against some of their players if they really wanted to get a look at them.

And not for nothing those dues are ridiculously low for a club playing at that level. I guess that have some good sponsers?
Dead Period my friend. Playing against the best teams in the country will reveal a lot about a player. Can't duplicate that in a bull pen session.

You know who those sponsors are? The other teams in the program. ha!
 

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