I would not spend $65 on a bat for an 8yr old, but thats just me. The bat will play very little part in your daughters success at this age. Go to wal-mart and find a "pretty" bat that is not to heavy for $15-$20 and call it a day.
Good luck!
East beats West...
How about simple numbers:
California has a population of approx. 37 million people
PA, NJ, VA, NC, MD, DE, have a population of approx. 45 million.
Seems only logical that a state (not even a region) is better. It has nothing to do with better coaches, warmer weather - it's...
IMO, and it just my opinion we are way too litigious. I do not condone cheating and I don't know how much you would see shaved / altered bats in 10u-14u. Also not sure you could even tell the difference if a kid was swinging an altered bat.
Also, it really makes no difference from a pitcher...
If your daughter has been swinging a balanced bat and has had success why change now?
IMO - if she has not swung an end-loaded bat before, I would be certain to test one out before buying.
There are plenty of balanced bats that have great pop.
I second the Ringors. Made for women so it's not a modified men's shoe.
She had Tanel's before - style was not so appealing but they were light as all and had similar cleat pattern as Ringor.
The Ringors are durable and a bit heavier than some of the other mass produced options.
IMO - it is...
If she plays on a competitive softball team, chances are she would have 8 different bats to "Demo".
Every bat feels a little different.
My daughter has always swung Eastons - 1B, 2B, 4B, 7B, 8B -The 4B is her current gamer and most cherished, never liked the Demarini's.
I have put CF3 / CF4's...
Few things stand out for me - only having fastball and change up may be a problem.
I know you said she was developing a third pitch, but as the girls get bigger and stronger, the speed is not difficult to time, even with a good change. Movement is what matters (rise, drop, screw, curve) along...
HS Ball vs Travel Ball
Having no direct experience (yet - as my daughter is a freshman), I struggle with the broad stroke statement that "All HS Coaches have no idea what they are doing".
I really believe the arguement can be had at any level - wheter it is D1 college or 10U rec league - you...
No "I" in team.....but there is a "ME"
I believe there are less than 12 "full" scholarships available D1, little more than 7 D2, we all know there is no such thing as athletic $ D3.
Think about the math - approx 300 D1 schools with 12 available scholarships = 3,200 total available...
My DD's 2nd Yr 14U team will play 8 tournaments and Nationals begining Memorial Day. Seems pretty standard. Only way to get better is to keep playing and working.
Two thoughts: Stats are subjective (when is a hit really a hit) and are you going to ask to keep non-traditional stats, like productive outs. Situitional hitting is so very important as the girls get older. Being able to hit behind runners, get fly balls in key situations.
I will take a .200...
My daughters team is a 2nd yr 14u and we are scheduled for 8 tourneys from Memorial Day straight through mid July, then Nationals. I have been on this schedule since she was 1st year 10u (except for Nationals) so I am used to it. I don't think they get burned out as much as they use that as an...