Sun Classic Diamond 9 Fall tourney

We haven't arrived in Florida yet but already I'm not in love with this tourney. Seems KOD opened up the flood gates with 261 teams and can't get the schedule posted. Yes, it's partially posted but there are some kids who still believe they need to email coaches their schedule so they can plan accordingly. At approximately $275 per game per player from the NJ area, I question the logic of our attending this tourney.

Your pm box is full, clear some space

Sorry full from trying to unload some of DDs 32/22 bats. Cleared out now.

And I guess I was to impatient. KOD has decided to post the schedules for the ESPN fields. DD has games there on Friday. I still question the logic in doing this and CO when most of our kids aren't even looking at colleges more than one state away.

Unfortunately it sucks if you are local to Diamond 9. Your application and payment gets accepted weeks in advance and then after emailing coaches that you will be there you are informed that there is no room and a refund is on the way. Have been told it is normal since they make more money off the out of state teams with the high hotel rates. Was told KOD gets $20 per room per night but that is unconfirmed. Funny thing is no refund yet but I am getting texts about the schedule not being out. WTH???

UPDATE: Just got a call from a local Florida 14U team. Four out of 5 of their games are against other Florida teams? They could do that at local NSA tournament. Worse yet they are down in the leper colony in Auburndale about 1 hour from the main complex at Disney.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
At Disney only 6 of the fields are softball fields. There is a quad which is ground zero for ACC, SEC, and other top programs, and there are two other fields about 400 ft down the lane. Otherwise you are playing on baseball fields with the mound removed and a grass infield. If you can play small ball you will do well. If my memory serves me an adult pass for all 3 days will set you back $49.50. You will dine on $5 hot dogs and other great cuisine. On the upside there is.....BEER!!! Get the souvenir cup and refills are 1/2 price.

Moving down the road about 20 minutes you have Osceola and Fortune Road with 5 and 4 slow pitch softball fields respectively. These are pretty good fields but well removed from the coaches. By mid-day on Friday look for a deep trench in front of the rubber. Coaches will be there if they are specifically coming to see you, but no traffic like at the main quad at Disney.

Moving out about 45-60 minutes you have the fields at Auburndale and Winterhaven. These are a mixed bag of fastpitch and slowpitch fields. You are definitely out in the sticks and if traffic is bad on I4 it may take a coach, assuming they are willing to go down there well over an hour to make the commute.

Friday they are at ESPN 1-5, Saturday and Sunday Fortune Road. I was planning on staying home...my first attempt at it but am about to check Kayak for a flight. They have early games and will be finished by noon so I expect DD will give some money to the mouse.

InsidePitch said:

Friday they are at ESPN 1-5, Saturday and Sunday Fortune Road. I was planning on staying home...my first attempt at it but am about to check Kayak for a flight. They have early games and will be finished by noon so I expect DD will give some money to the mouse.

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Also check flights into Sanford. It is about 45 minutes via toll roads from the fields but you may save some significant $$$$.

riseball said:

Also check flights into Sanford. It is about 45 minutes via toll roads from the fields but you may save some significant $$$$.

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Tampa is a longer drive but can be a viable option, too

Greenmonsters said:

Tampa is a longer drive but can be a viable option, too

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May be a great option if you are scheduled to play in Auburndale or Winterhaven.

I've decided to let wifey own this one. I have spent countless hours with DD over the past 8 years and DW has learned enough to take this one on. She's even up on the vernacular. Last Sunday with runners on 2nd and 3rd in a 0-0 tied game, DD laces a one hopper to the fence. 2 runs score on the dbl. Wife following on GC texts, "way to go J - clutch" LOL.

I am a little confused about this years tourney. There was word sent out that there were issues getting the fields at Disney. Then the schedules come out and all the fields at WWOS are being used. Looks like they let in too many teams. The other complexes being used are nice, but if you are playing in Auburndale I would be upset. I can see the coaches driving to Osceola or Fortune Rd, as they are only a few minutes. I did notice there are a lot of teams that are not even playing one game at WWOS. It will save them money on admission, but if I flew in for a Disney tournament, I'd probably like to at least play one game there. Kind of a shame. This tournament draws so many colleges that it will continue to get max teams entered every year.