Slow pitch softball spring training continues as we enter our 8th year. After starting as a "Get Together" (GT) called "Spring Training" in early 2002 and being born from the nearly forgotten "MOHR Softball Board", word of the event has spread around the world via the Internet with our furthest attendee, Mickey and his family coming from Taiwan. The original intent behind spring training was for our northern softball brothers to fly south and knock some rust off their game after being couped up for the winter months. Many friendships have been made and developed over the past seven years and though our main purpose is still a softball clinic, the event at times, resembles a family reunion. The most asked question I receive from players that have never attend this event is "I worried that I will be out of my league, will I fit in?" The answer to that is yes. We will have a very broad range of players ranging from the beginner right on up to some of the best players in the world. You will fit in nicely and if you have an area of your game you want some specialized help with, this is a great way to get it. What can I expect to do during the three day event? Expect to take all the batting practice you can stand, defensive drills, scrimmage games, a home run derby, a base running event, a banquet dinner with numerous give-aways, an opportunity to meet and talk to some of the best players, past and present, in the game, a pitching clinic, expect to make new friends and most of all, expect to have a great time. The event has always been held in sunny Florida. This year's event will be held at Ringhaver Park, which is on the southwest side of Jacksonville, Florida. To find out more about Ringhaver Park, click here "Ringhaver Park". SAFETY IS FOREMOST: First a word about safety. We have not had any serious injuries in the past years and we would like to extend that great streak through this year's event. Pitchers need to pitch from behind the pitching screens that will be supplied. In addition, we are trying to acquire enough screens for the outfield areas where we collect the incoming balls during batting practice to prevent anyone from being injured by a batted ball while collecting the incoming balls. Only bats meeting the USSSA 1.20 BPF standard and approved Senior Softball bats for player's over 50 years of age will be allowed. The softballs used during the clinic portions of this event, including scrimmage games, will be 44 core, 375 compression balls that are approved for league play. Only the home run derby will use 44 core, 375 compression balls and the pitcher must be behind a protective screen when pitching. No one other than the pitcher will be allowed in the infield area during the home run derby. No doctored or altered bats will be allowed. Failure to comply with the safety rules will result in your ejection from the event. All attendees are required to sign a waiver form releasing me, my staff, guests, and the City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation and Entertain Department from any liability as a result of any injuries during this event. Curt Hollis (chollis) |
