Our slow pitch, softball spring training camp continues as we enter our 9th year. The event started in Lake City in early 2002 as a "Get
Together" (GT) called "Spring Training", over the following years, word of the event has spread by word of mouth and the event has
grown into the "Worlds Largest GT". But don't think for a minute, its so large you'll get lost in the crowd, we're just one big softball family.
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 years and though our main purpose is
still a softball clinic, the event at times, does 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?"
Of course you'll fit in.... 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. See the Tentative Field Schedule.
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. Early arriver's can plan on getting some batting practice or maybe purchase some needed equipment
from our sponsors on Thursday night. This is an unofficial meeting with the camp starting Friday morning. Be sure to sign up for
our message board were you will easy be able to keep track of all the planned activities and join in the discussions.
For the past several years Johnny McCraw, MVP of the 2008 Major Worlds and "The Big Cat" Mike Macenko of the Men of Steeles,
have attended our clinic as special guests. These two great guys are invited back again this year.
This years cost is $105 per camper. The cost per person is up $5 per person from last year due to increase cost for the
field use, lights, insurance, banquet cost, etc. Our two main competitors, the Senior Softball Winter Camp charges
$525 per camper and Softball Magazine's Softball Spring Training is now up to $285 per person. Both of those
organizations are running their events for profit. The reason the "Classic Spring Training" is priced so low is that we
take the estimated expenses of the total event and divide that figure by the anticipated number of attendees to
determine our yearly cost per person rate. Remember, we started this as a softball "Get Together" (GT) where
everyone pitched in to cover the cost and we have maintained this policy for nine years now.
Sign Up Now
SAFETY IS FOREMOST: First a word about safety. 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)
Together" (GT) called "Spring Training", over the following years, word of the event has spread by word of mouth and the event has
grown into the "Worlds Largest GT". But don't think for a minute, its so large you'll get lost in the crowd, we're just one big softball family.
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 years and though our main purpose is
still a softball clinic, the event at times, does 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?"
Of course you'll fit in.... 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. See the Tentative Field Schedule.
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. Early arriver's can plan on getting some batting practice or maybe purchase some needed equipment
from our sponsors on Thursday night. This is an unofficial meeting with the camp starting Friday morning. Be sure to sign up for
our message board were you will easy be able to keep track of all the planned activities and join in the discussions.
For the past several years Johnny McCraw, MVP of the 2008 Major Worlds and "The Big Cat" Mike Macenko of the Men of Steeles,
have attended our clinic as special guests. These two great guys are invited back again this year.
This years cost is $105 per camper. The cost per person is up $5 per person from last year due to increase cost for the
field use, lights, insurance, banquet cost, etc. Our two main competitors, the Senior Softball Winter Camp charges
$525 per camper and Softball Magazine's Softball Spring Training is now up to $285 per person. Both of those
organizations are running their events for profit. The reason the "Classic Spring Training" is priced so low is that we
take the estimated expenses of the total event and divide that figure by the anticipated number of attendees to
determine our yearly cost per person rate. Remember, we started this as a softball "Get Together" (GT) where
everyone pitched in to cover the cost and we have maintained this policy for nine years now.
Sign Up Now
SAFETY IS FOREMOST: First a word about safety. 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)
When?
February 19, 20 & 21, 2010
February 19, 20 & 21, 2010
Where?
Jacksonville, Florida
Ringhavor Park
Jacksonville, Florida
Ringhavor Park
Still not sure? Check out the write-up for the past two events.
2009 Event - Page 1
2009 Event - Page 2
2008 Event - Page 1
2009 Event - Page 1
2009 Event - Page 2
2008 Event - Page 1