What do you do when you lose your team sponsor? 

Find a new sponsor, make the team members pay the fee, or disband the team.

OR...have a fundraiser. 

Even if you haven't lost your sponsor, but want money for snazzy new uniforms or a new team bat or two, have a fundraiser. 

This show explores a few fun ways to raise money for your team.

For articles on slowpitch softball, and a look at my book:  http://slowpitchbook.com

For the index to all these softball shows:  http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm

When the pitching height limit was lowered from 12 feet to 10 feet, pitchers lost two feet from their pitching window. 

This show tells you how to get back the sharp drop those extra two feet gave you, without throwing illegal pitches.

For articles on slowpitch softball, and a look at my book:  http://slowpitchbook.com

For the index to all these softball shows:  http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm

The American Association of Amateur Softball had their annual meeting last week. 

This program outlines the rule changes that will take effect in 2013.  Most of them are fairly small tweaks. 

But one really big change will go into effect in 2014.

They're all here, In the Softball Corner.

For articles on slowpitch softball, and a look at my book:  http://slowpitchbook.com

For the index to all these softball shows:  http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm

Does your team do practices?  I have four teams, and we have non-mandatory, informal batting practice every Sunday. 

In the last couple of years, attendance at these practices has dropped dramatically. 

This program examines a few of the possible reasons.

For articles on slowpitch softball, and a look at my book:  http://slowpitchbook.com

For the index to all these softball shows:  http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm

This week's show takes a look at a senior league with opposing lifestyles. 

Half the teams play to win; the other half play for fun. 

What happens when one meets the other?  It ain't pretty. 

Here's how one league made a rule change that helped level the playing field.

Click http://slowpitchbook.com for articles on slowpitch softball, and a look at my book.

And click http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm for the index to all these softball shows.

You're playing a team that is absolutely horrible.  Can't hit, can't field, can't run, can't pitch. 

And they have two team bats:  a wooden one, and a Hammer.

Do you show no mercy and win by 30? 

Or do you cut them some breaks? 

Thoughts on that, and more, in this show.

Click http://slowpitchbook.com for articles on slowpitch softball,and a look at my book.

And click http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm for the index to all these softball shows.

What do you do when you have two strikes on you, and the next pitch is on its way?  You swing at it.  

Unless it's totally out of your reach, you swing at it.  

Because you never know what the ump is going to call it, and you look like a complete idiot if you're called out on strikes.  

And that's what this program is all about.

I've been playing softball for over 30 years, and I still make some fundamental mistakes sometimes. 

Blame it on laziness, stupidity, or senility, it doesn't matter - they still cost my team runs. 

Here are a couple of baserunning problems I see crop up time and again, often from people who should know better. 

Like me. 

For a look at my more sane moments, and some articles about playing slowpitch softball, and a plug for my book on coaching, managing, and playing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

This show covers lots of common questions beginners ask.  

How do you pitch the knuckleball?
What's the best way to do a rundown?
Should I buy a new bat?
Why shouldn't you use a warm-up bat donut?

And for managers:
How do I find sponsors?
How do I set my batting order?
Where do I recruit new players?
What do I do about late-comers and no-shows?
Get your pencil and papers ready, here are all the answers.

(And here's the complete index:  http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm)

Oh no, another birthday!

Rather, two birthdays in the same week.

My show is four years old, and I'm 65.

In this birthday episode, I look back on previous shows and recommend a few you might have missed. And I reveal the most-listened-to show in the series.

I also discuss the new program index, which is at:

http://danhughes.net/indexs.htm

I have three main hobby interests:  treasure hunting,  magic, and softball.  In the past five years, there have been dozens of books published about treasure hunting, probably over a hundred books on magic, and exactly three on slowpitch softball. 

In this podcast, I speculate on why that is, and I name the three books that should be in every serious softballer's library.

Here's a quick look at the reasons why so few new books are being written, and how you can pretty much own a complete library of the current softball literature by buying just three books.

Two of the books are reviewed in my podcasts #70 and #72, and information on the third (mine!) is at http://slowpitchbook.com.

Sure, you know the infield fly rule. 

What about the force out vs. appeal play rule? 

This show tells you how to get your rules straight, and how to talk to some of the best umps in the country about softball rule interpretation.

ASA, USSSA, NSA - Whatever rules your league uses, you'll find the answers here.

For tips and tricks on playing adult slowpitch softball, go to http://slowpitchbook.com.

CPR rules have changed.  It's a lot easier now - no breathing into the mouth of the victim, no changing activities while you work to save a life.  Just chest compressions. 

This show explains how you can give CPR without taking a course, and without carrying an instruction sheet in your wallet.

It's also about playing ball in extreme heat.  The chart here shows average North American temperatures for the past century, with the heavy line showing the rise since 1975. 

Let the politicians argue why - what concerns us is how to handle the changes.  Herewith, some tips on keeping safe in hot weather.

For tips on pitching, hitting, fielding, and managing adult slowpitch softball, and a look at my book Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

This is the 100th program from In the  Softball Corner, and instead of discussing softball this time, I give you an inside view of how and why this show exists. 

Why do I do the show? 

Why is each episode so short? 

Why are there no guests or co-hosts, or groups of people around the microphone for rousing discussions? 

Get the inside scoop - give this episode a listen.

And for free articles about playing, coaching, and managing adult slowpitch softball, visit my book page, http://slowpitchbook.com.

NOTE:  The inline audio player that normally appears here has evidently been discontinued by Google.  So to hear the show, you need to either click the POD icon up top left, or click the Direct Download link on the next line:

Time for another book review! 

The book is Fast- and Slow-Pitch Softball, by Mario Pagnoni and Gerald Robinson. 

Basically, an excellent book which I highly recommend, and you can buy a used copy for just a penny on Amazon!  (But you pay $3.99 for shipping - and it's still a good deal.)

Also, a followup on the five-dollar Easton early composite bat I talked about in the last show.

For a look at my own book on Coaching, Managing, and Playing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

This weekend I bought a Freak 98 for two dollars. 

Do you do yard sales, thrift shops, church sales, and flea markets?  If not, you may be missing some of the greatest bargains ever on softball equipment. 

In this show, I talk about some of my best finds. 

What have you found at these sales?  I'll bet there are finds out there that make mine look like small potatoes.

For more articles on slowpitch softball, and a look at my book on playing, managing, and coaching, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Last time we talked about the cost of other sports and hobbies that make softball look like a bargain. 

The response to that show was phenomenal.  Listen to what people wrote to me about the cost of their other pastimes. 

You'll never complain about the cost of a bat again.

For free articles about playing adult slowpitch softball, and a look at my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com. 

Softball is probably one of the most expensive sports ever, right? 

No, not right!  Not at all. 

Compare our costs to the price of bowling, fishing, hunting, golf - and folks, it ain't so bad.

Listen to the show, then tell me what hobby or pastime YOU do that costs a lot more than softball.  Bet we get quite a list!

For free articles on coaching, managing, and playing adult slowpitch softball, and a look at my book, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Should the pitcher use a big glove, a small glove, a light glove, a heavy glove? 

What about that favorite baseball glove you used in high school or college?

Does it really make much difference?

This show is for newbie pitchers who aren't sure what glove they should be using when they pitch.

For more articles on coaching, managing, and playing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Whether you like it or not, you pay taxes to support your local library. 

Here's how the avid softballer can take advantage of his or her library. 

Where to find books on softball, and why the books on baseball (which are much more plentiful than softball books) can also help you play softball better.

More tips on hitting, pitching, fielding, and coaching adult slowpitch softball here:  http://slowpitchmanual.com.

How does pitching strategy in co-rec softball differ from pitching strategy in all-guy or all-girls ball?

Should you have a guy pitching and a girl catching, or vice-versa? 

Are there situations where it might make sense to intentionally walk a guy? Or to intentionally walk a girl?

This show looks at some of the differences in the two games, and how a change in strategy may help you win some ball games.

For more tips on coaching, managing, pitching, hitting, and fielding adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

So you've just been named the manager of your new church co-rec softball team. 

What's the best way to set up your batting order?

This show suggests a simple but solid method to get started, and then offers suggestions for fine-tuning your line-up as the season progresses.

For more tips on coaching, managing, and playing adult slowpitch softball, read my articles (and buy my book) at http://slowpitchbook.com.

Co-rec softball is a whole other game. 

Five men, five women, with two of each in the infield, two of each in the outfield, and one of each at pitcher and catcher. 

What's the best defensive strategy for a new coed team that is just getting started? 

Where do you put your best players, your worst players, your good gloves and your slow runners? 

How does your infield affect your outfield? 

We offer a good starting placement, but you may have to change things around a bit to get the most out of your unique set of players.

I've written a book on coaching, managing, and playing adult slowpitch softball.  Check it out, along with some helpful articles, at http://slowpitchbook.com.

Facebook users are under 13 years old, and over 100. 

Soon, there will be one billion members.  That's three times as many Facebook users are there are people in the United States. 

With all this activity, there is bound to be something for the slowpitch softball community there.

In this show, we take a look at how softballers can use Facebook to do things besides laugh with friends and insult enemies.

For more tips on coaching, managing, and playing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Another show aimed at the newbies. 

What piece of equipment is more important to your softball game than your glove? 

What's the best glove size for an infielder, an outfielder, a pitcher? 

When should you not swing at a good pitch? 

These questions pose no problems for the long-time players, but newcomers to adult slowpitch softball have problems with them. 

This show will help you get started on the right foot.

For more tips on playing, coaching, and playing adult slowpitch softball, visit my book site, http://slowpitchbook.com.

What's the best way for an outfielder to catch a routine fly ball? 

Which foot should an infielder have forward when he's waiting for the batter to hit the ball? 

Surprisingly, many long-time players don't know the answers to these questions. 

This episode of In the Softball Corner looks at some of the often-overlooked basics of playing defensive softball.

For more tips on coaching, managing, hitting, pitching, and fielding adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Another book review from the Softball Corner. 

This one is Let's Do It, a 1989 book divided into three sections:  The Team, The Practice, and The Game.

The Practice is the largest part of the book, with 41 pages of what each player does in each possible game situation. 

For example, what does each defensive player do with one out and a runner at second if the ball is hit to the left fielder? 

I think this situational strategy is the weakest part of the game for most players, and this section will help your guys learn how to handle most of the game situations you'll encounter.

For hints and tips on managing, coaching, and playing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Earlier we talked about the new ASA rules that will take effect on January 1 (2012).  In this show, part two of a two-part series, we look at some of the rules that DIDN'T make it.

Some of these proposed rules are good enough that they will probably appear again next year, and some are just plain weird.   

Consider, and enjoy.

And for more articles on playing, coaching, and managing adult slowpitch softball, click:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

Last time we talked about the new ASA rules that will take effect on January 1 (2012).  In this show, Part One of a two-part series, we look at some of the rules that DIDN'T make it.

Some of these proposed rules are good enough that they will probably appear again next year, and some are just plain weird.   

See what YOU think. 

And for tips on pitching, fielding, coaching, and managing, see my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

The proposed rule changes for the 2012 ASA season have been announced. 

The biggies including changing the distance between bases, allowing senior league players to swing the Big Bats, and the banning of bat warmers. 

In this show, I list the eleven rule changes the ASA is instituting next year.

NOTE:  I made a reading error on rule 6.  The first part is right, but then I said the word "attached" was changed to "taped."  I should have said the word "taped" was changed to "covered."  The rest of the statement is correct.

UPDATE:  ASA has now published the new rules in their final form, and they have dropped the reference to BPF numbers.  They have also stipulated that this change is for senior championship tournaments only:

Rule 3 Section 1A [4]: Exception: Senior Softball bats may be used in Senior Championship Play.

Comment: Add an exception to Rule 3 Section 1 that Senior Softball bats may be used in Senior Championship Play only.

For more of my articles on pitching, hitting, fielding, and managing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Here's a look at an obscure softball book that was written over 20 years ago by two Canadians.  It's a small book with lots of drawings, and it is an excellent reference book for newbies to the game.

In this show, I walk through the book and point out some of the tips contained therein.

For more tips on playing and coaching adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Every other Thursday, I post a new episode of In the Softball Corner. 

But this morning I woke up with laryngitis.  The only sounds I can make are barely-discernable croaks and squeaks. 

So rather than try to whisper my way through this week's show, I'm instead shutting up completely and presenting one of the all-time classic vaudeville duos, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, and their most famous routine, Who's On First. 

Hopefully my voice will be back for the next show, but for now, please enjoy Abbott and Costello.

For articles on softball strategy, visit my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

Slowpitch softball has lost nearly half a million players in the last three years. 

Why?

There are a myriad of reasons, and this show examines five of the big ones. 

There is a sixth big reason that I neglected to mention in the show - video games.  Why exert yourself in real life when you can play all the games you want with just your thumbs?  You don't have to buy bats or gloves or special shoes, you don't even have to leave your room to play.  (Thanks to the guys at softballfans.com for the heads-up on this one.)

Can this exodus be turned around?  Probably not. 

If you have ideas, please click the Comments button and let us know your thoughts.

For more articles on how to play, coach, and manage adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Some authors claim that softballs carry farther in hot weather, but anyone who has played knows the opposite is true.  Why the confusion? 

It has to do with relative humidity and air density and ball compression.

Normal ASA ball compression is 375, which means that it requires a force of 375 pounds to push the surface of a softball one-fourth of an inch deep. 

Harder balls have higher compression numbers, because it takes more pounds of force to "squash" the ball a quarter-inch.  And the higher the compression, the better the trampoline effect when the ball hits the bat. 

Ergo, high compression = more distance.  And a 375 ball at 70 degrees becomes a 555 ball at 40 degrees. 

Listen up, it's all here.

For more of my articles on adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

I've now got three years of In the Softball Corner under my belt, and in this birthday show I look at the All-Time Top 10 Shows of the series. 

Also, a couple of recent shows that are getting a lot of listens, and thoughts of shows for the future.

For more articles on managing, coaching, and playing slowpitch softball, visit my site http://slowpitchbook.com.

This show explains how I bought a Worth PST Quad, brand new in wrapper, for sixteen bucks. 

And how our team masher took four pitches (out of twelve) out of the park with it.

And how you can maybe get one cheap, too.

For more articles on slowpitch softball, visit my site http://slowpitchbook.com.

Do you use a donut on your bat before you step into the batter's box?

If so, you are costing yourself three to five miles per hour with your swing.
 
Listen to this show to find out why.

For more articles on slowpitch softball, visit my site http://slowpitchbook.com.

Does anyone know Dennis Stern, of St. Paul, Minnesota?  In 1980 he wrote this manual, and I'd like to talk to him. 

It is an excellent collection of tips and tricks for playing slowpitch softball, and though it is outdated now, it still has a lot of excellent information that holds up today.  It deserves to be updated and republished, perhaps as an eBook. 

This show relays some tips on hitting and pitching, as taken from Dennis Stern's manual.

For more articles on adult slowpitch softball, see http://slowpitchbook.com.

New bats look great! 

But what about their performance? 

How do they compare to the old bats? 

In this show, we compare the old and the new, and maybe destroy your hopes for improvement, but then maybe build them up again.

Or...Is 98mph really 98mph?

For more articles on coaching and playing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Are you still in high school?  Or college?  Or grad school? 

Are you now, or will you someday be, taking a basic speech class? 

Then this show is for you.

While the other students are giving the same old boring speeches on how to make spaghetti and why we should bomb Granada, you can grab the attention of your audience (and your instructor) and grab that "A" by talking about....softball!

Listen and learn.

More great softball articles here:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

Some players and coaches have short fuses. 

Does this put them at a disadvantage as far as close calls by the umpires go? 

In this show I interview a veteran ump on the subject.

For articles on playing and coaching adult slowpitch softball, check out my website, http://slowpitchbook.com.

Herewith, a short review of a compact book. 

Though eight years old now, this book still fits the definition of a "modern" softball book.  The information on bats is dated, but the rest of the book contains a lot of valuable information. 

By no means as comprehensive as the huge Complete Guide to Slowpitch Softball reviewed in show #70, nonetheless this book is tightly packed with solid information. 

Topics covered include hitting, fielding, coaching, attitude, improving arm/leg strength, increasing stamina, and a lot more. 

For more articles on coaching, managing, and playing adult slowpitch softball, check out my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

Discussed in this podcast are three basic situations for the second baseman: 

Glove size and fielding grounders, turning double plays, and relaying throws from the outfield. 

Also, a heads-up play that may allow you to make a put-out on a batter when the third baseman or shortstop throws the ball past the first baseman.

For tips on slowpitch topics like pitching, fielding, and setting your team lineup, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

When you were a kid, didn't you hate to write book reports?  Me too!

But this book was a pleasure to read, and I highly recommend you buy a copy. 

This is the first and only book I've ever seen that lives up to the title of a COMPLETE guide to slowpitch softball.  It's big, it has an instructional DVD included, and it covers virtually everything. 

In this show, I look at the many pros and the few cons of this book. 

For more articles about slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

The NCAA has changed its technical standards for baseball bats this season, and because of that both pitching and hitting statistics are changing. 

Does this portend similar changes for softball? 

In this program we take a look at the new college baseball bat and what it is doing to the game.

For more articles on adult slowpitch softball, check out my website.

This podcast discusses Quick Topic internet bulletin boards, which my team uses to contact each other, and to post stats, photos, important phone numbers, etc.

There are three versions of the system, ranging in price from free to $49.00 per year.  Your team might find the free version handy, and the price is certainly right. 

I use the Pro $49 version, and once you pay your money you can set up as many Pro bulletin boards as you like without paying any more money.  I have about 25 Pro boards now, which drops my price to about two dollars per year per board.

Here are the sample links:

The $49 per year board (my senior softball team):  http://www.quicktopic.com/41/H/SUgW7YkfUSd

The free board (a high school class):  http://www.quicktopic.com/42/H/hHQUV9LmpKdmV

For more articles on pitching, hitting, fielding, and a lot more, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

In these bleak economic times, team sponsors are becoming harder and harder to find.

This show offers some suggestions on which businesses are the best to approach, and how to treat your sponsor right (and what NEVER to do).

We also look at an unorthodox sponsor setup that has been wildly successful for a smalltown team.

For more articles about adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com

Wherein Dan reminisces about his days as a ticket-pusher for the Atlanta Braves, and how what he learned there might help you find a team sponsor today.

For more free articles about slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Do you go through a stretching routine before you hit the softball diamond?

A surprising new study done for the American Academy of Orthapaedic Surgeons indicates that you might be wasting your time.

This week's show takes a look at that study, and offers a suggestion about pregame warmups.

For more articles on slowpitch softball, and a look at my book on managing and coaching adult slowpitch softball, visit my website.

There are nearly a hundred softball discussion forums on the internet.  Some are all-inclusive, some specialize in specific geographic areas or are aimed at a specific audience (church leagues, fastpitch, etc).

This show looks at several of them.  Which ones should you be reading? 

Here are the links to the boards mentioned in the show:

SOFTBALL BOARDS FOR EVERYONE

Softball Fans

For Softball Fanatics

The Old Scout Message Board

Addicted2Softball (brand new - get in on the ground floor)

Serious Softball (over 70 different forums)

REGION-SPECIFIC BOARDS

Florida Softball

Georgia Softball

Louisiana Softball

Pennsylvania Softball

Northeast Softball

Please check out my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball, at http://slowpitchbook.com.

Composite bats are banned in Little League baseball, high school baseball, college baseball, and major league baseball.  That pretty much leaves softball, and the writing may be on the wall there, too.

In this show, I discuss the history of softball bats, and then I take a look at a recently-published study that shows that some composite bats pose a real danger, especially for pitchers and third basemen.

Here are the references mentioned in the show:

Little League:  http://tinyurl.com/2ecyfdm
College:  http://tinyurl.com/46dlprg
High School:  http://tinyurl.com/4js5c93
USSSA:  http://tinyurl.com/4aekesm
Sport Journal article:  http://tinyurl.com/486mwsc

For more articles about adult slowpitch softball and a look at my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

The only New Year's Resolution I ever kept earned me over $30,000.  You can hear the story here.

Most resolutions are impossible to honor for very long. 

In this show, I give you some tips on making resolutions that you can keep, and that just may make you a better softball player.  (Or earn you a lot of money.)

Check out my book on Managing, Coaching,and Playing adult slowpitch softball.

Last time we challenged you to test your knowledge with a 10-question quiz about major league baseball.

In this program, I run through all the questions again, and this time I also supply the answers. 

The list of winners rounds out the show.  Congratulations to you all, and I'll see you again Next Year!

It's the holiday season, and I'm in a gift-giving mood, so this week's In the Softball Corner show is a baseball trivia quiz. 

Be one of the five winners of a copy of my book Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball. 

Enter by sending an email with your ten answers and your name and mailing address to:

cornerquiz@gmail.com

Entry deadline:  Midnight CST December 24, 2010.  First five correct entrants will win a book; if there are fewer than five perfect scores, the five best entries will receive a copy of the book.

Decision of the judges (that would be me) are final.

For a look at the prize, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

The Amateur Softball Association of America (the ASA) just held their annual meeting, and in this program we take a look at the rule changes they made that will go into effect for the 2011 season.

The major change is a new ball.  Not mandatory now, but it probably will be within two years.  It's "bouncier," but softer than the current ball, so it goes slower and won't hurt as bad when it hits you.

Another change - you can paint your name or your number on your bat now, or ever laser-cut your name or number right into your bat.

Lots of other changes, but most of them are minor.  Hear them all in this program.

For more articles on adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Wherein your correspondent bestows heaps of pity upon himself as another year of softball comes to a close.

For more softball articles, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Upon hearing of the death of a teammate from several decades ago, I thought I'd like to do a show about some of my cherished softball memories.

Pop Palmer and his two sons played on my Media Blitz team. 

We were mostly radio broadcasters in real life, and most of us were a lot better at describing and analyzing the action on the field than we were in actually creating it. 

But we had a lot of fun, and a lot of laughs, and hopefully the stories here will bring a smile to your face.

The fall softball season ended last week, the temperature is dipping below the freezing mark at night, and it's time to sit back and relive the good times.

The guys in the photo, left to right, are Joe and Ron Palmer, and their father, "Pop" Palmer.

For more softball stories, visit my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

Back in Program #53, we took a look at the pros and cons of fastpitch bats.  I invited listeners to send me their stories about using fastpitch bats in slowpitch softball.

Mark Jones of Minneapolis sent in a report of his experiences with fastpitch bats. 

He talks about the reaction of other players, including a friend who shrugged off the fact that he could consistently hit harder and farther with a fastpitch bat.

Check out my other softball articles at http://slowpitchbook.com.

Fall Ball is different.  Less pressure, more fun, fewer fans, snowstorms.

This program is a lighthearted look at the differences between summer softball and fallball.

And don't miss the tip about fallball bats - what bats NOT to use when the weather is cold.

For more articles about playing, coaching, and managing adult slowpitch softball, see my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

The rundown is one of the most exciting plays in softball. 

This show looks at the rundown from both the runner and fielder sides. 

The runner can be ejected from the game if he makes one particular mistake, and the fielder can also be thrown out if he breaks one particular rule. 

Hear about them both in this program.

For more articles on playing, coaching, and managing adult slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Fastpitch bats in slowpitch softball?  Wimpy, right?

Maybe not.  This show examines the differences between fastpitch and slowpitch bats. 

Weight, length, and resultant power. And more importantly, how to determine what's right for you. 

That pink fastpitch bat may just raise your batting average dramatically!  So, do you dare use it? 

I'd like to hear your thoughts on fastpitch bats.  Write dan@danhughes.net.

For more articles on slowpitch softball - on coaching, managing, pitching, hitting, and more, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I turned 63 last week, and this show is two years old today.

Listen and learn which shows over the past two years have been the most popular (one show in particular is in #1 position by a landslide), and hear a few inside comments about the structure and maturation of the program. 

For more softball tips, visit my website http://slowpitchbook.com

This is the final segment in our series on pitching for newbies. 

In it, we discuss what you as a pitcher should do after the batter hits the ball. 

If it isn't hit to you, you just stand there and watch, right?

Well, not quite....

For more tips and tricks about playing, coaching, and managing adult slowpitch softball, visit my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

You're a pitcher, and you've just released the perfect pitch. 

Your pitching form is picture-perfect, your follow-though is stunningly choreographed and breathtakingly beautiful, and . . . and suddenly the ball is flying toward your face at a hundred miles an hour. 

What should pitchers do immediately after they have thrown their pitch? 

This program gives you some tips on avoiding injury, predicting where the ball will be hit, and why you should never stay behind the pitching plate after you've released the ball.

For more softball tips, visit my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

It's a new game!  You're on the mound!  All eyes are on you as you prepare to throw the first pitch.

Wait!  Stop right there! Are you sure you know what you're doing?

This show walks you through all the little details that should go through your mind before you throw the first pitch of a game, and then before you throw the first pitch to each batter as the game progresses.

For more tips on pitching (and hitting and coaching and managing) slowpitch softball, visit http://slowpitchmanual.com.

Earlier this year, a slowpitch pitcher in Virginia was killed by a line drive (see program #044). 

A pitcher on my own team took a line drive to the groin and had to have an emergency operation on his testicles.

This program examines ways pitchers can protect themselves in this time of flat pitches, juiced bats, and steroid-pumped batters.

P.S.  This is a photo of my shinguard.  Note the permanent dent in it, caused by a line drive.  That definitely would have crushed the bone in the front of my leg.  (Fibula?  Tibula?  Whatever.  It still hurt for several days).

By the way, I've just completely redone my book website - let me know if you find any typos there.  http://slowpitchbook.com

The site now has an easy up-top link to my softball articles - enjoy!

For newbie pitchers who want to win from the start - a list of things you must know before you step onto the field.  The pitching frame described in this show is at: http://danhughesbooks.com/backyardpitching.htm

For more tips, visit my website:

http://slowpitchbook.com

Baseball geeks live for stats, stats, and more stats.  Slowpitch softball is a bit more casual . . . or is it? 

Does your team keep good stats?  Useful stats?  And how can you use them once you have them?

On the controversial side, what exactly should a hitter get credit for?  These are a few of the topics of this internet radio show. 

For more tips on hitting, pitching, fielding, coaching, and managing adult slowpitch softball, see my web page at http://slowpitchbook.com.

How often do you schedule a team practice, and half your guys blow it off with lame excuses?

In this episode of In the Softball Corner, I offer some suggestions that just might get more of your players to your practice sessions.

The bottom line:  If you make it fun, they will come.  (I tried to print that in a Field of Dreams voice, but I don't think it's working).

More softball tips for players (especially pitchers and hitters), coaches, and managers at http://slowpitchbook.com.

Last week, an adult slowpitch softball pitcher was killed when a line drive hit him. 

This program is a tribute to George Crisp, and a look at what might be done to prevent further deaths on the mound.

For articles on playing, coaching, and managing slowpitch softball, see my webpage http://slowpitchbook.com.

The big rule change in ASA this year is the lowering of the maximum height of a pitch from 12 feet to 10 feet. 

This program discusses the ramifications of the new rule, with some suggestions on how pitchers can cope.

For more articles on managing, coaching, and playing softball, see http://slowpitchbook.com.

This is the final show in the series on catching.  Listen to the tips, tricks, and secrets of veteran catchers. 

Ideas on working with umpires, taking advantage of your proximity to all the members of the other team, body positioning on throws home, and lots more.

For more articles on managing, coaching, and playing slowpitch softball, see my website at http://slowpitchbook.com

.

Should the slowpitch catcher call pitches? 

What else can he do to make a difference in the game, besides throwing the ball back to the pitcher and make plays at home? 

Catchers from around the country give their tips and tricks on playing the position.

For more articles on playing, coaching, and managing slowpitch softball, go to my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

Recent studies indicate that about 20 percent of us lack the necessary genetic variants necessary for building athletic endurance.

Is there anything we can do about that?   Well, yes, there is. 

In this program I offer some tips to help you compensate for your lack of the proper genetics.

For more articles on playing, managing, and coaching adult slowpitch softball, see my website at http://slowpitchbook.com.

When I recently put out a call for a discussion of catchers and catching, I got a lot of short responses with a lot of excellent insights and ideas.  But I also got two longer letters - one from a pitcher in Ohio, the other from a catcher in California. 

This program is a discussion of their ideas on catching.

For more articles on coaching, playing, and managing adult slowpitch softball, see my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

There are some simple changes you can make in your running style that will increase your speed out of the box.

• Should you run leaning forward or standing straight? 
• Should you take long strides or short ones? 
• Land on your heels or toes? 
• Should your toes point in, out, or straight ahead when you run?
• How should you swing your arms?

All of these things affect your running speed! 

This show gives you tips on how to increase your running speed by making simple changes in the way you run.

Roy Palmer of  http://fitness-programs-for-life.com and Bob Speroni of http://athleticquickness.com offer up their expertise on increasing your running speed by finetuning your running mechanics.

For more articles on playing adult slowpitch softball, see my web page:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

I've been pitching softball for a quarter of a century now, and over the years I've had several catchers who excelled at particular facets of the game. 

In this podcast I discuss two of the best catchers I've worked with, Kevin and Bill, and I tell you what they do that you can do, too, to become a better catcher.

For more articles on hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, and managing, see my web page http://slowpitchbook.com

.

Catching is a controversial position in slowpitch softball.  Many teams hide their worst athlete at catcher, but that is where the runs score!   What to do?

With the help of dozens of long-time catchers, this program looks at the ins and outs of the position.

You can see a video of the song quoted in the show here: http://tinyurl.com/yalfdj7

For more articles about managing, coaching, and playing slowpitch, please visit my website: http://slowpitchbook.com.

And for you techies, this program was recorded with a Heil PR-30 microphone straight into a Mackie 402 VLZ mixer - with no mic processor.

Several first basemen have taken issue with a suggestion I made in an earlier program, and rightly so. 

We clear that up in this show, and offer a couple of other final tips on playing first base.

For more how-tos on hitting, pitching, fielding, and managing, be sure to read the articles at my web site:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

In the last program, we asked veteran first basemen around the country some basic questions about playing first base. 

This time, we talk about some of the tips, tricks and secrets we learned from those first basemen.

Read more articles about playing, managing, and coaching softball at my web site http://slowpitchbook.com.

First base - is it a place to hide your tall, slow guy, or is it the place where more outs are made than anywhere else on the field?

Veteran first basemen from all over the country tell us what they wish they'd known before they started playing first base. 

In this show, we'll talk about the basics of playing first base.  We'll discuss playing first with runners on base, with left-handed batters, and when the top of the order is up. 

And we'll argue the glove-vs-mitt debate, and how important height is for a first baseman.

More articles about managing, coaching, pitching, hitting, fielding, and playing slowpitch softball here.

The ASA Rule Changes have been announced for the 2010 season, and one of the new rules is huge. 

Listen to a discussion of how the 2010 season will shape up under the new rules.

More softball articles, tips, secrets, etc at http://slowpitchbook.com.

How to use your end-of-season team party to keep your teammates loyal, and your sponsor happy to write next year's check.

More tips in my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

.

It's hard enough to pitch to average batters - how do you pitch to power hitters?

In this show, I discuss different ideas from different pitchers. 

And a power hitter gives us his ideas on how a pitcher might give him problems.

And of course, there is one sure way you can guarantee that the power hitter doesn't hit a homer when you're on the mound.

For more articles for slowpitch softball pitchers (and fielders, and batters, and managers and coaches), see my website:  http://slowpitchbook.com

.

Abner Doubleday and James Naismith are names you may recognize, but George Hancock?

Softball began as a game of broomsticks and boxing gloves.  Now it is the most popular participant sport in the country, with over 40 million players.

This is the story of how softball began as a lark, and grew. into a major sport.

For more information about playing, coaching, and managing slowpitch softball, see my website.

It really IS the hot corner. 

Balls hit to third base are moving faster than balls hit anywhere else on the field.

In this podcast, you'll learn some of the secrets of playing third base, with tips on positioning, preparedness, strategy . . . and survival.

Thanks to veteran third basemen Phil Denman and Jonathan Pinke for their help with this program.

More softball tips are available at my website.

On the first anniversary of In the Softball Corner, I look back at what I did right, what I did wrong, which topics were the most popular, why my book doesn't sell as well as it could, why that's fine with me, and how I was able to combine softball with my other favorite outdoor activity and podcast subject, treasure hunting.

My Birthday Quiz and In the Collector's Corner articles mentioned in this podcast appear every month in The Active Seniors and Boomers newspaper.  You can read them online at http://theactiveseniors.com.

My online high school yearbook is at http://bdhs65.com (and I am not responsible for the hair styles).

For some free articles based on chapters in my book, go to Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

.

Some softball players think pitchers aren't important in slowpitch softball, because you can't do much finessing with a pitch that floats in to the batter at fifteen miles per hour. 

This show offers some tips on how to be more than just a pitching machine.

My book, Coaching and Managing Adult Slowpitch Softball, is available here.

Your team needs a pitcher - fast.  What do you do? 

This show gives you some shortcuts on finding the player on your team who is most likely to be trainable as a pitcher. 

It also shows you how to build a backyard pitching frame - for under two dollars - that will help your pitcher learn to throw accurate 12-foot-high strikes. 

Here's the website with photos and detailed instructions for making and setting up your pitching frame: http://danhughesbooks.com/backyardpitching.htm

And here's the spiffy ad for my softball book: http://softballmanual.com.

Even if you're not interested in the book, the page has links to several free softball articles.  Check them out!

My last-place senior team beat the league's first-place team  - twice! - by using this unorthodox outfield formation.

This program, about my team's 2009 season, includes a description of an effective method of defense against a team that hits a lot of singles to the short outfield.

And don't forget to check out the free articles on the website for my book on managing and coaching adult slowpitch softball.

Good umps, bad umps - what do you do when your ump makes a bad call, or doesn't know the rules?

For more articles on coaching, managing, and playing slowpitch softball, see my website http://slowpitchbook.com.

The knuckleball can be the most valuable tool in the pitcher's arsenal.

When to use the knuckleball (you'll be surprised) and how to throw it are covered here.

Much more about pitching, hitting, fielding, coaching and managing adult slowpitch softball here.

P.S.  This is the most-listened-to episode of all of my softball podcasts.

Here are some tips and tricks for outfielders. 

How to get a force-out when normally you couldn't, how to avoid collisions, who takes priority, where to play your strongest arm, and more.

Be sure to listen to more outfield tips in podcast 013.

And check out my other softball articles:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

What do you carry in your team bag? 

I asked managers around the country to list the items they felt were important to have available. 

Here's a list of things you should consider, including some surprises.

Here's my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.  Buy a copy so I can feed my dog Max.

How often do you have to turn in your starting lineup before some of your players have arrived? 

Here are some tips on getting your players to the ballpark on time.

Here's the book for managing and coaching adult slowpitch softball.

Softball is fun, right? 

That's why we play, right?

So what's with so many hotheads on the field, always angry about something?

Here's the book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

Major league baseball teams win .542 at home, but just .458 on the road. 

Fan noise plays a major role.

In this show we'll give you some tips on how to get the crowd noise going in your favor. 

And we'll talk about bringing kids to your games, too.

More softball articles here:  Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

Books on adult slowpitch softball are hard to find, but there are a lot of videos on the topic.

Herewith, a look at some of the most popular (and some not-so-popular) softball instructional videos.

More articles at my book site:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

What do you do when players don't show up for your games? 

Twenty managers give their ideas on handing no-shows.

More softball articles at http://slowpitchbook.com.

The new rulebook is out!

Here's a summary of the American Softball Association's rule changes for 2009.

Read more articles about playing, coaching, and managing softball at my website, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

Tips for playing the outfield, including:

• Judging the natural curvature of fly balls
• Avoiding collisions in the outfield
• How to begin your run for a ball
• The best way to the make the catch

And a lot more.

For more slowpitch softball articles, check out http://slowpitchbook.com.

Very basic tips on playing the infield in adult slowpitch softball. 

For detailed diagrams on infield strategy, click here.

For more articles on slowpitch softball, go here.

Tips on finding new players during the offseason - setting up a team website and internet bulletin board - keeping stats.

Find much more in my book Managing and Coaching Slowpitch Softball:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

If you're a new softball manager, winter is the time to get started.  Here are some of the things you should be doing.

Many more tips in my book, http://slowpitchbook.com.

100mph bats, including the Freak and the Syn 2, have been banned for one year now. 

How has that ban affected batters?

Check out my website for several articles on hitting, fielding, pitching, coaching, and managing adult slowpitch softball.

A look at the importance of good base coaching, with suggestions for base coaches.

For more tips on coaching, and also hitting, pitching, and fielding, see my website.

Part two of a series on hitting.

More articles about softball at http://slowpitchbook.com.

This time, Part One of a series on learning to become a better hitter.

Read more articles about softball on my website, http://slowpitchbook.com.

Are you sure you want to be a manager? 

Here's a look at two philosophies of managing, and why each of them hurt.  This is the first show in a sometimes series. 

For the complete lowdown on managing, check out my book: http://slowpitchbook.com

Five lists of pitching tips:

• Before you ever pitch a game
• Bbefore the game
• Before you throw your first pitch
• While the pitch is on its way
• When the ball is hit

Each of these topics are covered in more detail in a series of shows starting with program #047.

For more articles on slowpitch softball, see my website:  http://slowpitchbook.com.

More and more leagues are allowing pitchers to stand farther away from the plate than the "official" 50 feet.  Here's how that extra distance affects both pitcher and hitter.

Tips and tricks of slowpitch softball at http://slowpitchbook.com.

In this program, we compare baseball batting lineups to softball batting lineups, with some thoughts on on-base average vs. batting average.

For articles on sofball, visit http://slowpitchbook.com.

A couple of quick fielding tips for beginners, and a discussion of vintage softball bats.

For more softball articles, see my website http://slowpitchbook.com.