co-ed
- Thread starter bigdog9
- Start date
east bay j
The Polish Hammer
Some leagues out here in Northern California do this. The woman's 11" ball is usually a bit more lively (i.e. 44/375 or 47/375) while the men's 12" softball is generally a 52/300 (some leagues still use the 44/375)
huntaholic21
Addicted to Softballfans
Common practice out west.
Dogue
Evil Genius
It happens here but I'm seeing it less now. Personally I hate fielding the small ball because I keep forgetting about it and my brain can't figure out why my hand is over-gripping the ball. It's also a bit of a learning curve for the pitcher; adjusting to the different size and switching balls every batter.
etnstudios
Addicted to Softballfans
normal everywhere i've played. when i play, i always warm up with the small ball. i find it much easier to adjust to the larger than the smaller and first throw is always wild with the small otherwise
MPT23
Putting on the foil
Not even you ?
Dogue
Evil Genius
You must cancel your Softballfans Forum membership immediately. You've been here long enough to know that everyone on here hits 450'+ bombs using wiffleball bats and mushy Walmart balls.As hard as I can hit it is probably 20 feet from the fence.
fitzpats
AKA - The Anti Ringer
Depends on if you're looking for a tournament or in league. I know most of the leagues around GR use a 12" ball only. Check with your LD or TD to make sure you don't buy 11" ball for nothing.
MPT23
Putting on the foil
Correction, we all go 500 + at will
Dan411
Star Player
Same thing here in Missouri. Sometimes pitchers will have some trouble making the transition to a smaller ball. I actually like throwing the smaller ball from the outfield. There has been talk of the smaller ball changing to 52/300 next season. Anybody else hear that too?
Hiltz
Built for comfort
We all hit 12" .52's, guys and girls. And there are no restrictions on where fielders can position themselves, ie. no coed line in the outfield. The better female batters are lucky to hit .300.
That's been talked about since the .52 was first released, but when trialed in fastpitch games, they made the game ridiculous. Since the .52 is bouncier and you're allowed to chop/swing down in fastpitch, girls were pounding the ball at the ground and bouncing it over the infielders' heads. That's why ASA fastpitch stuck with .44/375 and 2004 stamp bats.
That's been talked about since the .52 was first released, but when trialed in fastpitch games, they made the game ridiculous. Since the .52 is bouncier and you're allowed to chop/swing down in fastpitch, girls were pounding the ball at the ground and bouncing it over the infielders' heads. That's why ASA fastpitch stuck with .44/375 and 2004 stamp bats.
lx_2nv
Coach
I actually have a harder time pitching to girls because of the smaller ball...and I have had more wild throws from 3rd to 1st lol.
BLACK DEATH
RED DEATH now
Same in Texas.
jeffro1265
Member
We use the small one for girls here in ohio. I once threw it over the backstop from centerfield trying to make a play at the plate. . So embarrassing.
MPT23
Putting on the foil
Yes, I heard this too. Think it was in the umpire section, may have been NCASAump. Don't specifically remember from though
huntaholic21
Addicted to Softballfans
I play a lot of 7-3 coed, we have a 200 foot rule for girls. Hard to enforce, but it keeps honest folks honest. When I play on teams with out that rule I'm always surprised by the balls that I think would drop in front, that wind up getting caught. It really levels the playing field. When you can squeeze down on them, the gaps are non existent, I can see how it would be very discouraging/frustrating.
A Salt Weapon
Starting Player
You're not alone....I've been given crap about it for two years now
hitsone
Well-Known Member
As an umpire I have seen many different leagues trying many different ways to bring some equality to the ladies in co-ed.
I've seen ladies bunting, Lady encroachment lines up to 200' Males having single walls, Ladies swinging senior bats, double walks to women, extra foul balls, yes, different size balls, even no outfield throws to 1st on a female batter.
I found the 2 different size balls to be the easiest to ump and the best way for some ladies to show some power.
Always fun to hear people yelling "chick burn" when someone gets domed by a lady
I've seen ladies bunting, Lady encroachment lines up to 200' Males having single walls, Ladies swinging senior bats, double walks to women, extra foul balls, yes, different size balls, even no outfield throws to 1st on a female batter.
I found the 2 different size balls to be the easiest to ump and the best way for some ladies to show some power.
Always fun to hear people yelling "chick burn" when someone gets domed by a lady
TomicSquad13
Addicted to Softballfans
Around me leagues are all big ball and tourneys are usually big ball - small ball with the small ball be a 44/375.
