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Woodland Labor Day Tournament Sidewinders Information

Gentlemen,

I don’t want to have a big long meeting to go over all of this so please read this thoroughly. Our first game is noon Saturday and I do expect everyone to be there by 10:45 so we can go over signs and strategies, gear up, warm up and take infield. For the rest of the games, be there 1 hr early for the same reasons. I will set the lineup before I get to the field. If you are more than 15 minutes late I will assume you will not be ready and I will redo the lineup, there are many others chomping at the bit to take your place. I will bring a copy of this to the tournament and those who have not read it can read it during game one while the rest of us take the field.

I didn’t want to write a different email to each of you, so you will see specific questions for some of you below. Please get back to me as soon as you can so I can do my lineups and rotation.

I know most of us have been playing this game for 30 or 40 years and presumably have picked up a few things along the way. That being said, I don’t know what you all know. Please bear with me if I get too basic here or during the tournament.

Any of you who have played in tournaments know that they are tough. This one is made worse by the heat. We all want to play, that’s why we sign up. We have a major league size roster and only have 3 games to use it in. I will do my best to get everyone as much playing time and at bats as I can. We have 20 players and only guaranteed at most 81 outs. That is four outs per player. I will get everyone a chance to make four outs. Every at bat that does not result in an out will not count in your 4, sacrifices not withstanding. If you want more at bats, then get on base more. Whenever a player reaches base he gives another player a plate appearance and deserves another himself. The more plate appearances we get, the more base runners, runs and wins we’ll have. We will be using A/B batting, pinch hitting, batting order re-entry and pinch runners. You will all get a chance to contribute. In these tournaments we are playing, in general, a bunch of all star teams, farm boys and beef bags. Ours will be competitive, we have about 6 3rd or 4th place hitters, so don’t be surprised if you are in an unfamiliar batting slot or platooned.

The teams that survive do so because they have the pitching. We have pitching, but it is important to work the opposing pitchers as much as you can. Make them throw strikes and make them throw a lot. The more pitchers we can wear out the better our chances. On the other side, make the plays defensively. Every extra out we need to make adds pitches to our mans count. We want to have the last pitchers standing.

Below is the tournament schedule, a sample lineup card and our team roster. If there is any incorrect information in the roster let me know right away.

I will have starting defense posted and replacement players for each position. I want the starting D to go the first three. After that you can switch up however you like. Under certain circumstances I may call for the starting D to take the field to finish a close game. Those of you not in the lineup or on defense need to be ready to step up at all times.

Hotels:
I will be staying at the Econolodge, 53 West Main St. because I’m cheap and lazy. I stayed there before and it’s about $60 with a small pool, refer and internet. It is a few blocks from the central field where the barbeque is on Saturday night. There are a number of hotels in Davis or Woodland you can find on line. I got mine from woodland.com.


Schedule:
Saturday noon Poineer High School Varsity field (10 minutes) Go west on Beamer (1/10 mi.). Turn left on West Street (go 5/10 mi.). Turn left on Main Street (go 1.5 mi.). Turn Right on Pioneer.Take it till it ends; turn left for parking at high school.

Sunday 8:45 am Davis High School (18 minutes) Go west on Beamer (1/10 mi.). Turn left on West Street (go 5/10 mi.). Turn left on Main Street (go 1.3 mi.). Turn right on route113 to Davis (go 7.5 mi.). Get off at Covell Blvd. Exit. Turn left on Covell (go 8/10 mi.). Turn right on Oak (go 3/10 mi.). Turn left on 14th Street (go 1/10 mi.). Field and High School on left behind parking lot.
This should be our toughest team, champs 06 and semi finalists 07 (no info for 08)

Sunday 3:15 pm Winters Varsity (30 minutes) Go west on Beamer (go 1.1 mi.). Turn left on Rd. 98/Pedrick Rd (go 9.5 mi.). Turn Right on Russell Blvd. Russell changer to Grant Street for some stupid reason (go 16.5 mi.). Turn right on Hemenway Street (1/10 mi.). Field on Right.

Playoffs are 9 am Monday with championship games at 1 pm.

Tiebreakers:
Playoff tiebreakers are fewest runs allowed followed by most runs scored, so we need good defense and we will not let up on offense.

Philosophy:
Get along, have fun and grow as a team with the thought in mind to play together in future tournaments. The competition will be fierce, but we have the talent to win games and get into those extra playoff games. Taking the championship is the ultimate goal. We’re all here to have fun, but I’m sure you would agree that winning, playoffs and championships are the most fun. Almost everything in here is speculative so don’t be surprised if I throw it all out when play starts.

Uniforms:
We do not have extra Sidewinder uniforms. You are probably somewhat familiar with them. Jerseys and pants are gray, belts and sox black, sleeves and hats Cardinal red. Wear any uniform you like, preferably along these color lines. If you do not otherwise have some red, try to get a cardinal red hat, Stanford and Diamondbacks come to mind.

Everyone:
I need to know immediately if anyone will not be available for any days. Saturday, Sunday or Monday. This is most important for the pitchers and catchers. Sunday is our double header and I will need the biggest roster that day. Monday is playoffs and I expect to get there, but if we can’t field a team that day than this is little more than practice games. Let me know if you nursing any injuries that may hinder your speed or play. It is very important to stay hydrated in this tournament particularly, due to the heat. This will keep your energy up and reduce injuries, of which there are usually many.


Pitchers & Catchers:
I will be assigning a catcher to each pitcher, where possible, it will be a catcher you have worked with. Due to the heat and the fact that I expect to reach the playoffs, game 4 or 5 on Monday, I intend to use pitchers sparingly. Unless they are sailing, I’m thinking 4 to 6 innings at a shot. I will have a pitching (and catching) rotation posted, and the next battery on the list should be ready for the call. The goal is to have some arms left after the round robin. Don’t be surprised if starters and relievers are not batting, to preserve energy. Also, don’t expect to play much defense in other positions when you are not pitching. I may have some signs from the bench for pick offs and pitch outs.

Pitchers:
I need to know what kind of pitcher you are. Starter or reliever, how many innings you are accustom to throwing, can you throw a few innings, days or games in a row, can you throw on short rest or would you prefer to throw many innings in a row. You should all be ready to start or relieve, but I will try to use you as you are most comfortable.

Coaches:
The people I want to use as base coaches will also be posted. I do not want playing pitchers or catchers coaching. I do expect the coaches to know the signs and I will be giving you signs at times also. 1st base coaches need to get your base runners to look for signs immediately and continuously until the signs are given.

Signs:
We will go over these on game day also, but they will be our usual tourney signs, simple, with a few additions. Look for signs immediately when coming to bat, reaching base and before ALL pitches. The sign remains on until the pitch is thrown or the situation changes.
Indicator: Right hand to bill. Next touch is the sign.
Take: Pound fists together. Show bunt.
Bunt: Right hand to belt buckle.
Followed by right hand to right cheek bunt at 3rd, left cheek at 1st.
A bunt sign with no one on is a suggestion to bunt for a hit if you feel comfortable.
Steal: Right hand to right thigh. Show bunt and take unless there are 2 strikes.
Steal red light: Right hand wipes left arm.
Hit & run: Right hand across letters. Swing at anything unless it is ball 4.
Squeeze: Right hand to belt buckle followed by crossed arms. Batter must bunt and make contact.
Bunt sign only with man at 3rd is a safety squeeze , bunt for a hit if you like the pitch.
Acknowledgement: For squeeze only tap the barrel of your bat with your toe (kick)

Non Sidewinders:
Let me know your preferred defensive positions in order of proficiency.
Let me know the number you will be wearing if it is not listed or is listed inincorrectly.

Craig Bevan:
When can you be there? Sunday would be better than Saturday, Sunday and Monday would be great. I need to know as soon as you can get back to me since the entire rotation depends on when you are available.

Don Bradshaw:
Can you catch or play first or would you prefer to DH only.

Thanks so much for your attention, we have a good team and expect to go far. Let’s have fun and I will see you at the ballpark.

Jim Cullen