Raelene has all bases covered!

BENDIGO-based softball mentor Raelene Jeffrey has all bases covered through her involvement in every facet of the sport, from coaching complete beginners and rising stars to playing at international level.
The part-time Weeroona College teacher was in Toowoomba a couple of months ago, guiding Victoria’s next generation of elite players in her position as head coach of the state’s secondary schoolgirls’ team.
Jeffrey was leading the squad at the School Sport Australia 17-and-under Championships.
She said the main competition would come come from the strong softball states of New South Wales and Queensland, as well as last year’s winner, South Australia.
“Realistically, we probably looked at finishing fourth or fifth, given some of the other states’ schoolgirls teams I have seen or done some homework on,” Jeffrey said.
“But if we can come together and bat some runs in and be aggressive, you never know.”
This is the second elite coaching leadership role Jeffrey has had in the space of a month.
During the first week of the April school holidays, she was an assistant for Softball Victoria’s under-17 representative side at the postponed national titles in Melbourne.
The team had originally travelled to Brisbane for the carnival in January when the capital was hit by the torrential downpour that caused near-record flooding.
“All the states were up there ready to play when the rain came down,” Jeffrey said.
“We had to get evacuated from the city and the tournament ended up getting cancelled before a single match was played.”
Organisers were eventually able to reschedule the event to avoid disappointing the teenagers chosen to take part, and the Vics ended up in fifth place.
There are no local girls in either state team, largely due to the fact there has been no regular softball competition in Bendigo for many years.
But that is something Jeffrey hopes may be addressed through a new national skills program to be launched in coming months that she has helped pilot as part of her second job, with Softball Australia.
(Article sourced from Bendigo Advertiser website, written by Raelee Tuckerman)
Since this article was published, Raelene has been elected as a director on the board of management for Softball Victoria. We wish her the best of luck with this new responsibility.

Dont forget to check out our softball equipment, apparel & accessories at our website http://sportzofallsortz.com/softball.html. You'll hit a home run with great prices on quality equipment!

Could This Be The Latest Classic Golfing Rivalry Commencing??

Tiger v Phil? How about Rory v Jason.
Jason Day, 23, ticked off another of his ambitions by jumping into the top 10 in the world (he is No.9, US Open winner Rory McIlroy the new No.4) and hopes the two can battle it out for the top spot and majors for years to come.
"I'd love it if our rivalry was like the Tiger (Woods)/ Phil (Mickelson) one and I think that would be great for golf," Day said.
"We're good mates and it would be friendly, but people love those things. Hopefully Rory and I have many more years taking each other on down the stretch in big tournaments."
With wet conditions playing a part, Day's eight-under total on debut would have been good enough to win or tie every other US Open bar Woods' 15-shot victory at Pebble Beach in 2000.
The boy from Beaudesert in Queensland scrambled brilliantly after hitting only 48 per cent of fairways (just 39 per cent over the weekend), but played the last 45 holes without a blemish.
"I was thinking that maybe four under was going to win it. It's just phenomenal. He (McIlroy) lapped the field. And for such a young age, how mature he is," Day said.
Day said watching his mate win a major before him was a little gut-wrenching, but it also gave him more confidence in his own quest.
"It might take a little bit of time. I don't want to be too cocky because I know how hard it is to contend in majors, let alone win," he said.
"But I am confident I have the skills to do it."

We'll be backing Jason to make it happen, too!!!!!! His US Open performance could be just the start of something really big on the world golf scene. And a rivalry (friendly or otherwise) between two young guns would be great for the sport and great to sit back and watch.

Check out our great golf equipment page at http://sportzofallsortz.com/golf__soccer.html
You'll find great value on clubs, balls, apparel & accessories from some of the worlds leading golf suppliers & manufacturers. Score yourself a Hole In One!!!!!!

Slow Pitch Vs Fast pitch - What's The Difference?

 
When most people hear the word softball, they think of the company team, high arcing pitches, and nights under the lights, ending in beer. While softball has been a popular adult recreational sport and is estimated that some 40-50 million people will take part in at least one softball game this summer, softball is a serious sport for young girls and women. First some background history. Softball was originally invented as an indoor game to be played during the winter months in the north in the late 1800's. In 1895, the first women's team was formed in Chicago, at the same time the sport was reinvented, taken outdoors and called "kitten ball". The game was similar to baseball, but played on smaller fields with balls that did not travel as far.  It changed names several teams, and underwent just as many rule changes. Rules were standardized in 1926 and the name changed to Softball. Men and women demonstrated the sport at the Chicago World's Fair of 1933, drawing large crowds. Also in 1933 the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) was founded to standardize the rules and govern the sport; it is still the governing body for softball in the United States.

Softball grew primarily because baseball had became popular to watch. Softball was a way for men to continue playing a form of  baseball. It followed most of baseball rules, but with a "softer" ball, a player did not need to fear being hit by a pitch. The ball was easier to hit, but did not travel as far or as hard, therefore easier to field, too. Leagues sprung up everywhere.

Then women got into the act. For most women, they had no baseball opportunities. Softball closely imitated baseball, or as close as most women would get. So softball, with the bigger ball that is easier to hit, and not bone breaking in its delivery, was deemed an acceptable sport for girls. But playing this slower game wasn't enough for some women. They wanted more action. And fast pitch was born. Elite fast pitch competitions became popular with the first Women's World Championship in 1965. Women's fast pitch softball was selected to debut as an Olympic event at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA, in 1996.

It used to be that most girls didn't get a taste of fast pitch until high school. And those good enough went on to play it in college. But in the recent past, fast pitch leagues and clubs for girls have proliferated. Now a young girl can join a fast pitch team at a young age. So if you, or your daughter are thinking of trying out fast pitch, here is what you need to know about comparing the two.

Fast pitch is closer to baseball. The pitch, although still delivered in an underhand delivery, comes much faster. Slow pitch is pitched slower, with a higher arc. Fast pitch is delivered, usually in a windmill type wind-up for more power, and the pitch comes in at a  much smaller arc. The mound is usually closer in fast pitch, too, making the reaction time to seeing the pitch much shorter. Because the pitch comes faster, it is much harder to get a hit. Strike outs are hardly heard of in slow pitch, and much more prevalent in fast pitch. Fast pitch also has many more double plays, as it is hard to hit a good solid hit out of the outfield.

One of the biggest differences between fast and slow is that in fast pitch, you can lead off and steal bases, and  players in fast pitch can score on passed balls. Slow pitch runners must stay on their base until the ball is hit. This makes the game closer in strategy to baseball. In slow pitch, there is absolutely no stealing, and you are not allowed to leave the bag until the ball is hit by the batter, making for a slower game. With stealing allowed in fast pitch, speed is just as important as power. A smaller player with speed can effectively make it to second base by legging out a bunt, then stealing second, instead of hitting for the fences and getting a double with one swing.

In fast pitch, as mentioned, bunting is allowed. In fact, most of the hits you will see in fast pitch is drag bunts and slap singles. That is, a fast running player will drag the bat, make contact with the ball and push it just far enough away from the catcher but not far enough for the pitcher to get to it quickly, as the batter runs safely to first. Because the ball is coming faster in fast pitch, a good hit is a line drive over the infield's head, but drops before reaching the outfielders. Then the fun begins, with managers using baseball like strategies to steal bases, pitchers trying to pick off runners and umpires watching for balks. In slow pitch, most hitters try to make contact with the ball as hard as they can and run as far as they can before the action must stop.

Two more similar baseball rules that fast pitch follows and slow pitch does not have, is the designated hitter and the pinch runner. In fast pitch, a player who is a weak hitter can have someone bat for her. In slow pitch, if you field, you hit. Fast pitch can further utilize baseball strategies by substituting a slower running player with a faster one, although some slow pitch leagues will let you do that, as well.

Some other fundamental differences between the two games are there are nine players on defense in a fast pitch game, again the same as baseball, but ten in a slow pitch game. The extra fielder usually plays in the outfield, as it is easier to hit the ball out of the infield, or they can be a "rover" between second and shortstop. Some slow pitch leagues even let an 11^th batter hit but does not have to be in the field.

Gear is also a little bit different. In slow pitch, they usually give the catcher a mask, maybe a chest protector. In fast pitch, the catcher is decked out in full catcher's gear, mask, chest protector, shin guards, big glove, the obvious reason that the ball is being pitched a lot faster. Cleats for both are the same, molded plastic, except at the college level, fast pitch uses metal spikes. Gloves and bats are usually the same, although some fast pitch players like the "bottle" bats, that is bats with wider sweet spots. Slow pitch uses bats with smaller sweet spots. Because speed is so important in the fast pitch game, some fast pitch players try to keep their uniform and protective pads to a minimum. Players in both sports will wear sliding pads on their hips or on their knees. Some fast pitch players choose a knee pad that just barely covers their knees so they can run faster.

Slow pitch is a fun, recreational and social, outlet. But if you like faster action in your game, and some say the fast pitch game is even faster than baseball, then check out fast pitch.

Check out our selection of softball books & DVDs at http://sportzofallsortz.com/softball.html

Fastpitch TV! - Must See TV for players & coaches!

Are you a fan of fastpitch softball? Wanna find out more about all the secrets of the game from some of the best players and coaches in the world?

This is a great site for players and coaches of all ages & abilities. You'll find heaps of video clips of skill demonstrations, interviews, training drills etc. You can also tune in to the fastpitch TV radio show. Subscribe to the fastpitch TV show, check out their online store, read the equipment reviews and much more.

Here's a example of the show for you to check out!



You can find the Fastpitch TV show at http://fastpitch.tv/. If you're a fastpitch softball player or coach, we highly recommend you check out their site where you'll find over 150 previous episodes of the show. It's "MUST SEE TV" for all softball players, coaches and fans!!!

CHECK IT OUT!!!

You can also check out our softball equipment, apparel & accessories at our website http://sportzofallsortz.com/softball.html

Sports Team Mascots - The Fan Favorites!!

There have been mascots associated with sporting teams for a long time - the first college mascot was an English bulldog named "Handsome Dan" who was adopted as the Yale University mascot in 1889.

A mascot is defined as any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck. Mascots have been used by many sporting teams in the form of a costumed person at matches to rev up the supporters. In more recent times, the mascots have an additional purpose and are used for merchandising too.

Professional athletes usually need to keep themselves in great shape - unless they're one of those fatso relief pitchers or a sumo wrestler - that's what they get paid the big bucks for. The same is true for professional mascots - except they don't get paid as much. Still, their job is a real workout. It's not that easy wearing a 20 pound bird or cat costume when it's boiling hot outside, especially if they're dancing around or getting beat up by a player from the visiting team.

Teams have had mascots almost as long as sports have been around. Years and years ago, some teams even used to have real animals, like lions or bears, as their mascots. That ended because too many fans were getting eaten - and it's a lot cheaper to feed a guy in a bear suit than an actual bear. Now, most teams in sports have a mascot of some kind. This list of big, goofy looking characters includes the Famous Chicken who you see at San Diego Padres games, Go the Gorilla from the Phoenix Suns and Hugo the Hornet of the New Orleans Hornets.



Being a sports mascot isn't all fun and games. While it can be a blast to entertain large crowds and dress up, being a mascot can also be physically demanding and sometimes quite dangerous. Wild Wing, the mascot for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, was attempting to jump off a trampoline and over a wall of fire before the start of a hockey game in 1995 - but his skate got stuck in the trampoline and poor Wild Wing caught on fire! Other mascots have been punched by visiting players and Baltimore's Oriole Bird was once pushed off an outfield wall by a fan and broke his ankle!

 Team mascots are all part of the fun experience for fans at the game. Most pro sporting teams have a mascot. The mascot is an important part of the teams promotion and sometimes it's the mascot who does most of the promotional work, not the players!

Does your team have a mascot? If you do, why not post a picture of your team mascot in the comments section?

For more "Fan Stuff", why not visit our sports apparel page http://sportzofallsortz.com/sports_apparel.html
where you can find a great selection of the finest sports team fan apparel. Show your support for your favorite team with quality Fan Apparel!!

A Victory with Harry? Simply Awesome!!!

A-League club Melbourne Victory have confirmed they are in talks with Australian international Harry Kewell.
The former Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray winger has been linked with a return to his homeland for a few months now but most of it did seem like it was all speculation.
However, Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro has revealed that the two-time A-League champions are in negotiations with the 32-year old attacker.
"Harry Kewell is an iconic sports figure in Australia, not just in football. It would be great for the A-League. We would love Harry to come back to Australia," he said.
"This is the first time we've admitted to negotiating with a player. That in itself tells you of the significance of the signing like Harry Kewell.
"We're not in a position to say that it is any closer or now. We're in the mix with everybody else. We'd love him to have a Melbourne Victory guernsey on, but we'll wait and see."
And new Victory head coach Mehmat Durakovic, who was appointed a week ago, admitted that the prospect of Kewell coming to Melbourne was very tantalising.
"I'm very happy with Harry Kewell coming to Melbourne Victory. Who wouldn't want to have him," the new coach said.
"I personally and a few of the coaching staff know him quite well. He's a fantastic player and it would be fantastic for Melbourne Victory to have him on board. Whether that happens only time will tell." (http://www.tribalfootball.com/)

I'm not a huge soccer fan, but living in Melbourne, the Melbourne Victory is the most successful of our two A League soccer teams (Sorry Melbourne Heart!). Have never been to an A League game before but if Harry Kewell was to play for the Victory, I'd go watch them, just to see the great man in action!!!!! Imagine the number of Kewell jerseys the Victory would sell! If Harry Kewell was to play, this would be the major shot in the arm the A League needs in this country. A legitimate superstar returning home to play in his country's premier soccer league with its premier club!
Let's hope the Victory can pull this one off!!!!

Visit our soccer page by clicking on the link http://sportzofallsortz.com/golf__soccer.html

What do you think of our site, Harry??
(Just kidding, we didnt really ask him!)

The Ultimate Goalkeeper!!!!

Council workers in Northern England have brought a new meaning to "setting up the wall" in soccer!!! I thought the players set up the wall to defend against free kicks. This "wall" looks like it's set up to defend against scoring!!!!! Anything!!! Ever!!! The Ultimate Goalie!!!!

It seems that the fence, costing almost $10,000 was erected by the local council in the suburb of Heworth but the council workers neglected to relocate the soccer goals!!!! Brain surgeons!!!!!! Hahahahaha!
A representative for the council said the failure to relocate the goal posts was "a real own goal" and said he had asked for the issue to be rectified as soon as possible and apologised for the error!!!!!

We dont have any "walls" available but we do have a huge selection of other great, quality soccer gear. You can find what you're looking for by visiting our soccer gear page. http://sportzofallsortz.com/golf__soccer.html

Say It Aint So, Joe!

Eliot Asinof's detailed book Eight Men Out illustrates how the system of American sports collapsed in 1919, the year the Chicago White Sox threw the World Series. Filmmaker John Sayles worked on his script years before the 1988 film (or before he had the rights to make the film) as a labor of love. Sayles's adaptation proves one can make a historically accurate film in the day and age of artistic license. And what a story. Although many know about the "Black Sox," made famous--again--in the 1989 hit film Field of Dreams, the details of the saga are far less known. The center of Dreams, Shoeless Joe Jackson (portrayed correctly by D.B. Sweeney as illiterate and left-handed in Eight), is not the core of this film; it's ace pitcher Eddie Cicotte (Sayles favorite David Strathairn), who took the money, and third baseman Buck Weaver (John Cusack), who did not. The film fits nicely into Sayles's (Lone Star) strong suit: the ensemble drama. We are introduced to bickering owners, famous crooks, high-minded judges, lowlife gangsters, investigative reporters (played by Studs Terkel and Sayles himself), and, most of all, players who are at the breaking point when it comes to low salaries and degrading rewards. While some may feel the film is not as visceral as it should be, there is a great amount of sadness when watching finely tuned athletes telling their bodies to play poorly--heartbreak on the nation's diamond. Beautifully detailed (like Sayles's previous labor-drama, Matewan), Eight Men Out gives us powerful lessons in which everyone lost: players, gamblers, and especially the fans who love the game. --Doug Thomas

Product Description

John Cusack (Con Air) and Charlie Sheen (Major League) lead a "superb ensemble of actors" (Newsweek) delivering "striking performances" (The New York Times) in this "mesmerizing story" (Los Angeles Times) about the infamous 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal, certainly one of the saddest chapters in the annals of professional sports. Buck Weaver (Cusack) and Hap Felsch (Sheen) are young idealistic players with the Chicago White Sox, a pennant-winning team owned by Charles Comiskey. A penny-pinching, hands-on team owner who underpays his players and treats them with disdain. And when gamblers and hustlers discover that Comiskey's demoralized players are ripe for a money-making scheme, one by one the team members agree to throw the World Series. But when the White Sox are defeated, a couple of sports writers smell a fix and a national scandal explodes, ripping the cover off America's favorite pastime.

(Description from Amazon.com Website)

Just finished watching this fascinating film portraying a scandalous chapter in American Pro Sports. If you like sports history and drama, this movie is certainly for you! Grab yourself a copy now!

We have plenty more great sports movies available on our website http://sportzofallsortz.com/ . Family sports movies & real life sports drama. Something for all sports lovers! Check Them Out!!!!

GET ON THE BUS!!!!!!!

Only One Week To Go!!!!!!!!

Watch Out Sydney! Here we come!!!!

WE'RE ON THE BUS!!!!!!

Sportz of all Sortz.com wishes the SEMR U19 team the best of luck at the 2011 International Youth Cup in Sydney 4th - 8th July
http://sportzofallsortz.com/

Lucas Neill - Hero or Bad Guy?????

Can you believe the stuff flying around at the moment about how Lucas Neill has been accused of leading a player revolt against the game plan of then Head Coach, Pim Verbeek prior to Australia's first World Cup game against Germany last year??
For a start, what sort of game plan is going out only trying to draw a game?? That's not the Australian way!! Where were all the strikers in the starting lineup? All sitting on the bench getting splinters in their butts! So who is supposed to score the goals?? I'm not a huge soccer fan and dont follow the strategies of the game much but arent the strikers supposed to be your main goalscorers?
Pim Verbeek seemed to come across as if he didnt have any respect for Australian soccer. Wasnt this a bloke who had announced he was moving on prior to the tournament taking place? Mmmm, dont know if this is common in world soccer but can you be giving it your best when your mind is on other things? Like starting your new job?
The players are professionals who play to win, regardless of the prize. For Australian soccer players, after so many years in the wilderness as a soccer playing nation, have proved that they can take on the worlds best and be very competitive. You're not always going to win in every sporting contest but at least give yourself the best opportunity to win. As a supporter, I dont want to see my team playing for a draw. I want them to do all they can to win. If they lose having given it their best shot, then I can accept that....dont like it but can accept it!

I would be hoping that the Australian captain would think the same way. Lucas Neill has always come across to me a very positive, motivated person who wants the best result possible for his team from every game. Especially when playing for his country! If what has been alleged did happen, then good on you, Lucas, for standing up for your principles. We would hope it didnt happen and that Les Murray is just trying to drum up publicity for his book! You surely could have come up with a better way of garnering publicity for you book, Les, rather than accusing the Australian captain of instigating a player revolt! Hope your sources are impeccable!! This has the potential to cause major damage to the progression of your sport in this country especially amongst those of us who arent fullon soccer fans.

Looking for soccer gear? Boots, apparel, fan jerseys?
Visit our Soccer equipment & apparel page. http://sportzofallsortz.com/golf__soccer.html

A taste of some of the things you can find at our website Sportz Of All Sortz.com!

We have a huge selection of items available for you to purchase on our website.
We have softball, soccer, golf, fishing & camping gear! Fan & sporting apparel & footwear, accessories for all our sports, books & DVDs and many other great products from some of the finest sports suppliers the internet has to offer.
Please take the time to visit our website http://sportzofallsortz.com/
Here's a small taste of some of the items we have available.

We have heaps more for you to choose from. We're sure you'll find exactly what you're looking for! Happy shopping!!!!

Have you ever thought about a Fly Fishing Adventure in the great outdoors?

Do you have a sense of Aussie spirit and Adventure?

Do you have an unfulfilled desire to visit iconic Australian bush settings and catch WILD trout? At Southern Fly Fishing Adventures, experienced Fishing Guides (Graham & Dave) will give great information on Fly Fishing gear, knots, stream – craft, general “how to” and special tips on Fly Fishing including important environmental issues. Let Southern Fly Fishing Adventures transport you & your best mates to idyllic streams in some of Southern Australia’s best Fly Fishing locations. They’ll take you to crystal clear streams, stunning settings and offer great Aussie food. You will be fed great tucker (cooked fresh for you) and you can relax with a few ales – if you so desire. They set up/down all campsites and do all the hard-work for you. Southern Fly Fishing Adventures can take you on an Adventure to remember!!

They have a fantastic facility base in Bright which compliments their already marvellous Gippsland area Adventures. They also offer Adventures to other locations including; Tasmania* and New South Wales.
Southern Fly Fishing Adventures offer comfortable 4WD transport to and from locations, food and non-alcoholic beverages and can supply ALL fishing equipment as required: waders, vests, fly rods, reels, flies & Polaroid sunglasses. And if the Adventure goes overnight, they can supply swags and tents.
As a valued client Southern Fly Fishing Adventures can provide all unlicensed anglers with a complimentary 12 month Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence on confirmation of the (minimum) booking for the 4 hour (Red Tag Adventure).

Southern Fly Fishing Adventures can offer you the opportunity to stay at their 3 Star self contained 3 bedroom unit. With sleeping capacity for up to 6 adults, this location can really kick start your Fly Fishing Adventure or your Skiing or Bush Walking Adventure – or simply relax at this stunning location……. (views to snow capped Mountains included free of charge during the winter months!).
With Mt. Hotham within 40 mins, Falls Creek (via Mt Beauty) 1 hr and Mt Buffalo 35 mins this location is simply brilliant. All these locations (and many more) are gorgeous at anytime of the year!!!!
The unit has Digital T.V,  Queen bed, Double bed and 2 bunk beds with Shower over bath.
MOST importantly and for the cooler months the unit has an extremely efficient and toasty warm Coonara wood heater.
There is also an upright oven, microwave facilities and includes all crockery, utensils and food prep items.
And for those staying for longer there is also seperate laundry facilities.

Southern Fly Fishing Adventures have 4 exciting Fly Fishing packages to suit you:

The STIMULATOR: Fast becoming the number 1 package with 2 hours on the water to ‘whet the appetite’ an ideal Adventure for those with time restrictions. $195.00 Single $175.00 Double $150.00 Triple.
The RED TAG: The most popular Adventure with 4 hours on the water and our variant of the day trip. With 2 streams and a stream side lunch and refreshments included this is a great value for money package. $395.00 Single $375.00 Double $350.00 Triple.
The KNOBBY HOPPER: In a word – challenging! An overnight Adventure with camping or accomodation (as negotiated). With 8 hours on the water to further enhance & develop skills learnt. Meals cooked fresh and refreshments/as negotiated included. $595.00 Single $575.00 Double $550.00 Triple.
The ROYAL HUMPY: This could be your Company’s “Team Builder” with 12 hours of Fly Fishing at different streams (as agreed). This is a super challenging Fly Fishing Adventure. Freshly cooked meals and camping or accomodation (as negotiated). This is strictly limited to 8 people over a minimum of 2-3 days (as agreed). Price on application.
All packages offer all equipment, streamcraft, casting lessons as required and comfortable 4WD transport. Refreshments and meals included as indicated or as agreed. Good humour is also included at no extra cost!! (Information taken from the Southern Fly Fishing Adventures website)

You can find the link to Southern Fly Fishing Adventures on our fishing & camping page
http://sportzofallsortz.com/fishing_camping.html
You'll also find links to a huge selection of fishing gear & accessories. All you'll need for that fishing adventure in the great outdoors!
Tell Graham that Sportz Of All Sortz.com sent you!!!!!!!!!

Can Rory McIlroy become the next Tiger Woods??

How good was Rory McIlroy last week at the US Golf Open? An amazing feat for a 22 year old to win one of the most prestigeous golf tournaments in the world against the best players in the world. And by a clear 8 shots at that! Surely only Tiger has ever come close to replicating that sort of result! It was an awesome result when you consider how he had a nightmare final round of the Masters just a month or so ago.

I'm not a huge golf fan but McIlroy's achievement has to be applauded!!!
You have to feel sorry for Jason Day! The Aussie has had a great tournament, shooting 8 under par yet finishing in 2nd place, 8 shots behind!!!! Unreal!!! Bet the prize money comes in handy, though!!!

If you're right into your golf, you can check out the golf page at our website http://sportzofallsortz.com/golf__soccer.html We've got heaps of golf clubs, golf balls & accessories to choose from some of the best suppliers in the world. Check "Em Out!!

Congratulations to Marina & Jess on their Australian U19 Team selection!!

Jess Bahn                 Marina Walker

Sportz of all Sortz.com would like to congratulate Marina Walker & Jessica Bahn on their recent selection, along with fellow Victorian, Tayla Supple, in the Australian U19 Womens Softball Team, "Aussie Pride" to compete in the World U19 Fastpitch Championships in Cape Town, South Africa later this year.

Both Marina & Jess are members of the Glen Eira Moorabbin Softball Association in Victoria, Australia which is part of the South East Metro Region (SEMR) competition. Marina is a dynamic middle infielder and Jess is an classy outfielder.

The girls have been working very hard over the past couple of years as the selection process has gone on. Training nearly every day as well as completing their studies has been a very difficult juggling act for both girls but they have managed to achieve their sporting & educational goals whilst still playing weekly club ball, representing their association at State Championships and both girls have been constant representatives over the past couple of years at National level for Victoria at both U19 & Open Womens level.

Both Marina & Jess are very fine role models for the younger players at Glen Eira Moorabbin Softball Association and we here at Sportz of all Sortz.com are very proud to have been associated with Marina & Jess through our involvement with Glen Eira Moorabbin over a number of years.

Not only are Marina & Jess very talented softballers, they are both fantastic young ladies!

Congratulations once again Marina & Jess!!
We are very proud of you both!!
Best of luck in Sth Africa!! We know you will do well as you reach for your dream!!

Here's hoping you will bring back the GOLD!!!!!!!

Softball Batter Up Has Arrived!!!!!

Softball Batter Up

Softball Batter Up is Softball Australia's official introductory program aimed at children and youth between the ages of 4 and 12 years of age. The program introduces participants to the fundamental skills of Softball through a variety of modified games and activities designed to develop physical fitness, social skills and an understanding of Softball.

The Batter Up program offers both boys and girls the opportunity to learn lots of new Softball skills such as batting, throwing, catching and pitching, as well as social skills allowing them to make new friends but most importantly have FUN!!

Features of Softball Batter Up

• Encourages fun and social interaction
• Anyone and everyone can participate
• Provides children and youth with a safe and enjoyable introduction to the skills and game principles of the game of Softball
• Allows young players to be introduced to physical and skill practices at a page appropriate to their stage of growth, maturation and development
• Promotes healthy and active lifestyles
• Sportsmanship and fair play are positively rewarded with little focus on competition
• At all times safety is a paramount consideration. All components of Softball Batter Up have been specifically designed to provide a safe environment for all participants
• Softball Batter Up games provide the basic skills and understanding of game play through modified games including Blast Ball, Diamond Ball, Tee Ball, Coach Pitch and Fast Pitch
• The inclusive nature of the program provides all participants with the opportunity to reach their full potential in a fun, safe and supportive environment

Program Structure

Softball Batter Up is a 6 to 8 session program offered over 4 different levels (bases) to cater for children of varying ages and abilities. The program is offered in 2 different formats; a Club Program and a Schools Module. Clubs may choose to conduct 1 or both formats depending upon their individual needs.

Both formats can be conducted over a 6 to 8 week period or condensed into a smaller number of sessions to be run in the pre-season, as a school holiday program on weekends or at any time during the year. One of the key features of Softball Batter Up is its flexibility in terms of when and how it can be delivered.

[Back to top]

The programs 4 modified base stages of Softball (1^st Base, 2^nd Base, 3^rd Base and Home Run) provide an appropriate learning environment for a range of ages and abilities helping maximise enjoyment and encourage a child’s lifelong participation in the sport. The School Module, in conjunction with the ASC's AASCP is an entry level program which provides clubs and associations with the opportunity to introduce children to the excitement of Softball and provides a direct link for transition between schools and clubs in the local area.

1^st Base
As the 1st introduction to the game, 1st Base encourages children to explore the basic skills needed to participate in the modified games of Softball. Skills of throwing, catching, running, batting and fielding are introduced through games and activities where the emphasis is on ensuring maximal participation and enjoyment. Blast Ball, the 1st of 5 modified games teaches the basic fundamentals of Softball and is also a ton of fun with fast, continuous action and simple, easy to follow rules.

2^nd  Base
2nd Base continues the theme of participation and enjoyment. Most importantly it introduces the young player to the challenges of Softball participation. Participants are provided with enjoyable opportunities for the development of positive social skills and a wide range of physical skills that can be then applied to the sport. Games such as Tee Ball and Coach Pitch combine a variety of mechanical, physical, coordination and mental skills in a team atmosphere and help develop an understanding of the game.

3^rd Base
3rd base builds upon skills learnt during 1^st and 2^nd base. Glove use and base running techniques are taught while the new challenge of hitting a pitched or moving ball is introduced. Coach pitch provides a pathway from Tee Ball to Fast Track Softball where the batting team’s own coach is the pitcher allowing children to refine hand-eye coordination whilst in a fun, competitive and safe environment.

Home Run
Home Run is the stepping-stone to the full game and takes into account general adolescent development as well as individual differences in ability and interest. The skills of pitching and catching a pitched ball are introduced with a greater emphasis on game play. Fast Track Softball is introduced and applies all the skills learned in modified games and provides the final link to regular Softball competition. In Fast Track Softball the fielding team’s pitcher now pitches to the opposition batters.

Schools Module
The Softball Batter Up Schools Module (like the ASC's AASCP) is an entry level program which provides clubs and associations with the opportunity to introduce children to the excitement of Softball within their school environment. The program aims to introduce children to the fundamental skills of throwing, catching, fielding, running and hitting and through specific strategies acts as a vehicle to recruit and transition children, families and coaches into club sport.

For further information on Softball Batter Up programs and to find programs near you, please go to the official Softball Batter Up website http://www.softballbatterup.com.au/

Hit a Home Run with Softball Batter Up!!

What's your favorite Softball Bat?

There are so many brands & models of softball bats available that sometimes it's hard to choose the right one for you. Some brands are really popular and everyone has to have them but are they the right bat for those players to be using? It's interesting to see players using expensive, high quality bats but their batting technique leaves a lot to be desired.....and lots of work to rectify!
Some young players have told us that they use certain bats because some elite player uses them so the bat must be a good one. It's not going to help them much if their swing is ordinary! The most expensive bat is not always the most suitable! It has to be the right length & weight to suit your abilities. Choose your bat carefully and get the right advice from your coaches and the bat suppliers. Dont let them talk you into something that's not suitable just because they want to move stock! You'll be much more successful in the batters box with the bat that suits YOU best!
Find out more about the different bats available by visiting the "Review Softball Bats.com" link on the softball page of our website http://sportzofallsortz.com/softball.html
There you'll find reviews of over 50 fastpitch bats of all brands & models. You can even leave a review of the bat you've been using up till now.

Welcome to our Blog!!!

Welcome to the blog for our website http://sportzofallsortz.com/
We specialise in softball gear, sports & fan apparel, soccer & golf equipment, fishing & camping gear & accessories. You can find everything on our website you will need, regardless of whether you're just beginning your sporting career or you're an elite player.

Here on our blog we'd like your comments on our site & your comments and recommendations on sporting equipment you may have used previously for all our different sports. What do you like about your bat or glove?? How is your team performing? Tell us about your team's latest winning streak! Did you score the winning goal or hit a home run?

We will also put up links to our partners sites, particularly when they're having sales and special offers.

Please feel free to join in any ongoing discussions with your comments or start a new topic with your thoughts.

We're looking forward to hearing from our fellow sportspeople of all ages!

Whilst we're just getting started, please check out our website for a large selection of some of the best quality & value sports equipment from world renowned suppliers & manufacturers!

The Sportz Of All Sortz Gang!