| I.S.C. Graydon's Grumblings |
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I Guess the Game Has to Sell Itself
There aren't any arrest reports linked with its players.
Like, let's say the NFL's Lawrence Phillips.
No one is getting sued.
Which is the case with the NBA's Dennis Rodman.
No one is airing its dirty laundry in the press.
There is no finger pointing.
And no one is giving their the Mile High Salute a new and different version.
And yet the softball is born with an adventurous spirit and the willfulness of a headstrong child. That cowhide ball has a mind of its own. It oftentimes will do whatever it wishes, on a whim, especially in the major men's open fastpitch tournaments.
It is designed to be pitched, hit, fielded, and struck.
But yet what is missing here is the fact that white ball wants to be promoted.
Promoted in the right way.
The National Basketball Association has the best promoting machine in sports. But a lot of people have grown tired of its act. And that comes at an alarming rate.
Some purists are what frankly tired of the way the game is played. It's become like a big-time wrestling act. There is hardy any finesse with the game.
And quite frankly, you can't be a hero in the NBA without a corporate sponsor.
That's a different world than fastpitch softball.
You can lay blame on everyone in fastpitch softball for the way its promoted. Each team has its own way. And some teams don't have a clue.
That's right not a clue.
The Farm Tavern's sponsor and coach Rod Peterson put it this way recently, "You know, every team in fastpitch softball can complain about the coverage that Miller Toyota is getting. But not every team has seen the light like Larry Miller and sent a person with them to promote the team.
"You, not only promote Miller Toyota, but you promote the game. We should all do the same. If we're not getting you the news on our teams, then shame on us. I'll admit that I'm guilty, too."
Peterson's words were quite flattering.
And don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to promote myself. I'm more concerned with this great game.
He also added, "That ISC website is the best step we have taken in years to help promote this game. We're finally looking at the game's future. And that really concerns me. I would hate for such a great game to unravel."
Now it begins.
Like, Peterson, says, "We've got to look towards the future of the game."
And this is coming from a person who has been in the game for 32 years. A very respected person. A person who has been inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame (1995).
And Peterson is right.
Now it begins.
With an eye towards Kimberly, Wis., and the ISC Commissioner's Board Meetings, Aug. 14-21., I would suggest that each team contribute to the ISC Website, not only with news, but funds, too.
The ISC should take advantage of its own website.
With the new funds, each team could have a page of its own, with a link back to its own businesses. It's obvious. The team would not only be selling itself, but the sponsor's businesses, too.
That would mean The Farm Tavern, Page Brake, Decatur Pride, Broken Bow Travelers, etc., would have its own page for scheduling, keeping their records, and statistics up to date. And yet, the website would link back to the team's sponsor's own businesses.
It's a step up to the 21st century.
We, in fastpitch softball, are living in a press and media vaccum. We aren't getting the news out on our own product.
We blame the press and media. But most of the time, we should be the ones looking into the mirror, and asking ourselves, what can we do to promote this great game?
Two new writers from the Salt Lake Tribune, and Deseret News came out to cover the Pioneer Days Tournament recently. And both came away impressed with the game.
The game will sell itself once we get a new breed out to see the games. It's all about speed. And action. That's a 90s thing. It's a cheap family outing.
Now it begins.
Most of us grew up with the game. We didn't need the education that our youth do in the game and its attractions.
We have to not only promote the game, but its players, too. Let the people know about the legends, like Peter Meredith, Darrin Zack, Jody Hennigar, Paul Algar, Colin Abbot, etc.
That's the 90s thing to do.
The NBA always promotes its individuals, like Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, etc. It's nothing new. And they always are putting players against each other in matchups. Like, "Watch Michael's Bulls take on "The Mailman" and his Jazz."
Wouldn't be great to let the people know about this great matchup: "Watch the Smokers' Darrin Zack face Meredith's Miller Toyota?"
Make people aware of the history of fastpitch softball itself. Look at the ISC Website. The vehicle is there. The engine is purring. Take advantage of it. You can't measure its real value.
Now it begins.
Step up to the plate.
We can't say it's a great game without being at the ballpark.
It's almost high noon for the game. Don't forsake it. The sport can't endure the old ways of promoting the game. It's time to step up to the 21st century.
Or quite frankly, we won't be talking about a great game.
There won't be one to see. It's that simple.
It's like a "Dead Man Walking."
Reality, bites doesn't it. . . ?
Editor's Note:
DAN PATTISON has been a sports writer and columnist for over 30 years with
The Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune, Las Vegas Sun, The Sporting News,
Basketball Times & USA Today. He is currently enjoying his
association with men's major fastpitch and as an ISC Commissioner.