We met Ava’s parents today. They are wonderful people. A little heads-up. Mr. and Mrs. Brown read Diamond Gators. He laughed about it, but someone posted that she is hot. (which is true) It is also true that he is a large and athletic man. I say that to let us think before we post. Personal remarks need to be judicious. We told him our handles and he could tell us some of our posts.
And, continuing with them. Mrs. Brown said that she expected Ava to get ripped after her loss to Michigan. She was grateful that we were supportive of Ava after that. She said Ava took full responsibility for the loss and said if she had pitched better the game could have turned out better. She did not blame anyone but herself. That is impressive for someone who had won 92 games in a row. It is so good to have not only have quality players, but also quality parents. Be encouraged Gator Nation.
Thanks for posting that..some think families, friends, recruits and players don't read message boards..they do...that's exactly why we should be careful how we post over the top criticism of players ..
The fact Ava is pitching at a high level AND playing 1b/hitting is amazing to me. Knowing she was crucial to our success as a P, and knowing our position player depth I really thought she would get limited time as a position player. She has handled both amazingly well
After attending “First Pitch”, I just want to say that I am impressed with the ladies on our team. Tim made great adjustments in the coaching staff with hiring Chelsey and Francesca. The two “Labs” showed me the team talent at the plate and in the circle. The pitchers certainly voiced their willingness to adjust to get better. Also, the additions of Korbe, Jocey and Brooke shored up the loss of Charla. My impression of Ava is that she is gritty and learns quickly. The girls know that softball is a game and that it is a team sport. They love the competition and they want to win. I support them in that endeavor.
There are a lot of good surprises about our team in the first 23 games. 1. We easily have the best outfield in the SEC. It doesn’t matter who plays right field, Katie, Baylee and Cassidy are interchangeable. 2. Pitching, Keagan, Ava and Liv are young but very seasoned. 3. Reagan has become a more disciplined hitter. 4. Korbe has speed. 5. Jocey is an RBI machine. Plus, what an arm. She is a left handed Aubree.
Now that you listed the positives, now lets talk about the negative items. Katy plays a great outfield but her hitting is way down. Now the real problem, Williams, Her hitting is poor and either we have not coached her on covering first base. She never stretches to cut distance on throw as in todays game. Welch needs to go two second base and Goddard to DP. Also bobo on now getting ball in glove
Scrappy, Sandman and I sat with AKs parents and family today with Skylars parents and Grand parents today. Some drunk idiot Ala fan said a dumb remark about Skylar and then challenged her her 6'4" 230 lb dad to a fist fight. Lucky for him and his 5'5" self 3 sober Ala fans grabbed him and hrleld him until the police escorted him out of the stadium. The moral, make fun of the parant NEVER the child! The upshot is we had a wonderful time while we never heard a rtr after the 3rd inning. Ava was a star today pitching and hitting. Jocy calmed her down at the right times and Kendra showed why she is the best centerfielder in college softball today Ava tomorrow with a great shot at a sweep. Our speed is in their heads!!!
Jmo, but I always thought Ava was slightly dinged from that slide into 2B the day before and it affected her push off on the mound. Maybe I’m right, maybe not.
That Bameze D. was awful. Couldn't catch, couldn't decide correctly where to throw and couldn't throw. Looked like a C- quality, mid week opponent. Wonder if they practice?
Scrappy, they showed you and Sandy and the guys on TV at least three times today celebrating Ava’s homerun and then later during the 7 run inning. I texted Sandy during the game but couldn’t get a rise out of him! By the way, speaking of Ava, she gave one of the best post game interviews I think I’ve ever heard. What a mature young lady. The announcers even told her when they were saying goodbye, they said, wow, not only did you play great today but you gave us a great interview as well!
Ava is very well spoken and I suspect Keagen is the same way. One other note that someone touched in earlier... Jocelyn is doing a fantastic job behind the plate leading these young pitchers. Knows when and how to calm them down and such a rock back there. Her bat has been doing very well also.
Remember several years ago some Alabama fan sitting behind third base dugout made a horrible comment of some sort at one of our players who was injured. Tim was coaching at third and had to be restrained from going into the stands after the guy. That these things keep happening in Tuscaloosa is not a coincidence.
There is enough in this post to comment on until tomorrow but I'll let it go with the fact that Katie is hitting .381 and is fourth on the team in rbis. But, I guess, she sucks.