Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

I'll add to my post above about Walton having no control over events. And that is true. What he can control, however, is where he chooses to play. And he doesn't change that. He plays USF where he knows he will get only one game televised. He has told me because he wants Tampa Bay area fans to see the Gators. That's fine. But, he could play the Clearwater tournament and all games would be on tv. Last time I checked, Clearwater is part of the Tampa Bay area. He does usually play a California tournament that is streamed. Puerto Vallarta is also always streamed and many of our main competitors play there but, as far as I know, we never have. There are a myriad of other tournaments, several in Florida, that all games are streamed. Why USF? They owe us, not the other way around.

 

Is it true the field in Cleawater is in poor condition?

 

Thanks! Keep ‘em coming!

 

Yes. The facilities and fields are not great. One reason OU hasn’t been back, but many have said it needs improvement. Puerto Vallarta is the same.

 

Has anyone heard if there will be a “Florida Softball First Pitch on the Diamond.” event held like they had last year. The event included a ”chalk talk from coaches, a time to meet and talk with Coaches, Player and Staff and then a dinner. I am hoping CTW holds it again this year.
2024 Gators Softball First Pitch on the Diamond
2024 Gators Softball First Pitch on the Diamond

 

The seating in Clearwater is limited. As for the field, I keep hearing that but I have never heard it from anyone but fans. It sure doesn't keep UCLA, Tennessee, FSU and a whole bunch of others from playing either in Mexico or Clearwater every year. I guess we're just more finicky. (In other words, I don't buy it.)

 

This year in Clearwater: Bama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Kentucky, Mizzou, Ohio State, Okie State, A&M, UCF, and UCLA. I guess we are the only one that cares about the safety of our kids. (sarcasm).

 

This year in Puerto Vallarta: Wisconsin, Oregon, BYU, Okie State, Ole Miss, FSU, Indiana. I guess we are the only one that cares about the safety of our kids. (sarcasm).

 

I've been asking CTW and Ryan Dunn since September. All they would say was that they were considering it.

 

I thought CTW had confirmed this.

 

This is the response I received from Ryan Dunn yesterday concerning "First Pitch"

Hey Phillip,

Thanks for the note and checking. We have been waiting to hear back from Softball on potential dates.
Not sure if it is going to happen this year or not.

Thanks & Go Gators!
Ryan

 

28 Days to First Pitch!
Tiffany DeFelice - 2008-2011 C

 

I don't think that USF-Rawlings Invitational sells out, but I'd rather have a ticket in hand before starting the 10 hour drive. Does anyone know of an online source? I've called the USF ticket office but they were no help.

Also, for those who had hopes of getting an @UCF ticket for March 26th -- single seats went on sale at 10AM today. There were no seats and season tickets have long been sold out.

 

My UCF tickets will be for sell. I have two seats in Section 102, $20 each plus Venmo charge. I am not ready today to sell, but they will be for sell later this month.

 

TV/Streaming vent: here is a look at UF vs. others ability to stream pre season games from last year.

This shows games played and number on ESPN family. The third number show number of games on FLo Sports.
UF Home 9/2. Away 13/5/5
TENN. 10/10. 14/6/6
Stetson. 16/15. 8/6/0
UCF. 11/11. 8/2/6

I might note that UCF and OKlahoma had every game for the entire season available.
We are way behind the times.

 

Kara Hammock

 

<Jumps up and down> Can I buy them? Pick me!!! lol

 

We went to one game at USF last year. Yep, not a sell out, but still no seats except for those facing the afternoon sun and it was a scorcher. Wife wasnt happy, luckily it was a route, so left early.

 

I am hoping the home opener on Feb 6th against UNF is streamed. I know Kyle Crooks calls the home games, but he'll be with WBB as they have a home game. I know Ryan Urqhart also calls games when USF is not playing, but they'll be playing that day. IF anything maybe they'll hook up the radio stream to tv?

 

Rut-row......

I know KSP has a section 102.
Please tell me that the UCF Softball Compex also has a Section 102 and you have @UCF tickets for March 26th that you are selling.

That's the only game missing in my UF softball away tour for 2025.

I just scored an @Jacksonville ticket, so I won't have to stand outside the left field fence which I've had to do in years past. That ticket is a hard get.