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