Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

Clearly I'm a softball nerd cuz I want to see the photo, but its not loading for me.

 

Pretty good progress since yesterday .

 

I hate to get off the topic of scoreboards but does anyone know if Gators are going to use the double first base this year?

 

I would guess that is not their call to make for the regular season, but rather an NCAA thing. Based on Fall Ball, I'd assume they would use it in the events they control -- e.g. Bubly Invitational. it's such a good idea it seems like a no-brainer for the NCAA to adopt.

 

explain

 

It’s called the safety bag. Traditional base in fair territory primarily for putouts and attached second base in foul territory for runners. I suspect the Gators will use it subject to opponents signing a waiver.

 

After some limited research I think it is a done deal during regular season if both teams agree to it.

 

Daily update on the scoreboard.
A lot of progress today.
They are making this the same look as at the baseball stadium. The font and colors are the same on Pressly. It will say Stadium instead of Ballpark like at the baseball. This is going to be an upgrade.

 

I would hate for the stadium to start being called "Pressly Stadium," but this might be the first step down that road.

 

Johnny....You and Scrappy are a piece of work. Never seen two people get so excited about a scoreboard. I can imagine what you guys are like at the game. If Skylar hits an inside the park or Kendra steals home; they better have an ambulance there for you guys. You two are great Gator fans. I think it's great.

 

To remind us, Gator Softball signed 6 players for 2023. Softball America ranks three in the Top 10 and all 6 in the Top 45.
This is not to demean this year's team, and they will excel. This is to remind us where we are headed.

1. 
   Last: 1
   
   Keagan Rothrock
   Roncalli (Indianapolis, Ind.)P
   Notes:
   CLUB TEAM: Lady Dukes Lamar 18U
   COLLEGE: Florida
   
   
   
   Keagan Rothrock is a name collegiate opponents will know very soon. She went 28-0 with a 0.70 ERA and 382 strikeouts in 170.1 innings pitched. Rothrock led her high school to its second straight straight 4A state title after a shutout performance. The Florida commit was just as strong at the plate as she was in the circle, batting .523 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs. She was also named the 2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
   
   
2. 2
   Last: 3
   
   Mia Williams
   Windermere Prep (Windermere, Fla.)INF
   Notes:
   CLUB TEAM: Georgia Impact Premier Lewis
   COLLEGE: Florida
   
   
   
   Despite not playing high school ball and sustaining a broken ankle, fibula and tibula less than a year ago, Williams still ranks No. 2 in her class, as she's a proven five-tool athlete. Williams' Georgia Impact coach, Lincoln Martin, describes her as the "female version of Alex Rodriguez.”
   
   
3. 3
   Last: 11
   
   Ashtyn Danley
   Huntland (Huntland, Tenn.)P
   Notes:
   CLUB TEAM: Tennessee Mojo
   COLLEGE: Florida State
   
   
   
   Danley, the 2022 Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year, is a two-way player who hits for power and production with 15 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .659 average. She also held a 0.41 ERA with 217 strikeouts in 154.2 innings pitched.
   
   
4. 4
   Last: 18
   
   Kaitlyn Terry
   Greenway (Phoenix, Ariz.)P
   Notes:
   CLUB TEAM: Arizona Storm
   COLLEGE: UCLA
   
   Ranking The Top 2023 High School Softball Recruits
   
   

 

I don't know that much about recruiting but know that you and many others in the know are high on where we are going. Is 2023 "the" year or do we have commits such that 2024 looks even better? In other words, which year do I plan to head to OKC?

 

What Walton did was amazing. He only has a total of 12 scholarships to give on the whole team and brings in 6 elite athletes in one class. This could easily be the best recruiting class ever assembled in all of college softball.

 

I believe it will always be KSP.

 

23 is simply an insane class, off the charts good. But the 24 class looks to be very good as well

 

Daily scoreboard update. Does anyone know what the spaces on the upper right are for?

 

Top five guesses:

1. It was quitting time, back tomorrow to finish
2. The computer electronics are installed last, right there, and connected to the rest of the board.
3. One rectangle short -- damn, should have counted them when they got delivered
4. Space for fixed TV cameras for "lesser" games where there is no human center field camera operator.
5. Last rectangle just didn't fit. We need to start over from the bottom and move everything a smidgeon to the left.

 

My guess. Space for pictures of scrappygator and johnny_cakes.

 

Correct as far as I know. I believe the rule is that the safety bag can be used in any and all games as long as both teams agree. I can't imagine anyone refusing. This is a "no brainer" safety issue that should have been mandated a long time ago....in softball and baseball. It in no way alters the course of the game and if it only saves a few serious collisions at first base it has served its purpose.

 

I am ready for some softball. Bought a softball t-shirt (my first) at the bookstore during football season and I am stoked to watch. Can't get here soon enough.