2011 Travis Tiger Softball Kickoff Meeting

I deeply apologize for my absence on Saturday as I caught something viral, I guess.  Anyway, I would like to emphasize a few points before this season starts:

1.       It is important for you to check the website daily. We try to keep that as up-to-date as possible as it is the first thing I send any message to where information needs to get out to you as parents. It is also your source for other information, such as brackets, maps, and any other handouts that need to be distributed. Plenty of great pictures from the games can also be found.

2.       From time to time, we need your help in getting the field into shape or providing resources as needed.. we have had one parent workday and it was greatly appreciated. The field looks as good as it has in 2 years from your hard work.

3.       Concession stand—when it is your turn to help, please do so. We get a share of that and it goes to the softball account.

4.       Fundraising—I try to keep this as minimal as possible, but it is a necessity. We have that fall Otis cookie sale through the fall team and it has been good to us…and I am always looking for ways generate more money in the spring. This year we are doing the 100 Inning game and I wished I was there as this was a fun one to do the first year we were open. We use this money for our tarp, cage, concrete, dirt, entry fees ( fort bend pays a certain amount and we have to make up the rest..and now with all the 5-6 game gurarantees..entry fees are 250-300/tournament…so it takes a 800+ just to enter tournaments)..so as you can see, it takes money just to do the very basics. We will need to replace the tarp soon as holes are getting to appear, like to create another batting cage, completely surround the field with wind screen.., are just a few of the items on the wish list.

5.       Crowd control—As with players, I have been blessed with good parents and this has not been a problem. However, if at a game and you observe someone maybe saying a few things not appropriate, or getting a little rowdy, please find the administrator on duty to tell them, there will be one.

We may not have the best umpires around at times, but refrain from getting too vocal about calls.

6.       Parents—there should be a handout link on the 10 Commandments of being a softball parent.. I encourage you to read that. It puts it all in perspective. I was just as guilty when my daughter played, but the best advice I can give you is sit back and watch your daughter play the game she enjoys. The time goes back quickly and before you know it, she will have graduated. Please refrain from coming down to the dugout to talk to her during a game.

7.       JV Parents—this one rule applies to you in that I encourage the 3 inning rule for games.. I just think that the jv girls should hang around and watch the varsity play and support them, just as I make the varsity be here for their game time and support them before they have to go get ready. If you really have a conflict, then please get with your coach and let her know ahead of time.

8.       JV games—these girls have already come a long way in a short time. There will be some games that will be quite entertaining. All jv games will hour 15 and yes, you will have to pay an admission, except when you go to Ridge Point where there will be no cost since they are JV only. Most JV are made up of first year players, some who have never played or with limited experience and then you will find certain girls on jv who are very good but there is just no spot on the varsity level for them…this is especially true with pitching. Our pitcher, Hannah, never picked up a ball until last season and she volunteered to learn pitching. It is remarkable how far she has come in such a short and limited time. Other teams will have similar girls…so, sit back and enjoy the game.

As I state every year and at the banquet, I have the best job at Travis and I have the best girls, hands down. I look forward to real good season this year and if there is anything I can help you with or a question that needs to be answered, just email and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for supporting your daughter and I hope to see you at the ballpark every game cheering her on.

Thank you for your support

Coach Crissman