Crimson Red Sports

I attended a meeting at the softball complex tonight and it was very entertaining. The compliance director at Bama filled us all in on the dos and don'ts that we all need to know about.

We got to chat with the players for a short period of time but CPM got them out of there in a hurry to do their studying. All of the players have 3.0 GPA or better and 5 of them have a 4.0., that's not too shabby.

CPM and Stephanie VanBrakle gave us a breakdown of where the team is right now and they seemed very excited. Bama's goal this year is to lead the nation in doubles. He has advised the batters to be selective in what they swing at and choose the pitch that can get them a double. I can see where he is going with this in trying to get the players to extend the inning. Some folks say a homerun is a rally killer.

VanBrakle sounded very excited about her pitching staff. She stated that JTrain is healthy and ready to go but Leslie Jury is a changed pitcher and has really looked sharp. She said that Littlejohn is a different pitcher than JTrain and Jury as she has a tremendous spin on the ball. CPM said that if Littlejohn can get 12-15 wins it will really set up the tandem of JTrain and Jury as their arms should stay pretty rested.

There is also some friendly competition going on in batting practice. The players are competing against each other in who hits the ball more solid during their times at bat. The winner gets a tee shirt and it has become very competitive.

There will be a fan appreciation day on January 25th. This will include some snacks and drinks and a intersquad game. This all begins at 11:00 am.

Check this link for more softball news and info.

http://www.rolltide.com/sports/w-softbl/alab-w-softbl-body.html#00

Excellent info! Thanks for an update. Many of us care about ALL the sports programs at the university and the softball team is another special team that has high achievers.



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Thanks Jamos, Can't wait for the season to get under way.  I've already compared the softball and baseball schedules and there are 3 different weekends where the both play at home.  One is in Feb. and the other two in March.  Feb. is still too cold for me, so I'll probably be down there March 3-7, or March 28-30.

I too love all Alabama sports and the University. I remember when C.M.
would  not give me a scholarship. I could have went to Auburn but it was a weird deal. Anyway I have still always loved all of it. RTR!

Thanks for the report, J. It's good to hear that Jackie is healthy. If Jury is that much better, sounds like they will have a solid 1-2 punch with the pitching and Traina won't be overworked. Even better if Littlejohn can be effective.

Thanks for the info Jamos.  I might try and come down.  If I do I will definitely try and bring K with me.  Her knee is improving well but she still can not run yet...

Great, let me know when you're headed this way.

Looking forward to seeing you and K. I was wondering how her healing process was going, thanks for the update.

The season starts on Feb 7. That is only 3 weeks away.

The coldest I have ever been at a sporting event was sitting on metal bleachers watching softball in Feb. :blizzard:

The last regular season games are May 1-3. I wish they would move the season back at least two weeks. You could still get the conference tournaments in before the end of May and let the NCAA Tournament go into June.

Or just start the season later and play fewer games?  :dunno:

Jamos,

I know the article regarding the fan appreciation day says the event starts at 11, however, what time do you think would be best to get there to make sure we get in.  Hate to drive all that distance and not get to go in because it gets sold out...

The gates should open around 10:30. We're hoping for a good crowd but I doubt it will be sold out.

Ok, K and I are going to try and make it down.  Will have to leave early (for her anyways) to get there by that time.  Looking forward to seeing you and the team...

Great. :clap: