Minnesota Metro Fastpitch League

I want to THANK all of the players, coaches, and umpires that took part in the week long activities at the Irish Sports Dome and at the Holy Angels Stardome. I also want to THANK Anthony Dress, Aaron Vail and Jim Berbee for helping administer the events. As well as a special thank you to the Irish Sports Dome for hosting the events. 

Here is a brief recap of the events that took place:

MMFL Players Clinic
We had nearly 85 girls attend the players clinic. On Day #1 we had John Tschida (St. Thomas), Roman Foore (Appalachian State), Amy Klyse (University of South Dakota), Mike Mook (Augustana) as well as myself and Aaron Vail (S&C Sports Services). Players rotated through stations of Hitting, Bunting, Base-Running, Infield and Outfield. On Day #2 we had Greg Jones and Chad Tueschner (Winona State), Eric Oakley (University of North Dakota), Roman Foore, Amy Klyse, Piper Ritter (University of Minnesota), Jim Rubbelke (Hamline). We also had several college players from the U of M, Winona State, UMD and Northern State University both days.

MMFL Coaches Clinic
We had nearly 90 coaches at the coaches clinic. On Day #1 they heard from Shane Boumann (Indiana State) and Eric Oakley (North Dakota). Shane talked about pitching and catching and Eric talked about baserunning. On Day #2 John Tschida talked about hitting, situations and the mental side of the game.

Pitchers Clinic
We had nearly 40 pitchers at the clinic. On Day #1 John Tschida was assisted by Jim Berbee in the pitching clinic. They really focused on mechanics and using the legs. On day two Jim Berbee and Eric Oakley ran the pitching clinic. There were also several college players as well as a few all-state high school players assisting in the pitchers clinic.

Catchers Clinic
We had about 25 catchers taking part in Aaron Vail's catching clinic. He also had catchers from the U of M and Winona helping along with a few all-state high school players.

MMFL Winter Showcase
We had about 80 players participating in the College Showcase. Players were tested on running speed, throwing speed, pop times and bat speed. Players each played three 45 minute games. We also had drill time where players rotated through the dome between scrimmages. The drills were infield/outfield with baserunners, fly balls, ground balls, hitting stations, live scrimmage off a 60+ mile an hour pitcher (me) (Okay, I will be honest - I topped out at 47). Of the 45 or so coaches that were planning on attending we had probably 35 schools represented. Which is on par for other showcases we have had.

Winter Bash Tournament
We had four 10U teams that were all pretty competitive that played at the Holy Angels Dome. Congrats to Eagan for winning the championship against a strong Apple Valley Team.

Side Note: I coached an S&C Team at 10U. This was the first time I have coached 10U players in games. I have a new respect for 10U coaches! I had a blast coaching them but I wonder how coaches don't go insane trying to get players into positions! Every time I put players in I had 8 girls wanting to play 1st base. All of the girls wanted to pitch, play 1B and Catch. Nobody wanted to play outfield??? OK I new that was going to happen . The other thing 10U players haven't learned is to MASK their dissapointment when I tell them they are playing right field. We rotated the girls evenly from infield to outfield every two innings.

We had eleven 12U teams which was enough to have an "A" Division and a "B" Division. The "B" teams played at Holy Angels. Congrats to Edina who won the B division. The S&C Skeeters finished 2nd. The A Division was won by the Gators with Lakeville coming in 2nd Place.

We had 8 teams for 14U which was a very competitive tournament. The Renegades 98 beat Hastings in the Championship game. I hope everyone made it home ok after that game as the roads were terrible. I nearly went into the ditch trying to get home at 11pm on New Years Eve after the game.

We had 6 teams for 16U. The games were pretty competitive. The MN Stars 97 won the 16U division and the S&C Skeeters finished 2nd.

At 18U we had 10 STRONG TEAMS! The Sting Gold beat Sting 95 in the Championship game. This tournament was once again loaded with some of the best players in the state! The college coaches loved being able to watch these teams play as the teams were all loaded with great talent.

I coached a total of about 15 games of S&C teams from 10U all the way up to 18U. I love doing this because I get a chance to meet all sorts of new players and parents. Several parents stepped in to help coach. At 12U I think I had about 6 parents helping but it was fantastic! My teams were visitor in all but the very last game. I think the umpire rigged the last coin toss so I could complain .

As I have found from most events they rarely always go perfect. We had some hiccups here and there but overall everything went great. What I appreciate the most is how many people are willing to help out to make the event great. Thanks again to everyone who took part in the Extravaganza - looking forward to seeing all of you again for the next one!

Sincerely,

Sean Hall
MMFL Clinic Coordinator
 

Thursday, December 29th
5:30-9:30pm

Tournament is for all age groups from 10u to High School Elite.