ASA/USA Boys Fastpitch Camp
August 11, 2010
Rolla, MO
Thirty nine young male fastpitch players participated in the ASA/USA Softball junior men's development camp in Rolla, Missouri on Wednesday, August 4. The camp was held at the Ber Juan Sportsplex one day prior to the ASA 16-Under, 18-Under and 23-Under national tourneys. The 39 players represented 12 states and all are age-eligible (born in 1993 or later) for the next ISF junior men's world championship in Argentina in 2012. After the camp, all 39 boys participated in the 16-U nationals on Thursday and Friday, August 5-6.
Catchers received individual instruction for 45 minutes, beginning the day at 8:30 am. Pitchers, many of whom are already receiving monthly video feedback from the USA coaching staff, began a 45 minute session at 9:15. The remaining camp participants began at 10 am and rotated between workout stations for hitting, bunting and fielding. After a two hour lunch break, necessitated by the 100 degree heat and high humidity, players were divided into three teams and a two hour controlled scrimmage was conducted.
Over 90 boys from 25 states have now expressed a desire to be considered for the next USA junior men's team. Although there are only a small number of boys club teams in a handful of states, many age-eligible boys are gaining experience by playing in men's fastpitch leagues and have found out about the potential for playing on the USA Softball national team through various internet web sites and social media outlets, as well as a very active recruiting effort by the USA junior men's coaching staff.
USA Softball junior men's head coach Tim Lyon was assisted by coaching staff members Scott Standerfer and Gary Mullican, along with selection committee member Doug Lindaman, in directing the camp activities. "We were very pleased with the turnout, the enthusiasm and the skill level of these athletes" said Lyon. "It is exciting to see as we look forward to the next ISF world championship only two years down the road."
