Peligro Cup recap
July 6, 2012
New York, NY
Jamie and I did our best to keep everyone informed of the scores and updates as much as possible. If you've been to the Peligro tournament, you understand the issues that come with providing results... there is no internet at the ballpark or area that we can set up a laptop to send them. We both did our best with using our phones to give results through Facebook. However, even that became hard because we needed our phone batteries for actual phone calls, dealing with the many issues that arose during the weekend.
Jose Mateo (Peligro) is probably the most kind and generous person I have come to know in this game. He spends countless thousands of dollars on this tournament, asking NOTHING in return from anyone (free admission, etc) except to enjoy the best fastball tournament he can provide. He does his best to insure each team has the best pitching they can get, even subsidizing them and waiving entry fees if necessary to make sure the teams get the best possible talent to the tournament. Men's fastpitch softball needs more Jose Peligro's.
To say the atmosphere in this tournament is unique would be the mother of all understatements. Much of that atmosphere is off-putting to those who are not used to that culture or style of play. For others, it's a refreshing change from the tournaments in every other city. The crowds are big and enthusiastic, which adds excitement to the tournament even if many do not know much about the game or players they're watching. While most of the people there don't dissect the game and match-ups the way the knowledgeable fans do in places like Kitchener or Tavistock, they are into every pitch with as much enjoyment as the most die-hard fans seen on the weekend cir-cuts.
I could not have done this tournament without Jamie. Many of you have gotten to know her over the last few years as she has at my side through all the tournaments and games that I've played in and coordinated. I could not have done this without her. She works her ass off to provide updates and photos and everyone in the softball world who was not at Peligro, yet followed it online, owes her a thank you. Her photos are going to get up as soon as possible.
I also owe Lou Davis a huge thank you. He had his guys ready at all times, even when things needed to be changed on a whim. Thank you Lou.
But for those who haven't been to this tournament, ask the folks that have been what it's like and they'll probably all tell you to go.
Everyone owes Peligro a big thank you. I hope you will all patron his store, get your uniforms and gear from him, and thank him for all he's done for our game. Without guys like him, there is no game.
Bill Hillhouse
