COLLEGE softball used to be as boring as watching paint dry. That was before somebody figured out that fans don't really want to watch 17-inning, 1-0 games. Jazzed-up softball
worth watchingSo three years ago the NCAA juiced up the ball and then they lightened up on some of the rules about what kind of bats the hitters could use.
The result?
Believe it or not, it worked.
Now it's an entertaining game where good pitching is rewarded (you've still got to make contact) and people hit shots into the gaps and home runs over the fence. Outfielders are part of the game now, not falling asleep like Little Leaguers.
Teams can actually come from behind to win a game, and the only way to rally isn't infield single, bunt and then pray for something to happen.
The pitchers still throw strikes, too. Which is a lot more than can be said for college baseball.
True, you can't see all the action at home plate from many of the seats at the flawed University of Hawaii Softball Stadium. But if you go to tonight's or tomorrow's doubleheader with UNLV, you will get to see the No. 12-ranked team in the nation -- that would be the Wahine -- leg out some extra base hits and make some great plays in the field. Last chance for this year.
And you will definitely get your money's worth. Admission is free.
HERE'S a 3-On-3 basketball tournament where your entry fee goes to a good cause; it's being put on by the Hawaii Athletic Trainers' Association.
"The profits go toward educational endeavors," said HATA president Cindy Clivio. "The bulk of that will be for our student trainer workshop."
The student trainer workshop is free for high school students. They learn from professionals how to evaluate, treat and rehabilitate sports injuries. The workshop is June 26 and 27 at Kaimuki High School.
The 3-On-3 tournament is June 6 at the University of Hawaii.
Call Tim Freitas at 842-8503 for more information.
TIME to be brutally honest. Although I still say Nani Cockett is the most complete basketball player I've seen play for the University of Hawaii, let's not make excuses for her being passed up in the WNBA draft.
Although slow by no means, Cockett lacks the explosive quickness teams look for in a two guard, especially after serious injuries to both knees. Perhaps Cockett might have been picked if she tried out as a point guard. That's where the demand seemed to be. Her outstanding passing and outside shooting ability are more suited for a lead guard.
At any rate, you've got to figure a player with Cockett's versatility and defensive skills will end up making somebody's roster. Maybe it will be in the ABL, which is still the more competitive league despite the WNBA's marketing and promotional avalanche.
A sign that Lewis University is serious about returning often to the men's volleyball final four: It may have opened a Hawaii pipeline. P.J. Malin, a 6-foot-3 setter who graduates from Hawaii Baptist next month, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Illinois school next year.
"We visited, and coach (Dave) Deuser worked him out," said P.J.'s father, Steve. He said, " 'If you come here, you've got a spot on the team.' "
Steve, a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, denies that he's sending P.J. to the Flyers because of their nickname.
sss
AND we'll leave you this week with this thought that only an Andy Rooney fan could appreciate:
(Plus, I promised someone that I'd write about hockey at least once this season and time is running out.)
Did you ever notice that there's a player in the National Hockey League named Satan, but he's not with New Jersey?
Think about it. But not too hard.
Dave Reardon is a magazine editor and freelance
writer who has covered Hawaii sports since 1977.
He can be reached via the Star-Bulletin or
by email at dreardon@hmsa.com.
