All-Peninsula District team...

[Dave Johnson]

The Peninsula District softball coaches got together last night and chose the all-district teams. I spoke with Phoebus athletic director Jerry Gentry, who oversees softball for the PD, and he said the full teams should be released over the weekend.

This much we do know: Gloucester's Stephanie Coates was named Player of the Year. (I know, a stunning revelation). And Woodside's Mike Tallon was named Coach of the Year.

Word is that the coaches chose two pitchers on each team. Which doesn't make an ounce of sense, but that's the word.

More when we get it.

[justafan]

Are you kidding me? Coach Tallon was named coach of the year! Why? That makes no sense at all!

1. Gloucester: No ( maybe when Coates is gone and we see what he can do then. I doubt it will be much.)

2. Warwick: No ( Way to much Daily Press coverage. Coach's stopped that idea dead in its tracks. I am sure we will see that again in the All- District selections for the players.)

3. Menchville: No ( Did not do or perform where everyone predicted)

4. Kecoughtan: No ( good team but did nothing spectacular)

5. Woodside: No ( Had to play two weeks without a pitcher. Ok...)

To me the obvious pick is the Bethel Coach. Time after time Bethel has stepped up and played above and beyond. Bethel is the team that nobody wants to play because they are on the fringe of becoming dominant. They whipped the mighty Gloucester and Warwick teams this year didnt they.

While I am not a Bethel fan, I will call it like I see it. What I would have given to be a fly on the wall during that meeting. My gut tells me Lindsay had something to do with that.

[Dave Johnson]

I t hink Tallon is a good choice. His team is very young this year (his best two players are freshmen) and he dealt with a bunch of injuries. Every time I covered them, it seemed somebody else had just gotten hurt and everybody was playing a different position. Pretty solid coaching to get them to win 12 games.

However, I agree with Justafan on Larry Estep, the Bethel coach. He also would have been a good pick.

[All about Ball]

Well the question I have is: "Is there no place in this predominately white sport for a BLACK girl?" We don't even have to beat around the bush; I would like to know why Travonna Byrd was robbed of a 1st team spot (this year). This young lady has continuously for the past three years been one of the top players in the Peninsula District. She has constantly put up GREAT numbers on both offense and defense. Why has she not been rewarded for her contributions? HUMM.... just make you wonder.

Let's just face facts.....Everyone knows what Gloucester would be without Coates. We know what that young lady means to that program. So ask yourself.....What does Travonna Byrd mean to Warwick. What does she bring to the table. I am not saying that she's Warwick's only good player. I am merely stating that she's a big part of that programs success and everyone knows that.

It's really a sad day when adults(coaches) cheat girls(players) in such a fashion. It is a BAD reflection on the Peninsula District when you see one of it's TOP players on second team for selfish reasons. I don't believe that there's anyone who believes this girl hasn't earned a top spot in the District.

How do you cheat a young lady that's worked so hard to get where she is? Yeah all these girls work hard, but this is the kind of adversity she's had to face from the time she entered the sport. So many coaches pretending to have her best interest at heart, but knowing they really can't stand to see the black girl in the middle of the circle. I guess she should be thankful for people like that because they have made her have to step up her game that much more..... "Make them have to Play you" is a motto that she's had to live by.

Well, I guess one good thing that come out of this, is that when she get her FULL RIDE to college, she'll know that she EARNED IT.
Cause nobody's GIVING her anything and trying to TAKE everything they can away from her. BUT YOU CAN"T HIDE TALENT ......TALENT PREVAILS!!!

So to the PD coaches that are turning District voting into a popularity(politics) contest.....THANK YOU FOR CHEATING THE CHILDREN!:confused:
And if you think I'm talking about you then I probably am!

[softball23813]

EXCUSE ME :ALL about BALL.

trae didnt get cheated at all. she only played pitcher and seconde and 2 games of shortstop. on the other hand KRISTIE HOEFFER played every postion except pitch and catcher and outfield. not because tallon wanted to try her at different postion but because the team needed her to play these different spots because of so many injuries. and KRISTIE's batting average was higher than hers. ( 491) and what makes you think its cause shes black?!?!. I think KRISTIE HOEFFER was a great utility player!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trae was good but didnt play that many spots to make utilty player. :eek:

[kochanie803]

so you guys know this stuff because you were at the meeting im guessing?

[justafan]

It seems as some of you know the Who's who in the selections already. If Travonna Byrd really was not selected to 1st team then there is a problem period. Does anyone know if Kate Alexander made 1st team? What about Elly Staples? I am afraid that my bad feelings may prove to be true. How many Gloucester and Woodside players are on that list for 1st team. This does not sound good.

Kristie is an athlete...no question. But for her to make 1st team in her freshman year when all these other ladies have proven sustained performances over 2 and 3 years and still not be selected to 1st team is disheartening.

I will wait for the official announcement of team selection but indicators show the selection process is in need of an overhaul and the district monitor for this process needs to be replaced.

[softball23813]

To:JUSTAFAN

katie a. made 2nd team
and i dont know about emily stabbles.
bye the way kristie work her butt off at every spot she played.
being a freshamn has nothing to do with it.

[justafan]

Well then. Softball23813 is just bursting at the seams with prudance, competancy, and maturity.

[The Clutch Hitter]

Well Trae was @ Woodside on Thursday before a game against Bethel on Friday!INTERESTING!!!! But we are taking something away from you....I forgot!!!! KRISTIE LYNN HOEFFER, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 1ST TEAM SELECTION AS A FRESHMAN......DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE AWAY YOUR GLORY OF THIS POSITION, YOU DESERVE IT AND YOU SHOW IT EVERY GAME ON THE FIELD!! DON'T STOOP TO ALL OF THESE OPINIONS, BECAUSE THAT IS ALL IT IS...AND THE COACHES AT THAT MEETING NEW YOU WERE THE BEST FOR THIS SELECTION!! GO GET'EM IN THE TOURNAMENT...MAKE YOUR TEAM, COACH AND PARENTS PROUD!!

[justafan]

Clutch Hitter: you are right. Just go easy on the CAPS next time. your point is understood.

Congratulations to Kristie. I do know you always give your best. That is just who you are. While I have my opinions on how things are in the selection process I do not want to take away from your accomplishments. Keep up the good work.

[justafan]

I have been holding this thought back but I wonder if anyone shares the same view and thoughts as me.

It is obvious that Ms. Coates has dominated the district this year with all the shutouts, etc. My thoughts are this.....While Ms. Coates dominates the district with her pitching how often was the Gloucester defense really tested and how can any of the Gloucester teamates have real-time legitimate chances of making 1st or 2nd team if they have not been tested? The only thing I see is they have to go with batting averages.

Anyone?

I read where Coach Tallon stated in the paper that pitching is 80% of the game. Ms. Coates is an exception where I believe she is 95% of Gloucester's game.

[Jeter02]

.:confused: Yeah, It was said that I was cheated out of 1st team and I believe in my heart that I was. You've known me for a long time; You know the kind of player I am. You also know all the things I've had to contend with in this sport over the years, but I'm still standing! Actions speak louder than words. This had nothing to do with Kristie..... Last year it was someone else, the year before that someone else and next year it'll probably be someone else. So whateva. That's not gonna make me or break me. There's a bigger picture (college) and that's how I'll be rewarded.

And for you to be trying to call me out like that just shows what kind of person you are. But it's cool cause I'm not perfect, just a everyday TEENAGER. But for the record; I did stay afterschool (the football combine didn't start until 5pm). And that STATs stuff you're talking is garbage! I think Dave Johnson covered the second Warwick vs Woodside game so he can give true Stat's from that game. And the first game was a no hitter so....case closed. Oh, and I was a in the standout section of both games as I am in most. Nobody's trying to take anything from Kristie and she didn't do the voting so I can't understand the hostility but some people are trouble makers on every single forum so I guess I understand. :cool:

The numbers I put up are very impressive and can't NOBODY take that away from me! You told that I was struck out twice but did you tell about my hits and RBIs. Oh, you probably forgot that part. Most people usually do when they talk about me. I've read my name on this sight so much it's ridiculous. Well, I figured it time to let people know some real talk about TRAVONNA BYRD. If anybody try to say that I'm not one of the TOP PLAYERS in the PD they will be LYING! And please don't confuse with Cockiness with Confidence... Let the facts be known, I have a record of 8-1 on the mound. Have giving up in 16 hits this entire (9.5 games) season. I batted well over .450 and had an outstanding ERA. (and my mom didn't keep the books). As my Legend's coach always tell me, "get it done between the white lines" and I've done that! There's PROOF in numbers! SO STOP HATING ON TRA not TRAE(

[snoclaf]

Well, we all can feel your pain concerning the voting and there is no doubt that there is always gonna be injustices in softball. There will never be a clear cut way to really ever give the girls that deserve honors everything they deserve. All of us that know your situation that have played with you at one time or another know who your daughters biggest adversary has been and in my opinion the only way Tra would have gotten her rewards was if she were to have transfered to become a teams no.1 pitcher and color would not have mattered. Most schools want to win and I am sure she would have gotten her chance. It is honorable that she wanted to stay at Warwick but let's face it she was never gonna be that teams golden child, that agenda was in the works back in Deer Park little league. I side with your opinion but we all have our issues when it comes to favortism and politics. I would also like to add that it is very hard to keep accurate statistics anymore with some of the teams you play in the P.D. when there are scores like 28-0 and the next day the Daily Press has the standouts going like 5-6 with 7 rbi's and also no cares when there is a no hitter against Denbigh Heratige Hampton or Phoebus likewise when it is done in the Bay Rivers against Jamestown or Southampton. It is not impressive to those that know softball.
To add to it scorebooks are no longer accurate because of parental influence and coaches that do not know a hit from an error. So if accurate stats are not a criteria than all you have are politcs and favortism but not racism. I am a big fan of kids getting scholorships from softball, unfortunatly these days you have to be a better politician than your kid a ball player or she may never get a look. Hang in there and good luck.

[justafan]

So that's who is doing all the chit chat. :frusty: Makes perfect sense now. You go Tra. Just mind your P's & Q's. It can get hostile here quick! haha :argue:

[woodside123456789]

this is crazzy how you guys are going crazzy over this stuff
yea i think MY SISTER KRISTIE HOEFFER should of made 1st team all district.:) She played pass her potential as a freshmen.And Trae should of made 1st team for secondbase because thats what she plays well when she is not on the mound doing a great job.
so yea thats how i feel.

[justafan]

We all know deep down the issue is NOT with the players. Everyone has a role. Coaches coach the game and players play the game. SNOCLAF said it best that there will always be injustices and not everyone will get what they deserve. No matter how that 1st or 2nd team list shakes out not one single player should bow their head or hold it above anybody nor should they feel superior or inferior to the next player. Instead hold your head up...be proud of what you have done...continue to play your game...and expect that is what every other player is doing.

It is true that the selection process is not perfect. It has to continuously evolve to become better. My guess right now it is an informal process at best that is full of pre-negotiated agendas and strong arming. Let us all hope the coach's in the PD have been watching and reading in this forum and realize how important it is to be true to all the players.

Better yet...the school I am familiar with has a great policy that keeps coach's honest. They even put it in writing as handouts. In the beginning after the three day try-outs when the teams are selected the coach's have to answer any questions to those who DID NOT make the team as to why and what they can do to improve their chances to be selected the next season based on the criteria handed out. I challenge the PD coach's to adopt a similar rule for All-District selections. Let those players know (if they ask) what it is they need to do to have a better chance at achieving thier goal of 1st team selection.
All it will do in the end is make a stronger District.

[snoclaf]

Justafan has a great point and I have to agree that some schools really do try to do it the right way and I am glad that hers is trying.I think the answer may be to let the coaches that have the best track records with sportsmanship and knowledge of the game have more say so than the controversial coaches that have tried to push their teams or certain players agendas to the forefront over the better of the league.

[snoclaf]

Also I would have to say That Mike Tallon who I think is the only coach in the district to win a state championship would be a good voice of reason for that district.

[BayRivahGirl]

This a very sad situation.
But on the other hand I have seen seniors (only because they are seniors) get 1st team over great players and I have seen freshman get 2nd team that do not deserve it. Sometimes coaches do not have a clue what the sport they are coaching is all about when it comes to who really has the talent and brings it with them to the field.
It also makes the honor not worthy. Very sad situation here.

[justafan]

Well said SNOCLAF and BAYRIVERGIRL

[BayRivahGirl]

Why don't someone head up a thread to let new and old coaches know what to look for before the BRD goes to their meetings. Only so they will not be bamboozled.

[all4softball7212]

okay
tra
you didnt get first team so quit complaining and stop bein cocky
yeah your a good player im not taking that away from you but you didnt get first team and you cant do anything about it now maybe your coach shouldve been more prepared and put you up for pitcher i mean since you got that no hitter and everything and pitched more than atkins but atkins got pitcher.....

[justafan]

How is it you all know the selections already?

That just reinforces the need for the selection process to be looked at from top to bottom. Serious credibility issues here. Amazing.

[BayRivahGirl]

They don't - I would just think with TRA being left out that it would be a good topic so there would be no question in BRD when the times comes.

[NoGloveNoLOVE]

Congratulations to Gabby Gonzalez from Bethel High on her awardance of
'First Team All District Catcher'...

Also, a special congratulations goes to SOFIA RODRIGUEZ from Woodside High for being awarded as the 'Second Team Catcher'...

Great homerun against Menchville, Sofia.

Hope to see a few in districts.

[justafan]

Dave,

Any word when we will see the official list of 1st, 2nd, and honerable mentions?

[softball93]

How does anyone even know who is on which team? It has not even been published yet. Larry Estep "Coach of the Year" for this year, 2 wins against #'s 1 and 2, can't argue with that. :)

[pdandbrdfan]

As for coach of the year, I agree Estep is deserving of consideration, but I have to agree with Tallon for the award. Estep has 6 seniors on his squad and did not have to deal with any injuries all season. Tallon on the other hand did not have that luxury and yet still had a great season. Also, after beating Gloucester, Bethel ran off 3 consecutive losses and then got handled by Gloucester the 2nd time around. Kudos to Larry and his gang, but Tallon is very deserving of the award.

[softball93]

It is apparent to from the past all district teams that the criteria of late is where your team finished. To the victor belongs the spoils. Very seldom do athletes from teams finishing 4 down get a lot of attention. The agenda for each coach is to get as many of her or his girls recognized and unfortunately there are some very good players who play for some teams that do not finish very high in the district that go unnoticed. The exception was the girl from Heritage who graduated last year. In order for girls to get attention their team has to do well or their coach has to have "influence".:confused:

[kochanie803]

it's not being cocky when everything you say is the truth. so tra byrd can say whatever she wants to...its all been true.

[pdandbrdfan]

If someone wants to be upset about positioning on 1st and 2nd team, take a look at your own team. Byrd had a better record pitching than Atkins and I know for a fact that Byrd had to come in and clean up both games they faced Bethel. However, neither pitcher for Warwick pitched every day. That makes the accomplishment of Bethel's Ryan and Kecoughtan's Alexander a bit more impressive. Ryan lost 2 games in extra innings this year because she did not have the luxury of a back-up pitcher to come in when she began to tire. There are many factors to consider in selecting players for these honors and I do not question the integrity of the coaches in these decisions. There are 10 of them on the panel and I doubt you can get all 10 to agree to slight 1 or 2 people.

Congratulations to all that were selected. Great job, no matter where you ended up.

[justafan]

Precisley my point. Jenna is probably the most deserving of 1st team and once again did not get selected.