Softball

In this edition of In The Circle, the guys preview the second annual St. Pete/Clearwater Invitational as Eric Lopez talks with ESPN’s Michele Smith about the event and how it all came about. Smith discusses the improvements from year one to year two, as well as the involvement of the US Olympic team.

Also, on the episode, North Georgia’s Head Coach Mike Davenport joins the show to talk about his Nighthawks outlook in 2020 as they host a big tournament this weekend. Davenport discusses the tough non-conference schedule as well as getting a chance to play the US Olympic team and more. Victor also looks to some of the other storylines in D2 this weekend.

Photo Courtesy of Clemson Athletics

On this appearance In The Circle, Justin McLeod of Justin’s World joins the guys to recap a wild opening weekend for DI softball. We discuss takeaways from the NFCA Leadoff Classic, as well as Justin’s conversation with Mississippi State Head Coach Samantha Ricketts about her Bulldogs’ undefeated weekend in Clearwater.

The guys also discuss Clemson’s first weekend of games, including an exclusive interview with Clemson’s Head Coach John Rittman following the Tiger’s historic first win over St John’s. Also, in the episode, we share our thoughts on Florida State and Texas’ offensive explosions, early struggles with Alabama, and Arizona’s weekend. Victor breaks down his trip to Melbourne for the Florida Tech DII Invitational and what teams he’ll look for throughout the season.

On this edition of In The Circle, The guys talk to West Florida’s Head Coach Ashleigh McLean about the outlook for the 2020 season coming off a 2019 season where West Florida won the Gulf South Championship and made it to DII World Series in Denver, Colorado. Victor also discusses his thoughts after the first weekend of the season in DII.

Also, in this episode, Eric and Victor preview some of the big tournaments on the opening weekend of DI, including the UCF Tournament in Orlando, where it will mark the first-ever game played by Clemson. We hear from Tigers Head Coach Jon Rittman in our throwback Thursday segment from an interview with Rittman last spring. We also talk about storylines at USF Tournament in Tampa, The return of the NFCA Lead-Off Classic in Clearwater, as well as FSU, hosting Alabama in a tournament in Tallahassee and much more.

On our latest episode of In The Circle, Eric Lopez is joined by Florida Gators Head Coach Tim Walton, who will start his 15th season this weekend in Tampa. Coach Walton talks about a talented yet young Gator squad heading into this year. He also shares his thoughts about playing Team USA in Gainesville and Stacy Nelson’s induction into the Gators’ Hall of Fame.

Victor jumps in to share his thoughts on USA Softball’s open practice in Lakeland this past weekend. We hear from USA Softball Head Coach Ken Eriksen as well as Dejah Mulipola and Michelle Moultrie.

Purpose

This game uses only the left side of the field (from the second baseman’s fielding position to the left field foul line) to set up specific baserunning and fielding situations for your team to practice.

Set Up

• Divide your team into three groups .
• Team 1 includes the catcher, fungo hitter and third baseman.
• Team 2 includes a center fielder, left fielder and second baseman.
• Team 3 includes 3 baserunners, lined up behind first base.

Instructions

1. The object of the game is for the baserunners to try and score as many runs as possible (with the help of the fungo hitter).
2. The first baserunner starts on first base. The fungo hitter hits the ball (either fly or grounder) into the left side of the field, while the baserunner tries to advance.
3. The defense attempts to make a play on the baserunner.
4. After three outs, the groups rotate positions. Each team gets three outs (for a total of nine outs per inning).
5. A hit to the wrong side of the field is an automatic out.
6. A caught fly ball is an out.
7. A person can be put out at a base by a force or tag.
8. Only the team running the bases can score.
9. Every run scored by the baserunning team is 1 point.

Coaching Tips

• The fungo hitter should try and hit the ball to open spaces in the field (staying on the left side).