ISF 2009 FEEDBACK
These are some of the notes we received while covering the ISF’s from
Saskatoon, July 17-26, 2009.
Our
Reports from Saskatoon are still up on our web site.
Saskatoon
Wrap Up – A BIG THANKS to the Volunteers of Saskatoon!
Here are some of the notes we saved. We tried to send a personal thanks to each
one but in case we missed anyone, THANK YOU for all your kind words!
Hi, I just
wanted to send along my gratitude for the excellent fastball coverage being
supplied through Al's web-site... It's awesome!!!I'm currently working
over-seas on a survey vessel and am an avid fan (former fastball player, no
slow-pitch for me). Not being able to attend the World's is very disappointing,
but at least I've been able to follow along and 'see' the game(s) through Al.
Thank-you so much. Finally, I would like to wish the entire Canadian team
good-luck in their pursuit to become world champs. In particular, the Newfie
contingent on the team: Abbott, Mullaley, O'Brien, and Whitten. You guys have
made our province proud, keep up the good work...
Thnx from the South China Sea, Rick
Hi Guy’s,
Thanks very much for your interesting inning by inning run down of the NZ v USA
game. I'll let all my buddies know so they can go to your website. Keep up the
good work yours in softball
Doon, NZ
Thanks for the excellent updates at the 2009 Men's World Fastpitch Championship
Linda R. Canada
Hi, Still like your commentary immensely with all of the information you are
putting up including the umpires. Many thanks
Mike. AU
Hi Al
Thanks for being at the ISF’s
Please keep with the updates, as this is still at real time.
Can you keep this page up-to-date? http://www.alsfastball.com/uploads/File/2009%20Files/ISF-Saskatoon-2009/ISF2009ScheduleFP.htm as it is a
far better format then theirs.
Watching video stream, wish it was much better…………………………but better than
nothing.
Regards
Jason,
Auckland, NZ
Just wanted to let
you know your reports are appreciated. Keep it up; there might be a
future for you in this internet stuff
Larry, Ohio
Al, I notice
that one of the umpires is not listed on your umpires schedule for today -
namely Leigh Evans. Yesterday Jan Hora and Vincent Maoeng did not appear. It
would not be ISF practice to not give all umpires at least one game per day. I
have had the honour of umpiring 2 ISF Worlds myself, including the Men in
Midland and East London. Are you able to look into this please? Regards
Andrew, AU
Just
wondering if you guys can help me out. I would like to watch some of the
Canadians this year without traveling out west and watching live. Is the only
way to catch any ISF action via streaming video from their website for $60? I
find that a little ridiculous if this is the case. Hopefully there is another
way. This is not going to help promote the game fastball. Anyways, thanks in
advance.
Trevor, Canada
Dear Al, I am
so enjoying your reports from Saskatoon. I love your humorous interjections. I
almost laughed myself off my chair over Crawford explaining the rules to the
ump. I could just see it! Keep the news coming, especially the little side comments.
I love it!
Mary Ann, Canada
Al,
congratulations and thanks for all your work in keeping us up to date. When
looking at our local newspapers (Hamilton & Toronto), I'm disappointed that
the ISF scores and standings are not carried on a daily basis and/or announced
on TV/radio. I play old-timers sol pitch (12 teams, over 200 players, over 55)
with many former fastball players who are unaware that the world championships
are even being played unless I tell them. To promote the sport someone needs to
get the results to the national media. Interestingly the recent women's World
Cup in Oklahoma did receive coverage including standings. Hopefully you can
pass on this concern to Softball Canada. Thanks and keep up the great work ! Go
Canada Go !!
Ted, Canada
Al, Just read
your game report - wasn't awake real time - Sorry. Please keep up the fantastic
service. Your reports are better than the live streaming which I find very
disjointed - did my 60 bucks on that.
Great job.
Andy, AU
Hi Guys Really enjoying commentary from the park. Wish I could be there
instead of in my office watching out for the bosses. Keep up the good work
WG, NZ
Hi guys! I’m watching your coverage here
from Melbourne Australia. Only found out you were running a play by play this
morning and have been glued to the computer since then! Go Aussies!!Looking
forward to the USA v Canada game- my dad is calling the plate. Wishing him a
great game! Keep up the great coverage :-)
Stac, AU
Hi, My name is Luke Carter. I am Nick Shailes Best friend; I unfortunately cannot
be at the field to see the match between Aust an NZ.So I love that you are
keeping in the know as far as the game tonight. Thanks a tonne
Luke, AU
Hi Al, Dan here. I just wanted to send you a short note about your coverage. I
can only say that it's almost as good as being there. I haven't missed a batter
with your reports, and your comments. Keep up the very good work, and I hope
the DARN food lines get shorter. Your friend
Danny, Canada
Highly b
frustrating.. the web cam freezes then error on page reload. Can someone please
update us.. .. .. ..
Shame that the organisers didn't allow ballpark radio to broadcast the games,
their enthusiasium is so infectious listeners would have gladly purchased the
webcam cast to see what is so exciting. As it is you are doing a better job
with your play by plays than the web announcer. Keep up the great work, and say
Hi to Mark & Wu for me
Nicola, NZ
you bet we are watching your updates in Australia!
Mike, AU
Are we reading it? Baz from Auckland has
worn his refresh button out on his laptop!
Baz, NZ
Hi Al, I work
at the Softball Australia office and am following your play-by-plays, keep up
the great work! Go Steelers!
Shane, AU
Thank you for the updates!
Julie, Blair, Reagan, Seth & Toby
3 Auckland United players, in Auckland
you asked in your commentary if anyone
is reading it
Answer is yep, 2-30pm Sat afternoon in NZ and we are reading it blow by blow
Softball fan group in NZ
Al, Hanging on every word - much better
broadcast than that bloody live streaming I paid 60 bucks for. Thanks mate -
good to read you are wearing that Steelers hat!
Andy, AU
A quick note - someone might like to tell the boys in the press box
gossiping....
Tell them they have an open mike!
5 like this from AU and NZ (and they
fixed it)
Wish the Canuck boys good luck for me Al...Especially my old buddy Craig Crawford.
Go get em!!!
Jeff, Canada
Great updates we are watching
from Perth wa brings back so many memories as this time last year my son Aaron
was in the 19 men’s world series aussie aussie aussie oi oi oi from
the boccardo keep up the good work
Fostio, AU
Ontario Fan
Thanks for the updates...late night in Ontario
Go aussie go Aussi
Hi Al,
Thanks for that, and for the great coverage, it’s great to know what’s going on
over there, was so hard sitting at home waiting for dad's emails to let me know
all about the games.
Looking forward to tuning in for the next 2 days.
What a long day over there! Sleep well :-)
Oz
Go Steelers
Bec and Macks say Hi to all the
Steelers
HI, Thanks for the coverage Ayden and I are reading and watching the stream in
Folkards home town Canberra. Cheer
Pip & Ayden, AU
our refresh button is running hot!!!!! Keep up the updates !!! Great work... GO
KIWIS!!
Julie, NZ
Umpire Schedule
AL,Thansk, again, for posting the Blues for the tournament. I'm sure I'm not
alone in following intently who's who in the Blues. Regards
Predictions
Al, great work on the predictions, but green will be gold!
Ozzie
Al, Great picks! You’re running the board on selecting the winners this week!
Great coverage and I am sure you are having fun and are quite tired ... but two
more days to go!
Bob, USA
Hi Al, we are
here at the hotel wondering what hats you will be wearing today (game winners)
and would love to know before the games go! Al the best from us both.
Bob and co., Saskatoon
Great job Al. We are glued to our PC. My wife and I were there in Saskatoon for
the first few Games saw Travis win his 2 games. Sure is strange splitting our
cheering between USA and Canada. This game later tonight should be a dandy.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers Steve, USA
yes mate am following great work thanks keep it coming
Russ, AU
keep them coming mate. Must
be great to be there
David, AU
Great
work again Al , You are the best ...
Brian, Canada
Nice work Al, You have kept me up to date and made this Aussie very Happy,
Cheers mate.
Dean, AU
Congratulations
to the fine Australian team
ISF Gold and World Champions ...well deserved
Thanks Al for the great coverage!
Glen,
Netherlands
Hey Al, wish I could be up there cheering the
boy's on with you, say hello to them for me, Abby, Martin etc. You’re doing a
great job informing us what's going on and love the inning by inning of what's
happening, take care...
Jody, USA
Thanks
for the good work with the coverage of the worlds. The softball community in
Australia was all glued to your updates.
Darrin, AU
Go Aussies!
Great calling with so far an
exciting result for us in Aussie.
Just to let you know that Jessie, Adam's girl is anxiously following her
man pitch and will settle when time and game is called.
Regards
Margo, Canberra ACT Australia
For the record, I was put on to your web site by a good friend of mine Rob Gray
Whom I played alongside as a rookie at Paremoremo in NZ before his Canadian
national recognition. I still communicate with Rob and assist him in his
financial goals. I also attended one of your tournaments as Coach of the
Allerod Penguins team from Denmark (Europe) at ISC Eauclaire 2005 as European
champions 2004 at which I totally enjoyed.. I will be here at 9am tomorrow morning,
laptop at the ready, hopefully cheering the kiwis on with Alan Dowd and Hayden
Smith.(a bit too early for a beer but you never know? its past midday over
there yeah?).Once again, thanking you for your great service.
Cheers
Baz, NZ
Thanks for your fantastic work Al - always appreciated
Cheryl, NZ
Thank you
from New Zealand
Kia ora from New Zealand Thank you so much for the fantastic information we can
receive from your website. Our coverage here in NZ is pretty pathetic so having
at least some information to be able to look at is so valuable and much
appreciated!!!!We are right behind our Black Sox team, they dig deep, they work
hard - if you get the chance please pass this to them: When performing the
haka, do so with manaWhen performing on the diamond, do so with dignity & passion
When performing with the bat, do so hard and fast Remember we are the Black Sox
Nation and we will not settle for last.Kia kaha New Zealand Black Sox
Jam, NZ
thanks for the entering the times. After each inning, we know when to run
to fridge for a beer much easier now. Thanks again
Barry
Black Sox supporter
Greetings from Tauranga NZ. Thanks for the running updates on all the games.
Here in NZ this is the nearest we can get to a game commentary. Given our Black
Sox are 3 times consecutive champs it just doesn't seem right. GO THE BLACK
SOX!
Patrick, NZ
Prognostication
You are ON FIRE with your predictions. Keep up the good work. Wish
I was there and not here working.
Todd, Canada
Thank you from New Zealand
Thanks Al - you are a champion - thanks for your support of our team, we are
proud of them. Looking forward to reading your commentary tomorrow!!!!
Gonna be a hard game - best of luck to both teams!!!!
Ryan, NZ
Write Ups Terrific
Love all your write ups so far. Unlucky for Canada was hoping they would kick
Aussies back sides. Your write ups are just like being at the Worlds. Keep it
up and look forward to reading more. Watch out everyone the Black Soxs are on
the comeback trail. "GO THE MIGHTY BLACK SOX"RegardsRonniePS Brent
Freeman got me reading your stuff prior to Worlds and absolutely love it
Ronnie, NZ
Love your right ups from the
World Series, and these are great reading, just like being there. The
little quips between innings are great. If you speak to Bob Henning
please tell him Ronnie Says Hi. Tough re the loss to Australia. But
at least I can say the U19 Boys at the World Series in White Horse kicked there
Butt 10 - 0 Thomas & Ben Enoka will remember that great win, but
alias we were not meant to be in the final Thanks Canada!!!!!!!
All I can say is "GO THE BLACK SOX" Look out as they are coming
back.
Look forward to your net write up.
Take care
Ronlynne Gurney (Ronnie)
SNZ Statistician
No live stream in Australia
do you know if the live stream is down? not on Australia?
Thanks for your help you are calling great, Cheers
Coach, AU
Magnificent coverage! Thanks. Do you know if they award an MVP / best batter
and the like? Can't find anything on the official worlds site
Lindy, AU
Just a line to let you know this old-timer thoroughly enjoyed following the old
teammates at this tournament. Thanks for a great job. Wish I was there. Hope
this finds you well, and please express a fond hello to everyone at the ISC's
this August.
Bob, USA
Always rely
on you for the inside!
Whilst it was great to have the streaming, the detail wasn't covered on the
official site really well.
Down Under
Thank you for the coverage. Its hard work I know. Take care and once again
thank you.
Martin, NZ
Hi Al,
Thanks for the play-by-play at the ISF. Great job. It was good
knowing when we checked in we could catch a game being covered, or
check on one concluded. And I was impressed with the turnout of the
fans.
Bob, USA
Thanks to you, truly a job well done. Al, the fastball community owes you a
large amount of gratitude for all that you do for the game - you’re play by
play was a real treat to read as always.
Barry, Canada
Absolutely we are following you
tonight in NZ …..enjoying it, well maybe not the current score line
Good job,
JJ, NZ
Excellent job Al, your
updates were great, next best thing to being there. Where/When is the next ISF
Worlds
Steve, Canada
World Series
Thanks for the play by play – Doug, AU
Black Sox
Fan
Thanks so much for your
commentary. I've been following these last few games for the Black Sox, and
gutted to see them lose to the Aussies. Would much preferred to see a NZ v
Canada final. Oh well, I'll have to concede that the best team won on the day.
My son is part of a NZ supporter’s tour party to Saskatoon, and I posted him a
facebook message to say "Al said you have to make more noise!". We
have no coverage of play here, but have enjoyed your comments. Cheers
Lee, NZ
Wow! Al.I was riveted to my PC.Great job.oi
oi oi for sure.regards!
Andy, AU
GOOD MORNING TO YOU AL......just want to join the long line of grateful
fans and say thank you for your coverage over the past two weeks cheers mate!
John, AU
Al, just back from Tel Aviv, Israel. Canadian women
won bronze, Master's silver and Open men gold in the 18th Maccabian Games. Both
Mark Bendahan and Jack Firemen were inducted into the Israel Softball
Association Hall of Fame. Great job on the ISF coverage. Wish Crawf and the
R-Twins good luck down the stretch.
Larry, Canada
Hi Al!
Doing an amazing job with the updates! :) Peeps back home are loving it!
Will try & sneak into the media section & say hi tomorrow! :)
I enjoyed reading the play by play of tonight’s game! Bought back not too
distant memories... :) Glad to hear that all the noise we were making was being
heard downstairs!
Here's to some awesome softball! :)
Cher, AU
Thanks for
the coverage
None of
our news or sport channels have picked this game up which is most disappointing
with the kiwi’s chasing the 4thwin!
Alistair, NZ
Congrats to Canada
for winning the Bronze. Enjoyed following the games from Dublin, Ontario, east
of Mitchell
Larry, Canada
Keep up the good work
keep up the good work, we have
been watching your updates for two days now and it is the only 'live' info we
get to watch our beloved black sox so cheers!! From
Rod, NZ
Hi All,Go Steelers!!!Pip, Bec, Ayden,
Josh Connor and Macks.thanks for the great coverage. Cheers
Pip, AU
Nice work
Al!
Al, I wanted to thank you
for the coverage from the ISF in Saskatoon. I remember in 1987, 1988, 2002,
being under the stands when the foot stomping started. It was deafening. The
Kiwis and Canadians need to improve their pitching if they are going to
dethrone the Aussies.Canada does not have great success in Saskatoon (2 bronze)
or Midland (2 silver) so I guess we need to return to the Philippines (2 Gold)
Roger, Canada
You did one hell of a job. I enjoyed your play by play more than I have enjoyed
anything. I was a treat to read.
Gary, USA
The Big One
G'day Al,All Aussie
softballers have been waiting five years for this day. The bronze was good then
and I was fortunate enough to see that. Not so fortunate this time but my heart
is there. I'm sure the Steelers will do us all proud. Great job, Al, all week.
Thanks for keeping us right up to date.Oi Oi OiRegardsAnd
Andy, AU
Action in Saskatoon
Hello my friend! God I
wish I was there!! Hope you're enjoying the action and thanks for keeping all
of us at home updated on the most anticipated game in the last 5 yrs!! Say hi
to everyone for me!
Brian, Canada
Good job on the coverage of the WS Al. We were
awaiting each update with great anticipation!!!
Oh- and GO THE AUSSIES!
Hope you had a good time there. And will meet you at the next one, wherever
that might be...
Barry, AU
Good job all tourney Al, great
updates. See you in 4 years. Mixed emotions for me. Born and bred in Aussie and
played all my softball there until I turned 16 and now I am a kiwi so I am
pretty happy either way and I said all along it will be Aussies pitching vs.
NZ's batting. As per usual, the pitching usually wins.
Stan, NZ
Go you Volunteer!!!! Must have been great to watch...now you can have a well
deserved celebration
Deb
THANK YOU to ALL the fans who “Listened
In” to our coverage of the 2009 ISF’s from Saskatoon. It was a pleasure doing
this and chatting with so many of you. There are hundreds of great photos from
the tournament up on Facebook, most linked to us at
http://www.facebook.com/alsfastball
Let’s do it all over again in Quad Cities IA/IL for the ISC World Tournament
and the ISC II Tournament of Champions, August 14-21 and August 18-22, 2009
respectfully. Tune in at
http://www.iscfastpitch.com/