Unfortunately this is something that was echoed a few years ago. When I was coaching at Kinnick in 2004 with coach Mac we heard the same thing. That year we were unable to convince Richie Korth to play baseball and he went on to play soccer because of that specific reason. He told me after one of Mr. Davis' classes that he wanted to experience one more Far East and that was the only sport that could provide that. Carol Tully did the same that year, left softball for soccer.
It is a shame that only certain sports are able to experience the Far East tournament but the one thing they can say, along with myself, is that we saw parts of the world while traveling to other schools that we never would have seen any other way.
Keep up the great work Dave.

It seems DoDDS Pacific is aware of the wants of our athletes when it comes to these two sports and a Far East. I would like to think when the budget changes and allows for an additional Far East these two sports should be on the top of the list. I think the question you didn't ask is if there is money will DoDDS Pacific create a baseball and softball Far East. We need them to commit to that. The problems with pitchers and weather are not impossible problems to over come. WIth careful planning and the creation of good programs through MWR youth sports the pitchers will be there. The weather is the weather. Maybe, less teams going to Far East like football would give you more time to play. Instead of sending everyone send a District champion from each district (Guam, Okinawa, Korea, Japan). Just some thoughts...now bring on the track and field backers.

Having been a Substitute Teacher, Coach and Assistant Coach in Japan and Korea for 4 years and an avid Baseball and Softball player for more than 35 years I find it hard to swallow but do understand the reasoning. During my tenures as a Coach it was explained to me that not only was funding an issue but weather was as well. Baseball and Softball are easy prey to the elements and a 3 or 4 day tournament can be a wash, forgive the pun. If funding is an issue, raise your own funds as the Yokota Panthers did in 2001 raising enough funds to go to Misawa to play a weekend tournament against a Club Team and the neighboring Japanese teams. From my understanding, that same Misawa team travels South to play DoDDs schools very frequently. This is an example of hard work and how it pays off. If a Far East Tournament is not in the cards, play games against the locals and make your own tournaments. Dial down the cost requests to DoDDs and the eventual support gained could lead to tournaments and lifelong friendships beyond belief. Ask DoDDs to make minor cut backs in a few Far East sports and divert the money to sponsoring Home/Away tournaments along with sponsoring our host country athletes in your homes. The same can be requested of our host country athletes. It's a win/win situation and the rewards are longer lasting than a tournament against only DoDDs representatives. I realize this is long winded and many of you know I have more to say but I need to make room for others to speak. Work hard, play hard and do things for your team. Don't just expect a handout. Dave, thanx for keeping these young men and women in the paper as long as you have...Coach Bob, Yokota H.S. Baseball 98-01 and the All Korea Girls Fast Pitch Softball Champions from Daegu, 2006...

I'll tell you, the fact that DODDS-Pacific is actually sponsoring Baseball and Softball is a far cry better than when those sports (along with Football) were only sponsored by the local MWR programs. Seeing how it has only been a few years that these sports have been sponsored, I would say that it is inevitable that a Far East Tournament is in the future. However, patience is probably prudent at this point.

In addition to what you mentioned, when discussing Far East baseball/softball in DODDS-Pacific, I believe it is important to remember two other things:

1. Atleast in Okinawa, baseball and softball were JUST given DODDS funding two years ago. It will take time for baseball and softball to earn respect in DODDS.
2. At Far East tournaments, teams play up to 6 games in a single week. This is not possible with baseball and softball, especially with the depleted pitching staffs around the region.

However, this shouldn't keep DODDS-Pacific baseball and softball teams from having the opportunity to put their talents on display. As a member of the Kubasaki baseball team for the past four years, I have NEVER traveled off-island to compete in a baseball game. I would love the opportunity to travel and to play against other DODDS schools. Because I am a senior, I understand that this will not happen during my time here.

I think baseball and softball should take the same approach that football has taken. 3 game series should be played to determine the champion of each district (similar to the OAC council series between Kadena and Kubasaki). There would be breaks between series to allow pitchers to rest up and get ready to go. Are there baseball and softball teams in Guam? Korea?

But for now...the "Spring Fling on the Rock" tournament is the best that we have. Next week, St. Mary's and ASIJ will arrive in Okinawa and join Kubasaki and Kadena in a four team tournament. Look for Kubasaki to make some noise.