(Our gift guide from 2002, reprised by request for last minute shoppers in 2003)
 

FASTPITCHWEST'S 
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 
For that fastpitch player on your list 

Well, it's that time of year again.  If you're like most of us, it seems to get harder each year to figure out what gift to buy for our family and friends.  With that in mind, we have prepared our own "Christmas Gift Guide", for that fastpitch player or coach on your list.  Don't take the list too seriously, 'cause we don't.  It's all in good fun.  Then again, maybe you will find an idea or two.....

Click links for more information.

Editor's Choice

In my humble opinion, this one tops the list.   Must viewing for any self-respecting fastpitch fan, destined to be a classic.  It's also a great choice for the NON-fastpitch fan in your family, to provide some insight into your perceived insanity of travelling all over the county or country playing fastpitch.

The price is right, cheaper than taking them out to dinner, and guaranteed to last longer.
Twenty bucks in VHS, Twenty-Five for you hi-tech DVD folks. Lastly, if you're one of those people who likes to shop for themselves while they pretend to be shopping for others, well, then, reward yourself with this gem.

Intelligent, insightful, touching”
 - The New York Times

Fastpitch
Directed by Jeremy Spear
When memories of his collegiate baseball stint loom larger than a promising art career, filmmaker Jeremy Spear decides to step up to the plate. Armed with dreams of athletic glory, Jeremy dives into the fascinating world of fastpitch softball, America’s last barnstorming sport. In an intimate account of the once-popular sport that is quickly fading from glory, the award-winning documentary film FASTPITCH takes a riveting look at the everyday lives of people chasing a dream on the back roads of America.

bullet

Fastpitch, The Movie

Stocking Stuffers 
($10 and less)
bullet Individual Donation in their name to TEAM USA Jr. Men's Program
bullet Another Editor's Choice
bullet (they'd be honored to help the future of the game)
bullet  Email Head Coach Tim Lyon for more info
bullet For those of you in the USA, anyway.  They operate on a shoestring, and could use the help.
bullet Sunblock
bullet Great choice for those guys over 40 on your team
bullet Rolaids
bullet (Manager's Special)
bullet Pitching staff struggling?  Get the "extra strength"

bullet Motrin
bullet Think about it, they're always asking for them and never have any.
bullet Batting Gloves bullet Gorilla Grip
bullet (yeah, like the hitters need more help)
bullet  From AIS Sports
AIS Garters.........................................................4.95pr.
AIS Heavy Weight Elastic Belt.............................3.95
 
bullet Manny Mota Hitting Stick....................................6.95

Some suggestions from a reader of Fastpitchwest

bullet Gorilla Gold tack rags ($4-5 ea)
bullet Bat weight for warm-up ($12-15)
bullet Those hand grip exerciser things ($15)
bullet Ball socks ($5-10)
bullet Eye black for sun glare ($5)
bullet Rosin bag ($3-4)
bullet Pine tar ($5)
bullet Ticket to Las Vegas for SpringSwing 2003 (priceless!)

Another writes:

bullet For players
bulletSliding pants!
bulletBatting glove
bulletBaseball pants for practice
bulletBag big enough to hold a ballplayer's "stuff"
 
bulletFor managers:
bulletScorebooks with enough room for all your subs!
bulletWooden 2 x 4 to get attention of players
bulletTwo flame throwing pitchers, age 25
bulletA pinch-hitter that never fails you

 

Modest 
($25)
bullet Fastpitch, The Movie
bullet See above "Editor's Choice"
bullet Tuff Toe
bullet For your favorite pitcher, there's nothing better
bullet NAFA gear bullet ISC gear bullet ASA gear bullet Team USA gear
bullet Jump on the bandwagon for USA Gold Medal Team
bullet Softball Canada Gear
bullet Let's not forget some of fastpitch --err fastball's finest fans
bullet Hal Skinner's "Winning Fastpitch"
bullet Want 2003 to be "the year?"

 bullet CD's of 2001 and 2002 ISC World Tournament Broadcasts - $20 each

bullet Nike Slippers for After the Game

bullet Certificate to the local Batting Cages

Well, this link works if you're near El Segundo, where you'll find the Rounders

bullet Mock Turtle Neck Sleeves

bullet Certificate to Sporting Good Stores

bullet Batting Tee

bullet Wiffle Balls

bullet Hey, what else moves like a rise ball?
bullet A favorite of the River City Rockers
bullet "Game Face" Mask
bullet Two Words: Kyle Kouka 
bullet  From AIS Sports
AIS Professional V-neck Underjersey.................24.95
AIS professional  Gear Bag..............................39.95
bullet AIS Professional Mock Underjersey...................24.95


 

Moderate 
($40-50)
bullet Glove Relacing 
bullet revive that treasured glove
bullet (Just be prepared for the panicked look when they can't find their glove)
bullet AIS baseball pants
bullet (everyone's favorite: extra long and double kneed)
bullet Rawlings Jersey Undershirt
bullet (once you wear one, that grey T-shirt will never do again)
bullet Dial Up Internet access with email for the 2003 season
bullet So they stop using yours

More Than They're Spending on You 
($100+)
bullet Oakley Sunglasses
bullet They might even get you a gift if you give them these.

bullet Black embroidered Windshirt from 2002 ISC World Tournament - $75 US
bullet You may not want to give this one away after you buy it.

bullet Personal Batting Helmet
bullet For the guy that likes to bounce his after striking out
bullet Nike Air Cleats
bullet
bullet Get 'em quick via mail from Eastbay.com, where I got mine.
bullet NAFA 2002 World Series Videos (the set)
bullet These won't be available after Christmas
bullet Video Player
bullet (so they can study their swing or delivery)
bullet Health club membership for the winter
bullet You know how they keep saying this is the year they're going to get in shape?

I Want to Get On Your Christmas List 
($200+)
bullet Digital Camera
bullet Maddy can use the help
bullet DVD Player
bullet (to play the "Fastpitch, The Movie" DVD their other friend bought for them)
bullet Wilson A200XL (or glove of their choice) bullet DSL/Cable Internet for the 2003 season
bullet (to download all those photos at Fastpitchwest)
bullet Plane tickets to the World/World Series/National Tournament bullet Mock Turtles for Your Team
bullet Oh, c'mon, they did bring home some hardware last year

Extravagant (Oh, You Got a Big Christmas Bonus) 
$300 and up
bullet Airfare and Hotel to the World/World Series/National Tournament
bullet Hi Tech Bat
bullet Be sure it's certified for use in 2004 and don't tell your pitcher friends
bullet  ASA Re-certification info
bullet New Uniforms for your Team
bullet OK, OK, it was a REALLY big bonus

 
 

copyright 2002
James Flanagan