2006 Rumor Central

sledgehammer22 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 179 Location: California

Reading the news of Team Rainey's fold has come as a huge surprise to the California fastpitch scene. It is a sad day for the fastpitch world to lose such a hard working, class act of a team. Team Rainey has not only helped revitalize the California fastpitch scene, they have secured a place in history with their ability to put a lower budget team together that makes waves in the ISC World Tournament. I would personally like to thank Team Rainey executives for giving me the opportunity to play with them as well as the opportunity to learn from what they have done.....which is play as a TEAM and win as a TEAM. They will be missed as a team that brings both fans and a competitive spirit every weekend.

The loss of Team Rainey opens the door for the SoCal Bombers to be the only ISC level team in California. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. It is bad in a sense because there will no longer be that rivaly that brings so much buzz to the park. Team Rainey and the Bombers have upped the level of play throughout the area with their commitment to winning. These two teams have shown the ISC that California CAN compete again.

It is a good thing because there is that outside chance that Bomber management will bring on some of these talented players to continue to show our presence. California has the talent pool to win. It will be interesting to see the developments in the coming weeks. Bringing two long time rivals together to make a serious run at the ISC's would be amazing for the development of this sport in California.

fireman00 · Joined: 09 Jan 2004 Posts: 33 Location: California

I just wanted to put in my two cents about the recent news concerning Team Rainey. The core of this team is what this game is all about. Friends who play a game and have a great time doing it, not to mention that they are pretty damn good at it!!!! All players and teams should be so lucky. They took over at the ISC were the Bucks left off and had a great run. Like Sledge was saying, a budget team who ran with the big dogs and played well. Rod, Roy, Tony, and all the others, thank you for a couple of great seasons. The tournaments we went to were awesome, especially the ISC. It doesn't get any better than that! I know you guys will still be playing somewhere, so good luck in 2007.

med42 · Joined: 17 Sep 2005 Posts: 23 Location: nor-cal

Breaking news out of Nor-Cal!!!

A1-Tank/ Nor-Cal Mavericks player/coach/GM/etc./etc/ has decided to hang'em up ( for at least this year ). The decision being made after alot of consideration. Due to occupational commitments already made now for next summer, Chris Wright has decided not to sign for the next season. After 25 years of fastpitch, work along with unhealed knee injuries prompted the annoucement.

The Tank ended last season on a positive note having taken 3rd in the NAFA AA with 2 losses to 2nd place Larry Miller Toyota, and 2nd in the AAA losing in the championship game to The Bar of Wisc. Early news had Wright bringing the Mavs back for the upcoming season, however this was pure speculation. No one person nor organization brought on this decision. Rumor had bad blood between former Mavs and the newly formed Tank club, however this was over-dramatized. The begining of the '06 season was frustrating for most teams in Northern California because of all the rain-outs early on, coupled with some player no-shows and not being able to play on a consistant basis the Tank had it's up's and down's. But this in no way influenced Chris's decision.

The early announcement leaves alot of movement to be made this off-season. Look for more posts regaurding what happens to remaining player-personel.

sledgehammer22 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 179 Location: California

Wright's not retiring. It's a one year hiatus. He'll be back.

sledgehammer22 · Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 179 Location: California

To all the Forum faithful. The 2006 Rumor Central topped 60,000 views recently, shattering last year's total. It has been a great year filled with the most BS I've heard in a while. Since there has already been a 2007 Rumor Central started, I will think of a new page to bring to the table in hopes of stirring the pot and providing some laughs. Have a nice holiday season and good luck in 07.

Sledgehammer22