Well, it's that time of year again.  And you waited too long to start shopping. 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

"Fastpitch" (the movie)

Directed by Jeremy Spear.

“Intelligent, insightful, touching”
 - The New York Times

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 traveling 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.

STOCKING STUFFERS ($10 OR LESS)

	Individual Donation in their name to TEAM USA Jr. Men's Program.  For those of you in the USA, anyway. They operate on a shoestring, and could use the help. Email head coach Tim Lyon for more info:  timlyon@earthlink.net
	Sunblock - Great choice for those guys over 40 on your team. (younger guys too, so they don't look 40)
	Rolaids - "Manager's special."  Pitching Staff struggling?  Get the extra-strength!
	Motrin - for those aches and pains on Sunday morning.  (well for us older guys, Saturday too) think about it, they're always asking for them and never have any of their own.
	Batting Gloves - Pitchers - you want run support?  Help the cause.
	(Yeah, I know, like the hitters need more help!)
	From iAIS Sports:

From AIS Sports

Manny Mota Hitting Stick....................................6.95

AIS Garters.........................................................4.95pr.

AIS Heavy Weight Elastic Belt.............................3.95

Some suggestions from a reader of Fastpitchwest

Gorilla Gold tack rags ($4-5 ea)

Bat weight for warm-up ($12-15)

Those hand grip exerciser things ($15)

Ball socks ($5-10)

Eye black for sun glare ($5)

Rosin bag ($3-4)

Pine tar ($5)

Ticket to Las Vegas for SpringSwing 2003 (priceless!)

Another writes:

For players

Sliding pants!

Batting glove

Baseball pants for practice

Bag big enough to hold a ballplayer's "stuff"

For managers

Score book with instructions on keeping score (simple enough for a player to understand)

Lineup board to hang on fence (with big letters for players names)

Wooden 2 X 4 to get attention of players before giving instructions

Two flame-throwing pitchers, age 25 - one LH and one RH or two LH

Fastpitch, The Movie

See above "Editor's Choice"

Tuff Toe

For your favorite pitcher, there's nothing better

NAFA gear

ISC gear

ASA gear

Team USA gear

Jump on the bandwagon for USA Gold Medal Team

Softball Canada Gear

Let's not forget some of fastpitch --err fastball's finest fans

Hal Skinner's "Winning Fastpitch"

Want 2003 to be "the year?"

NAFA 2002 World Series Video (per game)

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

Nike Slippers for After the Game

Certificate to the local Batting Cages

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

Mock Turtle Neck Sleeves

Certificate to Sporting Good Stores

Batting Tee

Wiffle Balls

Hey, what else moves like a rise ball?

A favorite of the River City Rockers

"Game Face" Mask

Two Words: Kyle Kouka

From AIS Sports

AIS Professional Mock Underjersey...................24.95

AIS Professional V-neck Underjersey.................24.95

AIS professional Gear Bag..............................39.95

Glove Relacing

revive that treasured glove

(Just be prepared for the panicked look when they can't find their glove)

AIS baseball pants

(everyone's favorite: extra long and double kneed)

Rawlings Jersey Undershirt

(once you wear one, that grey T-shirt will never do again)

Dial Up Internet access with email for the 2003 season

Oakley Sunglasses

They might even get you a gift if you give them these.

Black embroidered Windshirt from 2002 ISC World Tournament - $75 US

You may not want to give this one away after you buy it.

Personal Batting Helmet

For the guy that likes to bounce his after striking out

Nike Air Cleats

Get 'em quick via mail from Eastbay.com, where I got mine.

NAFA 2002 World Series Videos (the set)

These won't be available after Christmas

Video Player

(so they can study their swing or delivery)

Health club membership for the winter

You know how they keep saying this is the year they're going to get in shape?

Digital Camera

Maddy can use the help

DVD Player

(to play the "Fastpitch, The Movie" DVD their other friend bought for them)

Wilson A200XL (or glove of their choice)

DSL/Cable Internet for the 2003 season

(to download all those photos at Fastpitchwest)

Plane tickets to the World/World Series/National Tournament

Mock Turtles for Your Team

Oh, c'mon, they did bring home some hardware last year

Airfare and Hotel to the World/World Series/National Tournament

Hi Tech Bat

Be sure it's certified for use in 2003 and don't tell your pitcher friends

ASA Re-certification info

New Uniforms for your Team

OK, OK, it was a REALLY big bonus