The following letter to our readers was posted in April 6, 2003 and generated considerable response.  We have reprinted it here, as context for the reader's responses, which can be read by clicking the "Reader's Responses" menu button at the lower left.

A Letter to Our Readers:

We are writing to you to solicit your feedback.

During the past six years, we have strived to make FASTPITCHWEST.com a welcome place for fastpitch players, family, friends and fans to enjoy news and information on what we believe to be the greatest amateur sport around.

Our mission statement is a simple one: "To promote the game of men's fastpitch, by providing news, information and resources to players, teams, coaches, and fans. In carrying out this mission we hope to increase your enjoyment of the game and foster its growth as well as protect and preserve its legacy for future generations."

When we say "It's All About the Game", we mean that we aim to provide all the news and information we can, placing the emphasis where we believe it belongs -- on the Game.  We have worked to provide coverage of fastpitch as a whole, without regard to "alphabet soup" affiliations (ISC, NAFA, ASA), providing coverage and links to all three organizations.

As many of you know, publicity for the game of fastpitch was often hard to come by.  Before the internet, coverage in local newspapers was spotty at best.  Fortunately, the internet has changed that, making timely information on the game much more accessible. 

All of this brings us to write to you, and solicit your feedback on a matter we find troubling as it concerns the game of fastpitch.  This past weekend, April 5-6, 2003, we attended a local tournament in Southern California.  As has been the case for some time, my wife and fastpitchwest photographer, Maddy Flanagan joined me, bringing along her trusty digital camera.  "Maddy's Photo Gallery" has become one of the more popular features of our website, with many of you graciously taking the time to email us, or tell us how much you enjoy the photos.  From time to time, we have also been fortunate to be able to provide the photos from other photographers, including Bob Otto, who some consider the best around.  The familiar flashing camera icon (below) has become our way of opening the window to those unable to attend in person, but who wish to enjoy the game from afar.

So Cal ASA's Attempt to Ban the Taking of Fastpitch Photos

At the tournament Saturday, ASA So Cal commissioner Robert Hernandez approached Maddy and told her to stop taking photos of the games.  The games were being played  in a public park, with unrestricted access to the general public.  Regrettably, this is not the first time that Hernandez has taken such actions.  Last year, he demanded that we stop covering "his" tournaments.   We chose to continue our coverage because we feel that the game belongs to the players and its fans.   In spite of his demand, we continued to provide links to So Cal ASA's webpage introduced last year, and refer our readers to view the coverage there as well.

We find So Cal ASA's actions to be troubling, especially considering the fact that this particular individual is ostensibly working for an organization that is the "National Governing Body" for the sport of fastpitch, one charged with the promotion of the game under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978. 

We would like to hear from all of you on the issue.  We may post some of the comments here, or pass them on to the ASA, though we will not disclose your identity or post your comments without your permission. 

Mr. Hernandez, we invite you to write to us as well, and explain the reasons you are trying to discourage the promotion of the game of fastpitch.   We also invite you to talk to the players and fans who enjoy the photos and tell them why you seek to restrict their access.

Please send your comments to feedback@fastpitchwest.com