St. Louis Diamond Cats

 
SOFTBALL'S LITTLE INSTRUCTION BOOK

Never underestimate the other team.

Don’t bother holding a grudge against an umpire; it isn't worth it. Umpires are people too, and they make errors just like you and me.

If your team invites a substitute to fill a vacant spot, treat that person like a royal guest.

Never heckle a pitcher, especially if that person is new to the job.

Try to have fun, whether you're winning or losing.  Otherwise, there's no point in playing.

Be respectful of the other team, even if they do not treat your team similarly. Your sportsmanship on the field will quickly get known throughout the league.

Don't let that loud-talking batter fool you. Sometimes, the loudest player is the worst, the quietest the best, and everybody else falls somewhere in between.

You're never too good or too important to sit on the bench every once in awhile.

Always run to first base, even when you hit a fly ball. An error might stretch your pop fly into a single or double.

If your team has a uniform, wear it appropriately.

Don't question your coach's or manager's judgment in front of the team.

If you do have a suggestion for your coach, manager, or fellow player, do it privately.

If somebody makes an error, she already knows she made a mistake.  You don't need to remind her.

If somebody makes a particularly bad error, don't make her relive it.  She is already embarrassed enough.

Don't measure your talent against players on your own team - ever.

Never chastise another player when others can hear you.

If you're fortunate enough to play on a good team, treat it like a privilege.

Always respect your fellow players, even if they don't give you immediate reasons to do so.

Cheer for your pitcher, even when she throws poorly. Being on the mound is the toughest job on the field.

When you're fielding a hit, especially a bouncing one, always try to get your body in front of it like a goalie. You may take a bounce off the chest, but you will stop the ball, and your teammates will respect you for it.

Before you borrow a teammate's expensive bat, ask first.

If you're winning big, don't rub it in. Being cocky will haunt you one day.

If you are the batter on deck, tell the runner coming home whether she needs to slide or not.

Unless you're looking for a brawl, do NOT run into the baseman.

Basemen: remember to make room for the runner whenever the play is not to you.

The same person that let you down one game, may win it for you next time.

There is always a next time.

Always shake hands, thank the umpire and clean up after yourself before you leave.

Most of all, leave the game on the field, where it belongs.

PARENTS SHOULD BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE...

How badly you must want to win,
Not for yourself but for me,
So help me play this game dear Mom & Dad,
With dedication, goals, and dignity.
It's embarrassing for me, Mom & Dad,
When you criticize my coach,
If you think you can be helpful,
Then try a new approach.
Call and make arrangements,
To meet him face to face,
Far better than to yell at him,
In such a public place.
I think that you will also find,
Your friendship will be sealed,
In a more conducive atmosphere,
Than on the softball field.
Please try to go along with him,
Not judging wrong or right.
You know he's got a job to do,
That must be done tonight.
As he stands alone down there,
In front of all the fans,
Help him do the job he must,
By staying silent in the stands.
Snap decisions he must make,
Under pressure of the game,
And certainly where you must sit,
Tis' not really quite the same.
Even when he calls it right,
I often make a mistake,
That surely makes him look as though,
His coaching is at stake.
Sometimes he will chew me out,
Then he'll pat me on the back,
And I will get it next time.
You can count on that.
He'll take the blame for losses,
And walk out on a limb,
But he'll give his team credit,
For each and every win.
So be there when I need you, Mom & Dad,
Shout encouragement to me.

Welcome to the home page of the 14U Diamond Cats (Seltzer). This team is a part of the St. Louis Diamond Cats organization.  Our organization provides approximately 50 outstanding girls and young women, ranging in age from ten to eighteen, the opportunity to participate at a very high level in a very exciting sport.  Our team will field 12 players in the 14U age bracket, and play in approximately 80 games this season.  The Diamond Cats are a 100% volunteer organization that annually strives to provide outstanding facilities, equipment, training, and participation in outstanding local and national tournaments.  This team coached by Neil Seltzer, is a new team. The same coach and team concept will be in place that led the 18U team to success from 2003 to 2010.  The goal then, and for this new team, is to put together a nucleus of girls that stays together to develop through 18U within a family atmosphere.  These girls should improve every year individually and as a team to reach their ultimate goals together.  Any of the girls that want to play college ball in the future will be given every opportunity to achieve that dream.  Every player from the past 18U team that wanted to play college softball received offers to play at the next level.  The coaching staff in place has over 40 years of softball experience, and the head coach and one assistant will have no daughter playing on the team.  Coaching will also include assistance from former Diamond Cat players currently playing at all levels of college ball.  They will pass on their priceless experience while mentoring and teaching these young players. 

If you have any questions about the team, please call Neil at 314-412-2201 or email him at neil0022@aol.com.