Which softball association is better?

Photo credit: Diamond Sports Hotshots Facebook page

First off, congratulations to the Diamond Sports Hotshots of Texas for their Inaugural PGF 10u National Championship win! They came back from the loser's bracket to meet the team that put them there in the championship game. Then they put on a great show of athleticism and perseverance to win it all. 

I enjoyed that the final games were streamed live on YouTube. Excellent move by PGF. After work I was able to relax at home and watch the game. My daughter was also watching it on YouTube from where she was that day. While we weren't rooting for any particular team to win, we were so enveloped in the game.

I'm curious to see the views and stats on the live video feed. I think interest in softball is growing and hard numbers like this will prove it. Maybe next year a sports network like ESPN will pick it up. Visibility is what softball needs to grow and thrive. It just makes sense, sports with the most airtime will get the most interest among young athletes. Kudos to PGF for trying to increase visibility of this great sport.

Now a lot of talk has been going on about which softball association is better; ASA, PGF, USSSA, USFA, Triple Crown Sports. That's an interesting discussion that won't find an answer anytime soon, but it's great to hear arguments for all sides. I particularly like one argument that says it changes depending on when you look at it. This year a majority of people think it's PGF. A few years back it was ASA. I think it also depends on age division. It will be great to see who keeps pushing to make their tournaments better each year. It's an exciting time for this sport!

Teams are moving up in division, holding tryouts for new athletes, and starting their fall seasons with friendlies. Although a week or two break is needed, this mom can't wait for the next season to start! My daughter's team is moving up to 12s which I hear is a whole new beast. I'm excited to take it all in and enjoy this time! As long as my daughter is enjoying playing this sport that she loves so dearly, I'm happy.