Hello softball world!

This is Brentt Eads and I’m back… back in the softball space (‘though I actually never left) and back from my own funeral, so to speak, which I’ll explain more about shortly.

After six great years building Extra Inning Softball from scratch starting in 2018, it was time for me to start a new opportunity in my sports media career. However, be assured that in no way did I ever consider leaving the fastpitch softball world—I love the sport and the people way too much to say goodbye.

It’s been a few weeks of my being “off the grid,” but it’s allowed me to talk to—and hear from—people I respect greatly in the sport.

And here’s where the “living funeral” part comes in.

I’ve been sincerely touched and humbled by the response from the softball world when I announced via social media that I would begin something new editorially.

So many people, from athletes to coaches to parents to event directors, have reached out and expressed their appreciation for the content, stories, and, yes, the player, coach and team rankings, that I’ve been blessed to produce in my 20-plus years covering the sport.

It was like I was hearing friends giving positive tributes and eulogies… only I’m (apparently) alive to hear them. Seriously, I do appreciate everyone who has reached out and been supportive. It’s given me a burst of renewed energy to get back to doing what I love: putting the spotlight on the athletes and teams and telling their stories.

The work ethic and dedication of fastpitch player to get better on and off the field is inspiring. These amazing softball athletes and their networks of support frequently fly across the nation to play the best competition and to get better themselves in doing so… and they rarely, if ever, complain about doing what it takes to elevate their game.

So what IS Line Drive Softball?

Pretty much the same consistent daily coverage you’ve read previously.

Specifically, this includes player and team spotlights, human interest features, comparative lists, event previews and results, recruiting news and so much more.

Our coverage will also include player rankings which has been beloved and much appreciate while also being somewhat controversial at times, but I will say this: I was pleasantly surprised at how many people have told me that they WANT the rankings—both player and team—because it’s recognition and validation for working hard and demonstrating success on the field.

Think about it: these are strong-willed competitors who go out to compete and someone’s going to win or lose every game… truthfully, on every pitch someone succeeds or fails. That’s part of the game and young athletes know that and that’s the nature of competition.

It is what the athletes sign up for… win or lose.

I feel that trying to “cushion” or “protect” these athletes has more of a detrimental impact; it’s pandering down to them and not pushing to get better as much as it is to prepare to comfort them when they inevitably lose, make an error or fail to deliver in a big moment.

There’s been the occasional voice of concern that doing the rankings and having players included in a top 100 (or top 500) listing is “emotional stressful” to a young athlete and her family and coaches.

It’s been reassuring to hear that 99 percent of you have told me you DON’T agree with that… that you feel this way of recognizing talent and accomplishment is a positive motivator, not a negative influence.

Here’s what I’ve been hearing from YOU in the softball community (the “we” being “YOU!)”:

• These athletes are working their butts off to improve their game and we appreciate anyone recognizing their hard work and talent.
• We understand that rankings are a “work in progress” and that the rankings continue to morph and change over time. Rarely is it that one athlete, such as a Jayda Coleman (current Oklahoma Sooner All-American and National Champion) is No. 1 from the first class ranking to the last. It’s about the journey and progress made.
• We get that this is media recognition—similar to the Gatorade National & State Players of the Year—and that media outlets such as Line Drive Softball are not scouting or recruiting services. The key point here is you (Line Drive Softball) tell stories and shine the spotlight on those that should be getting the coverage.
• We are aware that college coaches DO use the rankings as a resource to help them but they aren’t going to recruit (or not recruit) a prospect based on her ranking. In other words, it’s a tool and some coaches and college SID’s use it to further promote their incoming or current players.
• We DO like the younger player rankings for the recognition and pride that comes with it for them,
• We are aware that—contrary to what some may say or believe—college coaches DO follow the younger player rankings – even the middle schoolers.
• More specifically to the last bullet point, here’s what several college coaches have told us “off the record:

“We (college coaches) do look at the ratings to see who the promising and rising players are so we can begin to track them and, hopefully, invite them to our campus, especially for camps where we can see them up close and learn more about them on and off the field.”

Let me end with this (for now): our fastpitch softball coverage is designed to recognize the athlete and the sport. Sometimes there are stories that tough to tell or are hard to swallow, but for the most part, we look to HONOR the participants in this great sport we all love.

Recognize this, too: in our write-ups on top players and teams—their bios, if you will—we don’t write anything about any weaknesses or do a “Bottom 100” … of anything.

My wish is that, in a year or so, our efforts will achieve the desired goal and you, the fastpitch fan, will be happy and supportive of our coverage and you share this openly with me.

I just hope it’s not at my actual funeral – at least for a few more years – if only to allow me the wonderful privilege of covering and enjoying the softball world as long as I can.

Brentt Eads, Line Drive Softball

To reach me through, you can write to: Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com