2009: The Year in Review

Story of the Year: Golf Putts Softball out of Olympics

The IOC made it final in August when they confirmed golf and rugby would be Olympic events, leaving Softball on the sidelines.

Rugby was chosen because the president of the IOC is a rugby guy, who apparently promised his pals a long time ago that he would get rugby into the Olympics. He kept his promise.

Golf was voted in due, at least in part, to the immense popularity of Tiger Woods - but that was before Tiger's out of bounds play.

Forget that softball is played in more countries by more people than either of these sports...there's the issue of credibility at stake as well.

Aside from Tiger's problems, golf just plain isn't suited for the Olympics. The ancient Greeks held the entire event within a single stadium. They must be rolling in their ruins by the actions of their successors!

And get this...rugby changed the rules of their game at the last minute! The Olympic version of rugby will have only 7 players per side. Apparently their traditional game of 11 players wasn't quite right.

Oh well, there's always 2020.

Best Rule Change of the Year: ISF modifies the pitching rule

The ISF took a giant step forward by adopting the Canadian men's pitching rule world wide.

Basically, this new rule requires 2 feet on the rubber but allows the pivot foot to hop.

Crowhopping is now legal at the highest level in both mens and womens play

The ISF muddied the water a little by adding a "continuous motion" requirement. Apparently a pitcher is not allowed to "hang" in the air with the hands together and motionless (Todd Martin) and there continues to be a "chute violation", which could cause some mishaps.

Overall the change is good and pitchers are closer yet to being free of needless scrutiny.

End of an Era: The Vancouver Grey Sox Fold Operations

Following a dissapointing 6th place finish at the National Championships, major sponsors Larry Kancs and Conrad Margolis shut down operations on BC's one and only Sr "A" team.

However it's possible that from the ruins may arise a phoenix...the possibility of a province wide super league featuring the top players

Trajedy of the Year: The Death of Sean Cameron

At far too young an age, Sean Cameron was lost to his family and friends - and softball lost a great character.

Personally, I think Sean's best years were in front of him as he would have made a terrific coach.