We've moved!

This website will stay "alive" for posterity, but we will update at:

www.davekrache.com

Brackets, Teams, and Rules, Oh My!

If you are playing on a team for the tournament, you should have gotten an email with some information about the day's festivities.  If you didn't, email us ASAP: davekrachesoftball@gmail.com

For brackets, click on "brackets."

Rules can be found here.

For more info on teams, see below:

A few exceptions/edits/things we'll follow -
* All players on each team bat, even if they're not playing defense that inning
* Page 350 of that link above explains # of males/females on the field
* One home run per team, per game.  Out-of-the-park home runs will count as outs after the first one has been made.  Want to get home runs out of your system?  Participate in the Home Run Derby over lunch!
* To prevent outfielders from playing too close on the weaker hitters there will be a restraining line that will run in a 200ft. radius from the back of home plate. Outfielders may not step inside this line until the batter makes contact with the ball. Violations of the rule will result in the umpire declaring the ball dead and the batter will be awarded first base.
* Everyone starts with 1 strike and 1 ball.  This is to keep the game moving.
* Courtesy runners will be the last out made (male for male, female for female)

 

YOUR TEAM CAPTAIN

Team Captains were assigned to teams.  This person (or people) will be responsible for:

-Filling out line-up cards the day of the tournament, prior to each game

-Assisting in appointing players at certain positions

Since this is a tournament for fun, we encourage people to mix it up a bit. By all means - keep your same pitcher if they're working for you and if they're the only one that wants to pitch. However, if someone wants to give a position a shot, please speak up to your captain and see what you can work out.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

We will have bottled water, a first aid booth, lunch, and snacks available for all players - this is included in your fee that you've paid. You also have a guarantee of 2 games, and a couple of surprises throughout the day. For those who are wondering, there are restrooms on-site (not port-o-potties), and there will be a first-aid tent (staffed by real "live" nurses!), where you can catch some shade if it's unbearably hot.

If you have friends and family coming, there is bleacher space, but tell them to feel free to bring their own lawn chairs.

Please bring your own equipment. We have a couple extra gloves, and a couple extra bats, and a couple extra helmets... but all of that is to be shared between 50 people. If you don't have a glove and want one, try Play it Again Sports for a cheap, used glove. If you have an extra glove, please bring it the day of the tournament in case you have a teammate who shows up not prepared (although, let's be honest - would you go to Fogo de Chao if you weren't wearing elastic waistband pants? Please come prepared!).

What's the winner of the tournament get, you ask? Tournament shirts with "CHAMPIONS" across the back. Don't you want to be the first Champions of the first annual Dave Krache Memorial Softball Tournament?

Other prizes will be given out throughout the day!

FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO PRACTICE...

Please feel free to get together as a team prior to the tournament - whether it's for practice, or just meeting each other. Everyone has busy schedules, and this is just for fun, so obviously, you're not expected to hold practices before the Big Day. That said, you may find it fun to do.

·There are local parks that are first come/first serve, but I'd encourage calling the parks and confirming that anyone can show up to play. Here's a list of Cobb County parks: http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov/parksa-f.htm

·There is an indoor Kennesaw facility where you can practice fielding and hitting: http://www.jcssportstraining.com/

·Lastly, here's an indoor batting cage in Woodstock that is $1.25 token (15 pitches). The cage all the way at the back is the slowpitch softball cage: http://www.cherokeebatting.com/

There's lots of stuff outside of Cobb County (or so I've heard), but I just threw the list above together for places fairly local to the tournament fields.

HOME RUN DERBY

During lunch, after you've crammed a BBQ sandwich down your throat and chugged enough Gatorade so that your eyes float, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the Home Run Derby. The winner of the Derby gets a Kindle Fire, which was given to us by an anonymous donor.

Anyone over 16 can participate in the tournament. If they are already on a team, it's free. If they're not on a team, but want to participate in the Derby, it's a $5 entry fee.

If no one hits a home run (let alone many home runs), a name will be drawn from the list of players who did not enter the Derby. That person wins the Kindle Fire.

More specifics of the Derby will be available the day of the tournament. Enough incentive to hit those cages?

T-SHIRTS!

Also, I'm planning on being at Johnny's Pizza on Dallas Hwy on Friday, August 3rd in the evening. I'll have t-shirts available if you want them the night before, and you can hang out to meet your teammates and other players, if you are interested. In case you didn't know, Chipper Jones eats pizza and drinks beer before every game. So, in order to play like a Major Leaguer, you'll be smart to do the same.

I'll send out a reminder about Friday the 3rd and confirm a time when we get closer to August. If I don't see you Friday, I'll have shirts available the morning of the tournament.

DONATIONS

Your donations and entry fees have already made a difference - we've already committed to help one girl at a Kennesaw softball park. More will follow in August.

Even if you strike out each at bat and even if you can't catch a cold - See how awesome you are?

We couldn't have done this without our main sponsors, so please be sure and support: Win-Tech, Inc., Re: Weddings & Events, Loud Security, and Hill Mechanical.

More companies like Chick-Fil-A, Marietta BBQ Company, MSC Industrial Supply, and McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church have also helped make this tournament happen.

"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK!

Please be sure to "Like" us on Facebook -- we will post updates through the Tournament Day. Search Facebook for: "The Dave Krache Memorial Softball Tournament."

Or, once you're logged on to Facebook, go to: http://www.facebook.com/davekrache

Also, follow our blog: http://davekrache.blogspot.com

We encourage you to get on Facebook and "talk smack" on the Wall! Many of you know others on opposing teams, so all the more reason to get some healthy, fun competition going.

WEATHER

We will pay rain or shine. If there is a tornado over Macland Rd., we'll probably wait it out in our cars. Or a ditch. Whatever.

No, but really -- If the weather is questionable, please check the Facebook and Blog page. I will communicate directly with each team captain should a decision need to be made prior to the first game. If you don't hear from me/your captain -- please show up!

OTHER RULES AND STUFF THAT HAS TO BE SAID

 

 

* No alcohol at the fields

* No pets at the fields

* No kids in dug-outs -- adult players only, for insurance reasons

* Umpire call is final (these professionals are volunteering, so let's be nicer than we usually are to them, okay?)

It's the Final Countdown!

Now that I have that song in your head, click here for the BRACKETS.

I'll be emailing players this week to give you all information on your teams and the day's plans.  If you haven't received something by Sunday (July 15), email me and tell me so:
davekrachesoftball@gmail.com

...and remember to "Like" us on Facebook!

June 15 is here!

Hello, everyone!

We are on a roll with tournament progress. 

Still need to sign up?  Click here.
I will continue taking applications, but I can't guarantee 100% that you'll get your requested shirt size.

We've received feedback from people saying that they're not used to signing up for a tournament so far away from the actual tournament date.

We TOTALLY understand.

However, the reason we're asking for sign ups so early is:

1) This is the first year this tournament is taking place.  We plan on doing it right the first time, with hopes for it to continue in the years to come.  If we keep the tournament sign-ups lax and wait until the last minute, there is a potential that we'd have to change brackets.  This tournament is essentially being organized and planned by one person: Me.  :)  
I want to max out the work now, and have everything run smoothly the day of.

2) I have to get t-shirt sizes in to the printer no later than July 1.  Ever get a t-shirt that isn't your size, and you hate to wear it during the game?  Too small?  Too big?  How about getting a t-shirt that you actually enjoy wearing in the August heat?  It's the little things.

3) I have to get a head count to the caterer for food for the day.  There is a big difference between 50, 75, and 100 people.  You know what would suck?  Running out of food that day.

Not that you wanted that long explanation, but that's the reasoning behind the early sign ups.

I appreciate your patience and your support!  We are looking forward to August 4 - it will be a blast!

Allison

The due date has been extended!

Click here for the application, waiver, and rules!

Want to play?

Find the application here.

What: A one-day, double-elimination, adult, coed, slow-pitch softball tournament
Where: McEachern Methodist Softball Fields (off of Macland Rd.)
When: Saturday, August 4, 2012 (ALL DAY!)
Why: To raise money for kids who can't afford to play local sports

Hurry and send in your application!

Woohoo!

Holy cow have we made progress!

We have a couple of prospective donors just around the corner, and today, Chick-Fil-A confirmed that they are donating free sandwich coupons to be raffled off at the tournament!

Remember to send in your player application, and share the tournament information on Facebook to friends and family!

Get your applications! Hot off the press!

Hi everyone!

We are SET!

Please find the application here, as a .pdf Google Doc (no sign-in required).

Please print it, read it, fill it out, sign it, and return it to me.  Email davekrachesoftball@gmail.com with any questions.

Please share with friends and family!  No full teams allowed (let's make this fair for those just looking to have fun!), but please read the rules - partial teams can submit applications and I'll fill in the blanks with other players submitting applications individually.

Hurry and turn in your applications - space is limited!  This is going to be an awesome day - for $10.00, you get to play in a guaranteed 2 games, you get lunch, and a t-shirt. 

100% of your $10.00 goes directly to help kids play in sports.

Good deal, huh?  Why would you NOT sign up?

Big Update!

We have a place and a date!

Saturday, August 4, 2012
McEachern Methodist UMC Softball Fields

We also have a PayPal account for people to make donations!

Log on to your PayPal account, and send donations to davekrachesoftball@gmail.com
Anything you send is MORE than appreciated!

We are also accepting checks. Make them out to: Allison Giddens
In the "for" line, put "Dave Krache Memorial Softball Tournament."

Mail to:
1635 Old Hwy 41 NW
Ste 112-236
Kennesaw, GA 30152

Any questions? Email: davekrachesoftball@gmail.com

Applications for playing will be made available within the next couple of weeks.

We need sponsors for the following. Sponsors donate the cash for the items, and I make sure their name is all over the item/signage:

-T-Shirts for players & staff
-Lunch for players
-Paper fans (it'll be August!)
-Signage (signs, brackets, etc)
-Awards

We need the following donated:

-Bottled ice water on ICE (again, it'll be August!)
-First aid items (bandaids, ace bandages, etc.)
-New, unused softballs
-Cash!
-Individually-wrapped snack items for players

We need to borrow the following:

-Tables (for lunch, the check in table, the first aid booth, donation booth)
-Softball equipment (bats, helmets, gloves)
-Bullhorn or mic/speaker system

We need volunteers for the day of:

-First aid booth
-Ice water booth
-Lunch servers
-Check-in booth
-Umpires
-Scorekeepers
-Donation booth
-Hand out fans
-Man the "brackets"

Thanks, everyone! More to follow!

Update on field/date

Hi all!

I've been getting so much support from people Dad knew AND so much support from people Dad never had the chance to meet. On both accounts - he would be incredibly flattered!

I am in talks with a church to check on field availability, and it appears August may be our month.
Intially we were shooting for October, but it appears that all around, that's a crazy-busy month for tournaments and Fall Ball.
So, August it may be!

I will make the announcement shortly so everyone can mark their calendars!

Thanks again, and see everyone soon!

Update on Non-Profit Status

Have you tried to establish a 501(c)3 before? Yeah? No.

What an expensive, needless waste of money. We are asked to pay money, in order to avoid paying money later.

After discussion with those involved Behind-the-Scenes, we have decided to create The Dave Krache Memorial Softball Tournament.

As we raise money, it will not only go towards kids in need to help them to join local softball, baseball, and football teams, but it will help to establish a long-term Foundation in Dave's name.

From there, there can be more softball tournaments and events to help support not only kids in sports, but potentially kids in other community activities or scholarships.

So, for those interested in making a donation, unfortunately, it will not be tax-deductible.

Please know that we appreciate your donations in time and money immensely and you will be informed on how your money went to a great purpose.

The plan is eventually to allow donations to be tax-deductible. At the early stages of this Foundation, it is cost-prohibitive to set up the non-profit AND be able to hold the event for its intended purpose: To help kids join sports teams when they may not be able to, otherwise, due to financial reasons.

In the upcoming couple of weeks, we will notify everyone of a PayPal account where they can make donations.

I will also let everyone know at that point where they can send donations via check.

We still need sponsors and volunteers!

In the order of priority, here are the top two needs. Please let me know if you have a company (or would like to individually) sponsor any of these categories:

*Sponsor for field rentals
*Sponsor for t-shirts

I can get exact cost for these categories within the next couple of weeks once a location is firmed up. Please email me at amkgiddens at gmail.com if you are interested.

It would also be awesome to get a sponsor for equipment (softballs are helpful in a softball tournament), and bottled water for players on the day of.

We also need some volunteers for the day of:

*Umps
*Scorekeepers
*Bracket Coordinator (to keep up with the brackets and game scores)
*Photographer (to take good action shots of the games)

We're on Facebook!

Be sure to "like" our Dave Krache Memorial Foundation page to stay up-to-date on the softball tournament in honor of Dave.

www.facebook.com/davekrache

The Dave Krache Memorial Softball Tournament

**The following was emailed out to friends and family, and posted on Facebook. Spread the word!! Comment in the comments below this post if you'd like more info!**

Hello all!

Lately, I've been thinking a lot of my elementary school days. Mom, Dad, Anne, and I lived in a cul-de-sac in Kennesaw. Every Sunday in the summer, Dad would send me out to knock on the neighbor's doors and invite them outside to play softball at the church field (which was conveniently pretty much our back yard).
He probably only had me knock on 10 doors, but the task seemed meaningful and important and I loved riding my bike and being the 10-year old to ring the doorbell.
I'd spend the Friday evening out in right field while the grown-ups played softball at dusk.

When it came to Spring Ball and Fall Ball for kids, Dad was very supportive when I wanted to play softball growing up... no matter how, er...mediocre that I was.

He was also very supportive of those that worked hard for what they wanted, and might have needed a little help.

So, we've come to the purpose of my email:

I would like to host a softball tournament in memory of Dad (aka, Dave).

Proceeds would go towards kids who can't afford to join their local softball/baseball/football teams.

I've done some research and talked to some people, and have determined that the best time to do this is in October. The field(s) would be in the Kennesaw/Marietta/Smyrna (Georgia) area (depending on size of the tournament, number of teams, and availability of fields when I go to reserve the fields).

For a small fee ($$ TBD), you would pay to be put on a team. You'd get a t-shirt, the bracket, and the knowledge that your money was going to help a kid have a blast on a team they may not know otherwise.

First place gets bragging rights, and hopefully something from a sponsor.

You are receiving this email for one or two or three reasons:

#1 - Are you interested in playing on a co-ed team on a weekend this October?

#2 - Can you help recruit friends? Would you help with advertising and getting the word out? Flyers at church bulletin boards, Facebook shout-outs, etc.

#3 - Do you own or work for a company that would be interested in sponsorship? That entails signs up at the games... sponsoring t-shirts... paying for bottled water for teams the day of... sponsoring the renting of the fields... sponsoring the umps... etc. Do you run a food business and would make snack donations to players that weekend? Do you want to sponsor an ad in a small newspaper like "The Brightside?" Depending on your level of involvement, your logo could be all over the place.

I'm sorry that this email is a bit scattered. It's one of those "What came first? The chicken or the egg?" I can't pick a date or rent a field or two until I know I have interest. That said, I know I can't get serious interest without some sort of game plan.

My goal is to put together 6 teams of 12 players each. Ages 16 and up, males and females. Can't run? Yeah, neither can I. No excuse.

My tentative timeline is as follows:

By the end of February: I'd like to gather names of those who are interested, I'd like to have some commitment from friends on helping to spread the word, and I'd like to have some verbal commitment from potential sponsors.
By the end of April: I'd like to have the date picked and the field(s) reserved.
By the end of Spring: I'd like to have sponsors all set with what's needed, and advertising official, flyers out, and a game plan in place.
By the Summer: I'd like to have applications floating around and being filled out, teams will be created at that point.

Please visit davekrache.blogspot.com for updated info over the next few weeks. Please feel free to share this email/website with friends.

Even something as simple as reposting on social networking sites is appreciated: Remember, that kind of advertising is free, and Dad LOVED "free."

Thanks, everyone!

Allison Krache Giddens
amkgiddens at gmail.com

CC: davekrache.blogspot.com
CC: Facebook
CC: LinkedIn