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National Horseshoe Pitchers Association |
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National Horseshoe Pitchers Association |
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| Homer Cain from Oklahoma had an idea. Actually, he had a vision. He visualized horseshoe pitchers from all over the country visiting the 18 indoor courts in Joelton, TN to pitch and to visit the new NHPA Hall of Fame exhibit. AND he envisioned many more horseshoe pitchers taking part in the NHPA Sanctioned League Program. How could he integrate these ideas?? He came up with an idea - to have a National Tournament for all the Sanctioned League Players in the NHPA and to hold it in Joelton, TN. Many league players are new or do not compete in tournaments. Why not have a tournament which would be designed especially for them, using the comfortable league format - the handicap, count-all system which flattens the playing field among all horseshoe pitchers. This format could potentially bring new AND experienced horseshoe pitchers together in a venue which is comfortable, protected from the weather, AND competitive. He thought that the tournament could run in the Fall, after most sanctioned leagues are completed for the year. After submitting this idea to the NHPA Council, Homer saw it become a reality in mid-November, 2003. 55 pitchers from several states pitched fifteen 40 'shoe games in 3 groups of 6 teams. Each team was comprised of 3 pitchers with no limits on ringer percentage or, in this case, point average. Each team was competing against ALL the other teams, even though they only actually played against the 5 other teams in their group. For this first time, only one weekend was necessary but, judging from the comments of the pitchers, next year's schedule will need to be expanded. Because only two of the pitchers are pitching at any given time, the third teammate is always available to keep score so there is no scoring problem. And with the count-all system, mistakes are minimized. NHPA president-elect Paul Stewart and NHPA Sanctioned League Director Lorraine Sternberg were at the stats desk, assuring that the tournament would run smoothly. Jack Freeman, who is donating this fine facility to the NHPF, and Mary Bastian, his "Right Hand Gal" were nearby. Jack and Mary also gave several guided tours of the new and developing NHPA Hall of Fame exhibit, situated in a room near the outside courts behind the indoor courts. They have worked many long and intriguing hours organizing the huge amount of material brought to them from Earl & Vicki Winston, NHPA HALL of Fame co-chairpersons. It was easy to see that they are excited by this burgeoning exhibit. Yes, Homer had a vision! A good one! Contributed by Debbie Michaud |