How is a Scrap Iron Team Different than a League Team?

This is an opinion not shared by everyone nor is 100% accurate when comparing every league player to tournament player. 

New players considering to play on a Scrap Iron team ask the same question, what is it like.  Scrap Iron Club tournament play is much different than playing on a league team or most other tournament teams.  Most leagues play for fun. Many players are just happy to still be playing ball at their age.  They want to win and will cheer for their teammates.  However, losing or not playing well doesn’t hurt as much.  While winning feels good, many league players have almost the same amount of fun when losing. The traveling cost is limited and the league fee is lower.  There is little commitment except to show up for your team.

Scrap Iron players feel the pain longer when losing and are more upset when they let their teammates down. They are also more excited with winning and coming through for their teammates. The highs and lows can be greater in tournament play and, for some coming from league play, the importance to succeed is too much pressure for them.  Tournaments place players based on age and skill, while league play is more inclusive. Therefore, tournament team players are competing with similar age and skilled teams. To win, the player has to improve, comparatively, more than their competition. It is similar to playing better than your handicap in other sports.  Physical conditioning and practice is necessary, perfecting one’s skills to outperform others. They are competing against the best and there are fewer weak players.  Age, Injury, illness, and body repair may affect a player’s ability to compete at a high level, but a competitive player tries hard to limit its effect. 

Scrap Iron Club players have an annual commitment to their team and the club that includes financial, tournament and practice attendance, and volunteering support to the club.  Being a Scrap Iron Club member requires each individual to follow a code of conduct and adhere to club values. We show to the softball world our class and professionalism on and off the field.  This is not arrogance but a strong belief in how we conduct ourselves for the benefit of all and respect for the game.

I am not suggesting we discourage league players from playing on a Scrap Iron team.  However, they have a right to know the difference and be prepared to take that step physically and emotionally. It is a different mindset.