For non-Softball fans

[CajunRebel]

Like I said I figured y'all wouldn't like my answer. But it's an honest answer.

Gator I hesitate to answer a guy like you but my wife played High School softball and I was there for every game. So I got a chance to see plenty of High School softball. And I stand by my comment that there are some local high school softball teams (Teurlings, Parkview Baptist, Kaplan) that could easily beat some of the softball teams that I've seen at Lamson Park; the teams that UL beats 20-0. And I never ever said UL wants to play give me games. Don't put words in my mouth. They do everything they possibly can to get good opponents to play at Lamson Park.

CajunRed, there's a reason why on a non-world cup year 40,000 people show up to watch our so-so US men's soccer team and 5,000 show up to watch our powerhouse US women's team. There's a reason why 17,000 people go to NBA games but 4,000 go to WNBA games. And there's a reason why 2,500 people go to UL baseball games and only 400 go to UL Softball. I think it's because women aren't as athletic as men so there isn't as much interest in women athletics. But if you disagree I'd like to hear your opinion as to why. And I know that it only takes minimal effort to learn softball but that still doesn't mean people are going to care much or care to know much about softball.

[RaginFan2]

Most of the so-called "minor" sports (i.e., softball, baseball, Track & field, soccer, golf, tennis, etc.) don't have a major following or interest from the general population. Why is that? Who knows. It varies from one individual to another. But it is the truth. I wish all of our sports had large fanbases and big attendance numbers. But the fact is, they do not. And it pretty much holds true across a wide swath of the US. Our softball team is one all Cajun fans can be, and, as best as I can tell, are, very proud of. Doesn't mean that we all make it out to Lamson. I've been a few times and really enjoyed the experience. I wish I could make it out there more often. But there are only so many different things I can do and limited funds to do them with. Having said all that, I back the softball team all the way and cheer them on as best I can - often by the radio.

[axg8750]

I have bEen following the team for a couple of years and have enjoyed the games that I make. As far as the women not being as athletic I believe that is arguable. The close proximity of the bases allows for zero error in the field. What would be a routine ground ball to short in baseball is sometimes an infield hit in softball.

Natalie fernandez last night was lights out at third base. The way she gets the ball from her glove to throwing hand and on its way to first base is VERY impressive! #12 in the Nation guys!!!

[CajunEXPRESS]

There is only one valid answer. The fan does not like it. If you do and enjoy it, then the atmosphere is great. Baseball and softball are to be enjoyed in a totally different way than football and basketball. These are social sports. You can spend the majority of your time at a game just chating with your friend or neighbor. That appeals to fewer people these days.

Now there are many people who think that women sports in general are simply inferior. I must agree to a certain extent. I would much rather watch a women tennis match than a mens, women gymnist than men. No track, no to basketball, yes to volleyball, but that is just because I like tall beautiful women.

[RaginWaldo]

You'll like my answer...

It is Ragin Cajun history to attract large crowds then stink up the field and drop a big L so we are doing our best to prevent that from happening as we cheer from Far and wish them the best

[Jacob81]

You'll like my answer...

It is Ragin Cajun history to attract large crowds then stink up the field and drop a big L so we are doing our best to prevent that from happening as we cheer from Far and wish them the best

In my case, I wanna be at every game. I love Lady Cajun softball. I'm 30 with a wife and 2 kids. My wife's not as interested but gives me an open invitation to take my girls( 4 and 2). Two problems, try watching a game with my two girls and also try affording it!!!!!

I have a yearly subscription to live streaming( $80 a year). Im actually posting this in between the first two games today.

When my girls are a little older and easier to control, and my finances are in check I will be a season ticket holder and bring the family more.

For now you can find me there 5 or 6 times a year. Im the tall, darkish, handsome guy chasing the two little slap hitters around.


GEAUX CAJUNS!!!!!! Christi is my favorite current cajun athlete.

[CajunRed]

Like I said I figured y'all wouldn't like my answer. But it's an honest answer.

Gator I hesitate to answer a guy like you but my wife played High School softball and I was there for every game. So I got a chance to see plenty of High School softball. And I stand by my comment that there are some local high school softball teams (Teurlings, Parkview Baptist, Kaplan) that could easily beat some of the softball teams that I've seen at Lamson Park; the teams that UL beats 20-0. And I never ever said UL wants to play give me games. Don't put words in my mouth. They do everything they possibly can to get good opponents to play at Lamson Park.

CajunRed, there's a reason why on a non-world cup year 40,000 people show up to watch our so-so US men's soccer team and 5,000 show up to watch our powerhouse US women's team. There's a reason why 17,000 people go to NBA games but 4,000 go to WNBA games. And there's a reason why 2,500 people go to UL baseball games and only 400 go to UL Softball. I think it's because women aren't as athletic as men so there isn't as much interest in women athletics. But if you disagree I'd like to hear your opinion as to why. And I know that it only takes minimal effort to learn softball but that still doesn't mean people are going to care much or care to know much about softball.

CajunRebel...I wasn't slamming you in responding above. I simply gave my take on the reasons you presented. I appreciate and understand that some might feel that way.

As a fan of anything UL...and as a fan of just about any sport played at a high level...I have season tickets to softball and make just about every game that doesn't conflict with baseball. If our program sucked and the girls were not good athletes playing softball at such a high level, I know I would not be as big a fan. But these ladies really bring it.

A note on quality of competition. I was critical of some of their early season opponents from last year, as TCH could have played with a couple of them. But that is NOT the case this year. Mike made a serious effort to bring in higher quality competition. Are they PAC-10 quality? No...but most of those teams will not travel to play here. But they brought in Arkansas last year...and Kentucky and Georgia Tech this year. The reason they make so many teams look like HS teams is because they are so darn good.

Go out and watch a couple off games everyone. We've got a great softball program.

[CAJUNJUDO]

When we host our own tournaments, I feel they need to do a better job of scheduling for the last game on friday. I know several people that would go friday after work; however, I/we don't go since the Cajuns are scheduled to start before 5:00.

Yesterday was a perfect example. If we play the 6:30 game, we're there. I realize the game was pushed back; however, by then we made other plans.

[cajunvol05]

There may be reasons to not watch softball, but I just don't see how the level of competition at home can be questioned when 5 of the first 10 games were against either BCS and/or nationally ranked teams. Thus far this year, softball has hosted the following teams at home...
Rutgers University (Big East)
Tulsa (CUSA) - #24 at the time
Northwestern University (Big 10)
University of North Carolina (ACC)
University of Kentucky (SEC)

On March 22, UL will host Georgia Tech (ACC).

On the road, this team has defeated Mississippi State and Michigan.

[LFTCajun]

There may be reasons to not watch softball, but I just don't see how the level of competition at home can be questioned when 5 of the first 10 games were against either BCS and/or nationally ranked teams. Thus far this year, softball has hosted the following teams at home...
Rutgers University (Big East)
Tulsa (CUSA) - #24 at the time
Northwestern University (Big 10)
University of North Carolina (ACC)
University of Kentucky (SEC)

On March 22, UL will host Georgia Tech (ACC).

On the road, this team has defeated Mississippi State and Michigan.

In other words, when a sanctioned sport of our beloved university competes well in the upper tiers nationally, it isn't that difficult to become a fan of that sport, or at least with regard to our own team. Can't say I am a softball fan in general, but I am a diehard CAJUN softball fan. Funny how quickly knowledge of that sport is absorbed when you have a team to love.

And they have earned our love and respect.