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Florence YMCA Flag Football

This youth football league is for boys and girls ages 5-11. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. A player’s age group will be determined by the child’s age as of Sept. 1, 2011

We have continued registration but a late fee applies.

For more information, please contact Brent Freeman at 665-1234 ext.104 or bfreeman@florenceymca.org

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

(This is the second post by Mr. Flossip. We felt it was appropriate to post this before so many of you enjoy a weekend of baseball! No, he did not choose to be called Mr. Flossip. I named him, and he suffers it.)

During the final game of this year’s Little League Baseball season I was reminded of a quote by the late great king of the diamond during the 1970′s, Coach Buttermaker who said, “This quitting thing, it’s a hard habit to break once you start.”

I was lucky to be a part of a very talented team in which quitting never became an option. We were led by three infielders and one outfielder who would all become All Stars, as well as a first baseman who won the award for hitting the most home runs in the entire league. As you can probably tell, a defensive minded infield plus a crushing offense and a ‘last resort’ kid on the wall makes for a very unbeatable team. There were very few losses.

Throughout the entire season our games became a classroom in which our players learned to win with grace, congratulate each other on great plays, pick each other up when mistakes are made, berate each other when mistakes are repeated, and of course how to eat a warm hotdog in under 5 seconds.

The biggest lesson however did not come until the final inning of our three month journey. It was then that a small kid with bushy blonde hair stuffed inside an oversized batting helmet taught us all how amazing a simple smile can be on the face of a kid who doesn’t quit.

Before the last inning began the score on the scoreboard had been turned off, leaving only the strikes and outs to be recorded in lights – the only physical sign of the Mercy Rule. We were beating the other team badly. In fact, with the exception of a solo shot over the fence in left-center the other team hadn’t scored a single run.

As the oppressive hug of humidity began to descend onto our field a small unimposing kid stepped up to bat. Knowing the season was over the opposing coach waved off the umpires and took several steps towards the batter. At this level, coaches pitch to their own batters. The umpires looked at our coaches who responded with simple nods of the head.

(For the female readers of this blog let me explain what just took place. Without uttering a single word these men held a conference in which all participants agreed upon the need to uphold existing rules, made a motion to suspend these rules because of a special circumstance, the motion was seconded and passed with a unanimous vote, and the conference agreed that the rules would be reinstated once this specific circumstance was over. I think the world would be a better place if women could learn the value of non-verbal communication…especially during sporting events.)

Since our team didn’t object, the opposing coach took a knee and looked right into the batters eyes and began throwing soft pitches in an obvious effort to bring about contact.

Strike one.

Realizing that this could be an easy out our All Star infield began to creep closer to the batter. One of the opposing team’s parents leaned over to me and said while pointing to the batter, “He hasn’t had a hit all year – not one.” In baseball, to record a hit a player has to do more than hit the ball. The player must also make it to 1st base without being thrown or tagged out.

Strike two.

The coaches began yelling out the clichés known by all kids who’ve struggled to hit a baseball – good eye son, great swing, follow the ball, it’s just you and me buddy no one else is here, hit it to me.

Strike three.

The coaches all looked at each other and in an instant we all knew. The umpires were waved off again and the pitching continued. It soon became a joint effort to help this kid record a hit. No more strikes were called – the scoreboard simply showed two strikes. Even our talented infield began to slowly back away to give the coach and his batter more room.

Strike two.

Strike two.

Strike two.

Finally it happened. With the ear piercing ting of a metal bat making contact with a baseball, the curse had been broken. The ball slowly bounced and hopped towards the open glove of our second baseman. For a second I saw the coming catch and eventual relay to first for an easy out – a play we had practiced relentlessly throughout the season. But I was proven wrong.

For the first time during the entire season our clutch second baseman “missed” the ball and it quietly rolled into the grass of the outfield.

When the ball was finally returned to the pitcher (which ends the play in baseball at this level) and the dust had settled, standing proudly on first base was the small blonde haired batter.

Parents for both teams jumped out of their seats in the bleachers and exploded into cheers. The other team’s dugout began to repeatedly chant his name. High fives were everywhere.

While this was going on the little batter was struggling to adjust his helmet in an effort to find his mom and dad in the stands. Finally he did and his smile could be seen from miles away.

What is truly amazing is that this experience was not over. The next two batters all recorded base hits, much to the dismay of our coaching staff who quickly began to refocus our players’ attention on finishing the game. Although we knew the game was solidly in our hands, you don’t want to end a season with a breakdown in your defense.

When the third base hit was recorded, the little blonde batter came flying home as the crowd erupted again and the reality of what had just taken place began to set in.

This was not a miracle – it was not fate – it was not God…it was baseball.

Baseball teaches us the importance of fair play – the realization that more talented teams will defeat less talented teams – and stats don’t lie.

Sometimes however, at the end of the season baseball can also teach us that it’s okay to bend the rules by ignoring the strike count – that a less talented child will always bring a hidden tear of pride to a father’s eye – and stats will never tell whole story.

Little League baseball in the Pee Dee is often political, scary and can be too aggressive. But moments like this make me realize that as long as kids still play, baseball will continue to be special.

As one of Coach Buttermaker’s most loyal players once quipped, “Those Yankees are real turds.” This has nothing to do with the article, I just really love that quote.

To my four All Stars, enjoy the summer under the lights boys – and of course, enjoy those warm hotdogs.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

The Florence Family YMCA Offers T-Ball for Boys and Girls

FLORENCE, SC – YMCA T-Ball teaches 3 and 4 year olds the beginning of baseball skills with the use of a batting tee.  These skills include running, batting, throwing and catching.  Children need to bring their own glove.  Parents are needed as volunteer coaches.  Register now through April 3rd.

For more information visit our website at www.florenceymca.orgor call Brent Freeman at 665-1234 ext 104.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

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Don’t miss out
It is time for another great season –
Regular Registration ends January 15!

Soccer Registration is online now!

Florence County Parks & Recreation, in conjunction with the Florence Soccer Association, will be registering for the Spring Soccer Season December 21 – January 15. Program fees are $30.00. Late registration will be accepted January 18 (on-line only) -19 and will contest $40.00.

***All out-of county players must add $20.00 to the registration fee. ***

Ages 4 – 17 as of August 1, 2009

All individuals who express an interest after the late registration period has closed will be added to a waiting list. Individuals on the waiting list will be called in the order they are placed on the list to fill voids due to roster formation, injuries, etc.)

Registration will be held at the Florence County Parks & Recitation office on 112 West Laurel Street or you can go to www.flosoccer.org and download a player registration form and mail to: FCPR P O Box 12489 Florence SC 29504. All games will be held at the ESAB soccer complex.

For additional information please contact the recreation office at (843)667-09520

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

FYI: Basketball Registration ends at the YMCA on October 23.

Pre-School Basketball: – Space is Limited!
Boys and girls ages 3 & 4
Registration: Y Members: Oct. 5 – 23
Participants: Oct. 9 – 23

Youth Basketball: Space is Limited!
Boys and Girls ages 5-15
Registration: Y Members: Oct. 5 – 23
Participants: Oct. 8 – 23

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Get ready to Run like a nut at this year’s Pecan Festival (Only 25 days away!). Here is a link to the paper application. Here is the online application.

There will be a 10k, 5k and a 1 mile fun run/walk. There is truly something for everyone!

On the topic of running, there is also the Fifth Annual Dr. Ronald E. McNair 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair that will take place Oct. 17 in Lake City.
Florence, SC
Run Like a Nut
Pecan Festival

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

The weather is getting a little cooler and it is the perfect time to enter a local 5k. If you have never don a 5k, you would really enjoy it. Whether you run, walk, or crawl, it is inspiring to be a part of a 5k.

There is a 5k in Darlington this weekend– the Darlington 5000, a 5k Run and Walk for the Park. There is a PDF registration form here.

The course will start at the Square and proceed down the historic residential area on Cashua Street
toward the Park. Participants will run Park Drive from Cashua Street to Spring Street and then double back
through the Park to the finish line at the Square for refreshments, door prizes, and the awards ceremony.

This is an absolutely beautiful route to run or walk, and it is for a great cause!

The Florence Track Club has a 5k on September 26 at Freedom Florence. From the News Journal:

All races will begin at 8 am. Registration forms are available at the City of Florence Parks and Leisure Services Department as well as the local sporting goods stores.

Make checks out to the Florence Track Club and mail to: Florence Track Club, PO BOX 1476, Florence, SC 29503. If you have any questions, contact Adam Swindler at (843) 665-3253.

SCNow has just updated with a 5k in Lake City– the McNair 5k Run/Walk on October 17, 2009.

If you have never run a 5k and would like to, I recommend the “Couch to 5K program.“d with

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Wednesday February 11, 8:00 pm: Comedian Roy Wood and Street Drum corp. University Center, Free Admission.

Thursday February 12, 2009: School of Education Wine and Cheese Reception. The Cottage, 4:30 p.m. (Think they would notice if I crashed the reception?)

Friday, February 13, 2009: School of Business Leadership Breakfast. Ervin Dining Hall 8:30 a.m. (My business classes were always early, apparently they like to be the early birds.)

Friday, February 13, 2009: Patriots on Fire, Bonfire Pep rally at 6:00 at Baptist Collegiate Ministry Baptist Field. Followed by Alumni Gathering at the New York Butcher Shoppe at 8:00 p.m. Over at 10 p.m. Food and Cash Bar. 7.00 per person, 5.00 for Alumni Association Members.

Saturday February 14, 2009: annual Alumni basketball games. Women begin at 11 am and boys begin at 11:30 am. This all leads up to the big homecoming game that afternoon, the women at 2 pm and the men at 4 pm.

There will also be live performances by Student Groups, a children’s corner with crafts and face painting.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

It is time to register for fall soccer! The deadline at the YMCA is August 5, 2008 and the deadline with the City of Florence is August 15, 2008.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

The Florence Phantoms will be playing for the AIFA championship this Friday night (July 25, 2008) at 7:30 p.m. The game will be held at the Florence Civic Center.

(Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Civic Center box office. You may also charge by phone by calling: (843) 679-9333 ).

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.