Well, it's that time of year again.  If you're like most of us, it seems to get harder each year to figure out what gift to buy for our family and friends.  With that in mind, we have prepared our own "Christmas Gift Guide", for that fastpitch player or coach on your list.  Don't take the list too seriously, 'cause we don't.  It's all in good fun.  Then again, maybe you will find an idea or two..... Click links for more information.

In my humble opinion, this one tops the list. Must viewing for any self-respecting fastpitch fan, destined to be a classic. It's also a great choice for the NON-fastpitch fan in your family, to provide some insight into your perceived insanity of travelling all over the county or country playing fastpitch. The price is right, cheaper than taking them out to dinner, and guaranteed to last longer. Twenty bucks in VHS, Twenty-Five for you hi-tech DVD folks. Lastly, if you're one of those people who likes to shop for themselves while they pretend to be shopping for others, well, then, reward yourself with this gem

Jeremy Spear's' feature film classic.  A must see for players and fans alike.  Click the photo below to visit Jeremy's website, www.shortstopfilms.com

Synopsis: 35 year-old New York artist, director Jeremy Spear longs for the athletic days of his college years. He finds the solution in joining a fastpitch softball league in Ashland, Ohio and the result is this spirited, humorous, human documentary about a once-mighty sport which is now only followed by diehard fans. Over the course of the turbulent 1996 season Spear's camera captures the adventures of his Ohio teammates as they make their way to the finals in Wisconsin and face millionaire manager Peter Porcelli and his flashy Tampa Smokers team. A good portion of the film is devoted to Shane Hunuhunu, a goodhearted and charismatic Maori fastpitch superstar who travels from New Zealand to the U.S. each year to play the game he loves. Also among the interesting characters the camera encounters are Canadian Indian Darren Zack, the game's best player, and the North Americans, a team made up of Native Americans who pride themselves on being drug and alcohol free. Spear's witty narration does a fine job of tying together what was undoubtedly many hours of footage into an entertaining, evenly-paced look at a little-known offshoot of America's pastime and the smalltown fans who keep the game alive

To order the DVD or Video tape, try these sites:

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Some miscellaneous suggestions from Fastpitchwest readers