TRADITION

Hello Everyone, Thank you for taking the time to view our website and look through the various pages. As I enter my 34th year of coaching, 31st with TRADITION, I realize that I get a little more nostalgic every year. Sometimes we dwell on negative issues. Disagreements with leaders of state organizations, with certain athletic directors or one particular superintendent might make us shake our heads. But it is more important to dwell on the positive. Over 30 years, this coach would not do anything different. There is no way to thank the many people who have enhanced my life in sports over that time. From the family that supported my obsession with starting my own team after my senior year in high school, to the parent or player who said a kind word; every moment of this journey has been worth it. What started out as "Piazza's Girls" became "Bolio's", and helped build what is "TRADITION" today. It has been a fun ride, whether it has been the Trojans of Lyman Hall, the Blue Knights of Southington, or the Eagles of Trumbull, plus all the other high schools to wear the summer travel shirts. Yes, the championships and victories were rewarding. But you learn that there is much more than proving that you know how to coach. There was the custodian who climbed on the roof to get the expensive game balls out of the gutter without being asked. There were the people who donated so that some wild bearded coach could bring his team to Hawaii to take on the Japanese. There were many people without children on the teams that mowed fields, raked dirt and spent a lazy Sunday afternoon on the field right next to you picking up papers and policing the grounds. As we start the 34th year of doing this, the old body gets tired a little more easily. And the times have changed in many ways. But the old sport of softball still brings a smile to the face and a little bit of hop in the step. The Alumni page list has been put together by one coach's old memory. Please tell me if I omitted you. I will apologize and correct my error. Each and every one of you has helped to shape my life. I appreciated it 30 years ago and I appreciate it now. If I can give you a bit of advice from an old, veteran coach, please do your best but have fun. This is not about scholarships. Parents, be supportive of all players. Try not to be selfish. We have seen many players and families pass through this program. The most successful ones in softball and in life were the ones who worked to "Be the Best Player You Can Be" but also to "Think of Your Teammates Before Yourself". Loyalty from coaches can be measured by the volunteer effort we make to teach your child the skills of softball and also remind them of the importance of teamwork in life. It is not measured by innings played or batting averages. Stats fade quickly, character lasts a lifetime. Parents of every team, you are all good people. You have given your child the opportunity to take part in all these programs. It is not their right. It is a privilege that you have generously provided. But stay positive, do not gripe in the stands. Do not think that your child is the best or the only player on the field. Together, coaches, parents, players and fans can have a great time if your ultimate objective is to have fun. We all need more of that in our lives. So, come out and watch another version of our TRADITION team this summer. In spite of what some of those negative people say, our team, past and present, will remain a family. I wish all of you could have the chance to experience what I have been lucky enough to feel. Thank you everyone, you know who you are. You are all in my lifetime Hall of Fame. Thanks for the memories...............Coach Piazza