I’d like to commend the leadership for developing the idea of the prize fund. It is forward thinking that adds a twist and some excitement to state tournament play. However, it appears the transparency, payout execution and aftermath (on social media) has been a failure.
Anyone who has “no problem” with or thinks it is acceptable that the KY State Champions, runners up and 3rd place finishers in A class should receive half or less than half of the money that pitchers in other classes who finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd receive, then shame on you. Those pitchers don’t magically step on the concrete and start throwing ringers. Many hours of practice, hard work and dedication goes into becoming the best at anything you do. To not provide the top pitchers with equal awards is careless and borderline negligence.
The prize fund was not a donation or a sponsorship where the donating or sponsoring parties wanted it to remain anonymous or wanted more money to go to certain classes. It is comprised of 100% membership money. Therefore, the payout structure should be transparent (posted before the tournament) and divided equally among the top 3 finishers in each class.
To my knowledge this was the first year the prize fund was created. There are always learning curves in everything we do for the first time. Kentucky does not need to be posting about grievances and contacting the NHPA. It’s a bad look. It’s not the end of the world that a mistake was made. Learn from it and correct it next year.
Due to the prize fund payout mishap during the 2023 KY State Tournament, any top 3 finishers in any of the A classes who feel aggrieved, please contact me (you can get my contact information from Robert Taylor) and I will ensure that you are paid equally compared to other classes. There is no need to file grievances with the NHPA regarding this matter.
Congratulations to all class winners and to those who competed against them. Your hard work and dedication to the sport does not go unnoticed!
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