Softball 2025-expectations?

[81usaf92]

A couple of years ago, rumors were circulating that were both unsubstantiated and salacious. So they're not allowed on TideFans. But they did center on favoritism even though the favored player(s) didn't produce much on the field. It's one thing to show a bit of favoritism toward Bailey Hemphill or Montana Fouts. It's quite another to show favoritism toward a down-the-line player.

To be perfectly clear, I have NOT heard even the slightest whisper that any of the coaches were personally or romantically involved with any players. Only that they tolerated divisive behavior from some players that they would never have allowed from others.

The rumors have quieted over the past couple of years. So I think that if they did affect the lineup, we're still dealing with fallout from losing experienced high-performers and trying to replace them with youngsters who aren't ready yet and/or not quite as talented.

IOW, if a bunch of high-performing sophomores and juniors (who, as rising juniors and seniors would form the backbone of the next season's team) leave and blow a massive hole in your lineup, it's going to take more than one season to rebuild.

That said, it's still the Head Coach's responsibility to maintain a team culture where that doesn't happen. And the hitting woes have been bubbling for several seasons now. They were just covered up by a few now-departed stars.

The issue had zero to do with romantically involved coaches or inappropriate relationships. It is just typical softball drama, but Murph made it worse by taking a side in it. He chose poorly and the impact is still being felt.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

The issue had zero to do with romantically involved coaches or inappropriate relationships. It is just typical softball drama, but Murph made it worse by taking a side in it. He chose poorly and the impact is still being felt.

I know. I just wanted to shut down any speculation beyond what’s already out there.

And you’re right — the impact of Murphy’s poor choice is still being felt.

 

[Krymsonman]

I think this team surprised and disappointed many on here and actually had a good year. My niece can now say that she’s a member of the University of Alabama softball team. She’s worked extremely hard to earn the opportunity that she’s longed for since she was 7 years old. I’m looking forward to seeing this team next year. If Briski stays and with the two pitchers coming in this freshman class, we should be strong. As always: RTR.

I love BAMA and my son turned me on to softball when he was a student at BAMA. I really love the game and want BAMA to do great. Congrats to your niece. I hope she helps put BAMA softball back on the top tier again.

 

[81usaf92]

So, what actually is the problem internally with Bama softball? I'm not a big follower of it, but I do want all Bama sports to do well. Gymnastics has been a disappointment since Sarah Patterson retired and softball is following the same path. I've seen allusions to favoritism causing good players to transfer. Murphy had the dalliance with LSU and, despite winning the WCWS the following season, has been mostly mid-pack since then. There's been a pretty steady rotation out of assistant coaches. So, what gives?

Let’s just say that a few years back that there was a “mean girls” club on the team (don’t ask for names but most are obvious). Well there was a specific one who rarely produced but still was given a lot of power and love on the team because of her association with the clique. A specific incident between her and an incoming freshman happened and Murphy got involved and took her side. It divided the team and the staff over it, and basically gave the perception of favoritism. KB Sides left because of that and other crap involving this player. And before someone asks, no Skyler didn’t leave because of this player she left because Walton promised her what she wanted and Murphy tried to make her a catcher. Then after KB showed how much fun and success she had at Arkansas a bunch of others transferred because of how Murphy kept allowing this one particular player to do what she wanted. It basically put Alabama’s immediate future in turmoil.

It wasn’t so much “favoritism” as it was allowing an average at best player to run the team and get away with a bunch of nonsense.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Erik Evans of SB Nation absolutely roasting Patrick Murphy:

Jumbo Package: Softball drives another promising young player straight into the Portal

 

[BamaHoHo]

Let’s just say that a few years back that there was a “mean girls” club on the team (don’t ask for names but most are obvious). Well there was a specific one who rarely produced but still was given a lot of power and love on the team because of her association with the clique. A specific incident between her and an incoming freshman happened and Murphy got involved and took her side. It divided the team and the staff over it, and basically gave the perception of favoritism. KB Sides left because of that and other crap involving this player. And before someone asks, no Skyler didn’t leave because of this player she left because Walton promised her what she wanted and Murphy tried to make her a catcher. Then after KB showed how much fun and success she had at Arkansas a bunch of others transferred because of how Murphy kept allowing this one particular player to do what she wanted. It basically put Alabama’s immediate future in turmoil.

It wasn’t so much “favoritism” as it was allowing an average at best player to run the team and get away with a bunch of nonsense.

He should have kicked her off the team, but it has festered for years.

 

[81usaf92]

He should have kicked her off the team, but it has festered for years.

He should have, but didn’t. Her friends were too powerful for Murphy to make an easy coaching decision.

 

[Krymsonman]

Erik Evans of SB Nation absolutely roasting Patrick Murphy:

Jumbo Package: Softball drives another promising young player straight into the Portal

I always wondered why Marceaux wasn't playing. She was all world out of high school, started great, then hit the bench. Would she not kiss Murphy's butt or something? Now we lose yet another player who could be a great contributor down the road. I don't know where she will end up, but she'll probably be at least all SEC or something. The author is right - we have a festering program.