The first Tampa Mustang team was formed the summer of 1981 when we became aware that counties across Florida
formed
and supported travel teams out of their respective recreational leagues to play competitive ball after their
recreational season ended. Our county Leaguerette and Little League programs did not support such a program.
Our
first
team was slowpitch formed with players from the North Tampa Leaguerettes. The Tampa Mustangs were the first
travel
ball team on the West Coast of Florida. The interest was there and our “team” grew to the organization we are
today
with representation from all over Florida.
Over the past 35 seasons, Mustang teams have represented Florida in numerous National Championship
Tournaments.
We
have won at least one national title in each age group from 10U to 18U allowing us to gain recognition on a
national
level. The following Championships were accomplished since 1995 when the Mustangs converted to fastpitch.
These
championships include all softball organizations (ASA, PGF, USSSA, ISF, AAU, NSA, Pony, ISA).
- 27 National Championships
- 11 National Runner Up Titles
- 19 State Championship Titles
- 2018 PGF 16U Platinum National Championship
- 2015 PGF 16U Premier National Championship
- 2014 ASA/USA 18U National Championship
- 2009 ASA/USA 18U National Championship
- 2015 ASA/USA 18U National Runner Up
- 2014 ASA/USA 16U National Runner Up
- 2013 ASA/USA 14U National Runner Up
- 1999 ASA/USA 14U National Runner Up
- 2001 International 16U ISF Junior World Cup Championship
- 2008 ASA/USA 18U Hall Of Fame Championship
- 6 ASA/USA Southern National Championships
- 3 “Amateur Team of the Year” Awarded by Tampa Sports Club
Strategy for Continued Success
An ASA study of female athletes resulted in a change in the team age
grouping
for
psychological, safety, social interactions, and fairness. Rather than 4 age groups (10U, 12U, 15U, 18U) the
change
implemented 5 age groups (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U). Consequently, we encourage players to play in their age
group. We
have seen and experienced how this makes for a stronger and more competitive team.
Sportsmanship
Tampa Mustang players, parents, and coaches are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship. Rules
will be
shared at the beginning of the season but to sum it up in a sentence…Win with class, lose with class.
Beyond Mustangs
Our phenomenal record on the playing field has attracted interest on the college level
and
has
optimized our players’ chances of being recruited by colleges from all divisions. To date, 375+ Mustangs have
received
scholarships from 60 different colleges. No other youth organization in Florida has achieved this kind of
success.
Getting Better
In an effort to be the best youth organization possible, we are always open to “best
practices”
and
feedback. If there is a better course of action or better strategy that will fairly accomplish our goals on
and
off
the field, we would appreciate the opportunity to consider implementing these suggestions.
Coaching isn’t easy…especially at tryout time.
Thank you for your interest in the TAMPA MUSTANGS.
Ray Seymour, Founder and Director