What I have learned about Horseshoe Pitchers:

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 For every WSHPA member in Macomb County there are 50 who aren't.
Few league members do any work with their local clubs.
Don't know about the WSHPA, NHPA, NHPF, or Hall of Fame
Never heard of a sanctioned horseshoe league.
Just want to have a place to pitch, mostly bar leagues.
Don't know what their ringer average is.
Want to drink beer while they pitch.
Don't know the common NHPA rules of pitching, i.e. where to stand when pitching or after pitching their shoes, foul line rules, stake height, lean and distance, what pit substance is best, size of pit boxes, etc.
Don't know basic horseshoe pitching etiquette.
Usually pitch to a game of 21 points or 12-inning count all bar league style.
Don't want to pitch on clay pits.
Don't want to tie-up an entire day for a tournament.
Think that Walter Ray Williams, Jr. is the current World Horseshoe Pitching Champion.
Don't know who the current world or state champions are.
Don't know that a state and world tournament is held each year.
Recruiting new pitchers for the club is only for certain "officers."
Horseshoe pitching is not really a sport if the top pitchers can't make a living from it.
Don't know the difference between balance pitching shoes and backyard shoes.
Don't know where to buy "good" horseshoes and related equipment.
Think that the Diamond Tournament shoe if the "official" shoe used in pitching.
Don't know horseshoe pitching could be a family sport with all members of a family competing together on weekends or in a league.
Have never visited the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association website.


What Horseshoe Pitching Needs:

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 Enthusiastic pitchers to put on educational clinics at recreation centers and schools.
Enthusiastic pitchers to speak at service clubs.
More Indoor facilities.
Electronic scoring systems where pitchers would keep there own scores.
Outdoor courts that are covered, with open sides, for all weather pitching.
All indoor courts need a pit substance that is dustless and has the characteristics of clay. With dustless pit material indoor horseshoe pitching would be a healthier sport with no one getting clay residue on their bodies, clothes, or breathing the dust.
Enthusiastic pitchers to teach newcomers how to pitch.
Experienced pitchers who want to coach pitchers on how to improve.
Local clubs that promote themselves with local newspaper coverage.
Dignitaries to throw out the "first pitch."
Promotional material to hand out at tournaments and leagues.
Intermural horseshoe leagues in schools.
A full-time executive director for the NHPA.
President George W. Bush to be shown pitching shoes and less of playing golf.

July 1, 2002