Fall

The 2010 Juky 4 Picnic was a great success.  President Bo Wood is to be commended.  Fine Food and Drinks were supplied by the Walkers and Clements and paid for by the League.  Almost 100 were in attendance.  Four teams played one on one Tournment with the Walkers (1-0-0) besting the Bokop and the Sherry Teams (each 0-0-1) and the Thomas Team (0-1-0).  In the first annual long distance hitting contest Mike Luke (150 feet + 23 Strides) bested Frank Kerns (150 +21.5 Strides) and Mike Bahr (150 + 19 Strides) and another nine hitters.  Pictures will be posted at a later date ( we hope).

Custom Woodworking Wins OTS First Half Summer 2010 Season.  Led By Paul Litwin and Chris Houliday, they won two straight to beat out B&E Tire which lost two straight the last week of the season. As a result B&E was edged out by Precision Sportswear and Dynamic PT who finished in a tie for second. The first half competitions appeared to be well balanced with the top eight teams seperated by just 3.5 games.  The complete 2010 First Half Standings can be found in stem under Standings.  The second half begins on July 6 at 8:30 am on Fields 1 & 2.

OTS General Membership Meeting

April 5, 2010

 

The OTS General Membership Meeting took place tonight at 6:30 at the Bethany Town Hall.  The meeting was called to order by Bo Wood, President.

 

1)  Bo opened the meeting with a thank you to the Church of God in Dagsboro, Delaware for their continued support of our league.  He also took the time to acknowledge and list the 2010 sponsors for our league.  We currently have 9 paid up, with 3 more pending but committed.

 

2)  The league officers were introduced.  President is Bo Wood, VP is Tom Farrah, Treasurer is Archie Alexander and Secretary is Dick Mullins.

 

3)  The managers/assistants and their team assigment are:

          Bo Wood/John Bokop - Dynamic PT

          Jesse Bare/Hal Alpiar - Precision Sportsware

          George Hunt/              (w/Mike Carta) - Colonial East

         Joel Finestine/Phil Martin - DelMarVa Long Term Care Insurance Center 

          Roger Howard/Jack Daly - Millville by the Sea

          Pat Sherry/Johnny Allen - American Legion Post 24

          Ed Sternberg/Dick Mullins - Team Travers

          Graydon Meredith/Neil Fleming - B & E Tires

          John Mancuso/John Walker - Ocean View Family Restaurant

                                /                      - Custom Wood Working

                                /                      - MX Physical Therapy

                                /                      - Fat Tuna Grill

 

4)  Treasurer Report - Archie advised we have $6370 in the bank, however some bills were received that will have to be paid.  The shirts, hats, insurance, balls and equipment have been paid for already.   He has sent letters to more prospective sponsors, waiting to hear from them.

 

5)  Field Maintenance and Operations - the preparing of the fields by the different teams went well last year, it will be continued.  The team assigned that week will be identified in the season's schedule.  The tractor is being overhauled at a cost of about $300, and should be available to cut grass and do field work soon.

The infields were discussed, Bo has looked into have a suitable mix put on the fields, however the cost is $1000 per load so will have to be done over time.  He inspected a field that used this mix, it provides a very nice field.

 

6)  The ASA is experimenting with allowing any bat to be used, by mandating a severly restrictive flight ball (rubber) to be used.  We are not doing this, we will continue with the same rules for bats and balls as last year.

Our league has purchased face masks and shin guards for pitchers to use, and we strongly encourage all pitchers to use this protection.  We have looked into having pitchers sign a waiver if they choose not to use the protective gear, however the legality of such a waiver is in question.  So, for now we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE all pitchers to use the face guards and shin guards.

 

7)  Game Schedules:  Discussion took place as to the length of games, pitch count, etc.  A motion was made by Mike Carta, second by Graydon Meredith, to have 7 inning games that start with a 0-0 count.  On very hot days, when both managers agree, the games will be 7 innings and start with a 1-1 count.  No courtesy fouls are allowed.  Motion passed.

 

8)  Insurance - A question was raised concerning the insurance our league has.  This insurance is not medical and does not provide any coverage for injuries to players.  It is liability coverage required by the COG to protect them in the event someone gets hurt while playing in our league on their property.

 

9)  Number of Teams - our goal is to have 12 teams, we currently have over 140 players signed up to play, we anticipate several more returning players and some new ones signing up.  We would like to have 13 players on the 12 teams for a total of 156 players.

The subject of the number of players per teams was brought up for discussion.  In the past, the number of players has been an issue.  When short, too many phone calls had to be made to get players.  When teams had too many players, the managers had to take a lot of time during the games to ensure everyone played, which detracted from the game.  Also, with the decision to play 7 innings  rather than 9, it mean teams with too many players would have some only play 3 innings, which is not acceptable for many players, some traveling long distances to come to play.  The consensus of the discussion was having too few players was more desireable than having too many, as there were usually players willing to stay and play more than one game.

10)  Tom Farrah discussed the upcoming meeting/game with the Exec. Comm, Managers and Assistants and all umpires.  The intent is to have a game where we can stop, discuss calls, go over rules that have been an issue and train new umpires.  With each team represented by a manager or assistant, this hopefully will eliminate misinterpretation of rules of play during league play.

Each team must provide an umpire team.

 

11)  Practice Schedule - the practice schedule is on the web site and has been sent out by e-mail.

 

12)  Bo discussed the Olney Tournament, our participation will depend on how many are interested.  More to come.

 

13)  CPR/AED Training - we have an AED, kept at the American Legion Post #24, that is brought to games and practices.  Training will take place for those interested, also if anyone already trained wants a refresher on using the AED, contact Dick Mullins.

 

14)  Open Discussion - From the floor, anyone with questions?  The substitute runner rule was discussed, specifically where the rubber is and how far back it is, and whether anyone could actually beat out an infield ball since it is so far back.  We will monitor this to see how effective it is having it back.  We are allowing anyone to run anytime, but only once per inning.  Also, those who require a runner must be identified prior to the start of the game unless a player in injured during the game.

No first year players are allowed to manage or be an assistant manager, it is felt they would not know the players, their limitations, etc.

 

Bo adjourned the meeting at 7:45 with no further discussion.

As indicated on the recent e-mails, due to a scheduling conflict the General Meeting will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010 at the Bethany Town Hall at 6:30 pm.   It is anticipated the meeting will last no more than 1 1/2 hours.

 The 2010 Player Draft will be held Friday, April 30, 2010 beginning at 9:00 am at the Bethany Town Hall.  This meeting is restricted to the Executive Committee and the team Managers and Assistant Managers.  At this meeting the 12 teams will be formed for the 2010 OTS season.

Meeting Minutes

September 9, 2009

The Board of Directors met this date for the third and final meeting of the 2009 season for the purpose of conducting routine League business and to go over personnel ratings.  Present were:  Bo, Tom, Dick, John, Joel, Phil, Tom H., Lennie, Eddie, Jesse, John M., George T., Johnny Allen and Pat Sherry.

1)  Picnic Update: Bo reported on the successful OTS picnic which was held at the American Legion Post 24.  We paid the Legion $800 for their food, beer, wine, etc., donated $400 to the Church of God for their youth programs, and took the remaining $200 we had left over and gave it to AL Post #24 for their pavilion project.  Therefore, the picnic broke even.

2)  League Growth:  Discussion on the growth of the League took place.  We have seen an increase every year, and anticipate 12 teams next year.  Based on the results of the survey, there will be a maximum of 13 players on a team, with 12 teams.  That gives us a total roster count of 156 players allowed at this time, all others after that will be placed on a wait list and will be used to replace players who cannot finish the season.  The wait list people will not pay until they actually start playing.  This will be included in the 2010 registration letter.  Also, since we may have to limit the total number of players in the league to 156 and each team to 13 players, we will initiate a requirement that any player signing up for 2010 must commit to playing in at least 1/2 the games.

3)  Player Safety:  We have initiated safety measures in an attempt to protect players, to the extent possible.  These include the AED, upgraded first aid kits, training in CPR and AED, and a pitcher's mask and screen.  However, it is   apparent there are a few players who may not be able protect themselves from a ball hit to them, a fast runner coming into a base, or other situations that come up in the course of a game.  In order to protect them, the Board is looking into instituting minimum standards to ensure players can be safe while playing games.

In order to ensure players are able to safely participate in the league games, no money will be accepted from a new player until they have been evaluated and rated to ensure they can meet a minimum standard.  This standard will be established by testing 5 current players who have a rating that is considered acceptable.  This was voted on an passed by those present.

4)  Field Lighting:  The COG is interested in placing lights on Field #1.  We may be asked to help with some labor, Bo will meet with them and update the League at the annual meeting next spring.

5)  Running Rules:  More discussion on the running rules.  Discussion was brought up to have a rope that a substitute runner would have to hold onto before he could leave for 1st base once a ball is hit.  There was a very close vote, 6 to 7, in favor of using a rope as opposed to everyone running for themselves, if the ball touches the outfield grass, they are automatically safe at 1st.  This will be tried but since 4 teams are not represented this issue will be discussed and finalized in the future.

Other issues related to running are:  rating of a runner who is always replaced goes to a 3 to reflect the actual speed of the substitute runner.  Some want to see a limit as to how high a runner rating can sub for a 1 or 2 runner.  Also discussed letting anybody run once an inning, no restrictions except they must hold the rope.  Also discussed moving the line where the substitute runner stands back several feet.

6)  League Games:  Based on the player survey of 2009, all games will be limited to 7 innings.  They will start with a 1 and 1 count, and each batter will have 1 courtesy foul on the 3 strike.

Player ratings were then discussed and adjusted for each team present.  The following teams were not represented, their ratings will be forward to the Board for consideration;  Millville by the Sea, Colonial East, Fat Tuna Grill and Jack Lingo Realty.

A field work day will be held on October 7 from 10am to noon.  Everyone who has helped in the past or will help this day are thanked, their work is greatly appreciated.

2009 Survey Results are as follows:

Days to play:  Tuesday/Thursday - 87, Tuesday/Friday - 15, either - 9

Innings:  seven innings - 47, eight innings - 22, nine innings - 37

Number / Team:  Twelve - 16, Thirteen - 51, fourteen - 44, fifteen - 2