Olde Tymers Softball Day League

OTS ANNUAL MEETING

March 31, 2014

Meeting started at approximately 6:00 p.m., as soon as the Board of Directors meeting ended.

1) Bo introduced the Officers and Managers to the membership. Since numerous new players were at the meeting, Bo went over the basics of the league, how it operates, etc.

2) Practices are on Tuesday and Thursday, a schedule was distributed by Tom Wendorf. Returning players will practice with their 2013 team until the draft. New players will practice every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. on Field 2. The managers scheduled for 10:30 will conduct the practice for the new players. This is not a time for a game, but for infield, outfield and batting practice. Managers are encouraged to come and assist with rating the new players. Also, there will be Monday practices at 9:00 am starting next week for anyone who wants to come and have more practice time.

3) Field work to be done before the season starts includes:

a. Weed and feed both fields and roll the fields. Rollers will be rented to roll both outfields before the season.

b. Fence to be installed on Field 2.

c. Finish the work on the warning track on Field 1. The membership will be asked to help with this effort.

d. The gravel road off the main road into the fields needs work. This is owned by the church and they will be involved in the work. Bo told John Walker the league would contribute a load of stone if needed. They will discuss and work on a solution to the ruts and holes in the gravel driveway.

4) Bo announced that Keith Purdy would be coordinating an OTS Wednesday night league. They anticipate 4 teams. Rules of play would be Senior Rules, which are different than what we have during the day. One example is they would be allowed to use senior bats. Anyone can play. Players would get a shirt. Cost per player is $15 for OTS members (cover cost of balls, shirts), and $30 for non-OTS to also cover their share of the liability insurance the league must carry for the church.

5) A question was asked about going to the tournament in Olney this year. Bo stated they had a couple things to straighten out and if they got them done, then yes. If we don't come to an understanding, then no.

6) A motion was made by Walt Peaper, seconded by Keith Purdy to start the count at 0 - 1, rather than 1 - 1 as in the past. This would help limit the number of walks. After a vote by the Board, the motion Passed 11 - 3.

7) A question regarding the need for a fence on Field 2 was asked. They're installed for a couple reasons. One is to define the field for maintaining the outfield. Also, Boog Laird has offered to host tournaments at the field, which would bring the league revenue. Need fences to do that.

8) Johnny Walker informed the league that the ladies who sell food and drinks at the field will have a concession stand constructed.

Richard B. Mullins

Secretary, OTS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

March 31, 2014

Present: Bo Wood, Harry Gowl, Keith Purdy, Dick Mullins. Tom Wendorf was also in attendance.

1) Bo discussed the teams we have so far. If the Board votes to go to 13 teams, we may have to use Harrington Casino, since we already have the shirts. Teams are James Joyce, Dynamic, Ocean View Family Restaurant, B & E Tires, All Out Sports, LTCI, Edward Jones, American Legion, Robinson Furniture, Pepper's Tavern, Colonial East and Fox’s Den Pizza. Most managers are in place, will need more if the league goes to 13 teams.

2) Discussed the revisions to the By-Laws that Harry Gowl and Tom Wendorf worked on for the past several weeks. These changes will be presented to the full Board tonight for consideration. These changes include:

a. Extending the base paths to 70' - being done by most leagues and tournaments, basically a safety issue. Players may still play in front of the bases, so the throws may not be any longer.

b. Elimination of the mercy rule was already voted into affect by the Board in September.

c. Elimination of time limits for games. Games will be 7 innings with one extra if a tie. A provision to speed up games when they're being played in high temperatures (over 90°F) needs to be included. No infield practice after first inning, limited pitcher's practice pitches, etc. Getting people moving a little quicker to speed up play.

d. Make up of games postponed due to weather. The last Wednesday of the month will be reserved for this, however managers may elect to play the game before that. Wording will be changed to say "on or before" the last Wednesday. Managers are responsible for ensuring they have umpires for the makeup games.

e. Code of Conduct discussed. Harry Gowl went over each item changed in the By-Laws. One change to be made is under section 5.12 (Rough Tactics), to change the wording on using the auxiliary plate at home to have the same wording as using the orange bag at first base.

f. Elimination of earlier start times. Game times will not change after July 4. First game starting times will remain at 9:00 a.m. the entire season.

g. Strengthens the wording on the use of illegal bats. Photos of older illegal bats are included in the By-Laws. These are not all the illegal bats. Some players use older bats with no ASA stickers. Those need to be approved by the Executive Committee.

h. Season ending tie breaker rules. Clarified procedure to be used.

i. Additional Executive Committee member - need to create an "Information Officer" position to assist the Secretary with communication to the league, management of the OTS web site, etc. This will be a 5th Executive Committee member, to be appointed at this time by the Executive Committee, and then elected in the rotation with the President and Treasurer.

j. Change from ASA to SS-USA rules as guidelines.

3) Discussed using the total team number (sum of player ratings after draft) to limit the placement of players on at team from the wait list. The Board voted this into affect in September, some on the Executive Committee feels this is too restrictive and will inhibit our ability to utilize the wait list. Any changes must be approved by the Board.

Richard B. Mullins

Secretary, OTS

Open practice sessions will be held every Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. on Field 2 starting April 7th. These will continue throughout the Spring/Summer Season and into the Fall Season.

The Monday open practices are in addition to the practice sessions on the 2014 Spring Practice Schedule. 

WE'VE BEEN WAITNG ALL WINTER FOR THIS

NOW IT'S HERE

Players who were on a team last spring/summer are to practice with last year's team. Your managers and assistant managers from last year will be there to lead the practice sessions.

New players who were not on a team last spring/summer will practice everyday at 9:00 on Field #2.

You can download your very own copy of the practice schedule by clicking here and downloading 2014 Practice Schedule.pdf.

You can also access the schedule by clicking on the Handout below. 

UPDATE

Due to rain being forecast for early afternoon, batting practice will start at 10:30 tomorrow. 

Winter Ball on Friday, 3/28. Batting practice starts at 11:30 with a game to follow.

Despite the snow yesterday, Winter Ball is scheduled for this Friday. Our forecaster is sure the snow will be gone and the fields will be playable. Come on out for what will probably be the last day of Winter Ball - spring practice starts next Tuesday, 4/1 (nope, that's not an April Fool's joke).

And don't forget the All Players Meeting this coming Monday at the Bethany Beach Town Hall. Start time is 6:00. Get there early - parking may be an issue due to the construction on Garfield Parkway.