B and E Tires

Managers and assistant managers met on Monday, 4/20 to draft teams for the 2015 season.

Here are the teams for 2015. Manager and Assistant Managers are listed first and second for each team.

Practice with your new team starts on Tuesday, 4/21 per the schedule below.

The Regular Season schedule will be published soon. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

April 13, 2015

Meeting was called to order at approximately 12:00 noon by President Bo Wood.

Attendees: Ron Weber, Johnny Allen, Ed West, Steve Carey, Neil Fleming, Wayne Peaper, Pat Carey, Gene McCloskey, John Bokop, Paul Litwin, Walt Yatko, Mike Fleetwood, Don Hillock, John Mancuso, Carl Pierce, Harry Gowl, Eddie Sternberg, Vince Daley, Pat Sherry, Bo Wood, Tom Wendorf. All teams were represented.

1. Bo Wood announced that on-deck circles were purchased for both fields. The on-deck batter will be required to remain in that circle while waiting his turn to bat.

2. Bo announced that one flag pole will be installed by Grady Meredith beyond the center field fence on Field #2. Plans are for a solar light to be installed. Bo thanked Grady and the others involved for all their efforts.

3. Bo announced that a steam roller will be rented to roll the fields. A work day will be held to rake the field prior to rolling it. The date depends on the availability of the roller.

4. Bo reiterated that each team is required to keep a scorebook during the game. At a minimum, outs and runs are to be recorded.

5. Carl Pierce announced that a proposed Rt.113 by-pass plan that would have interested with Rt. 26 near the fields has been withdrawn.

6. Bo asked Tom Wendorf to go over proposed changes to the By-Laws.

7. Tom reviewed changes that were approved at the January 12, 2015 Board of Directors meeting. There was no discussion on any of these:

a. Courtesy runner rule changed from player making last out to last batter of the previous inning.

b. Limits were set for maximum number of outfielders (4) and maximum number of infielders (7).

c. Players are required to wear their team shirts during games. Those not wearing their team shirts will not be allowed to play. Medical exemptions will be made to accommodate those that need to wear special clothing to avoid sun or other irritants.

8. Several changes that the Executive Committee decided at their 2/25/15 meeting to recommend were presented:

a. BATTER INTERFERENCE DURING PLAY AT THE PLATE

New Rule (inserted after Rule 8.3.c.3): A runner shall be called out at home plate if in the opinion of the umpire the batter fails to vacate the home plate area during a play at home plate and interferes with the play.

This change was approved by a show of hands.

 

b. RUNNER’S LANE MARKED ON FIRST BASE SIDE

New Rule (inserted after Rule 8.3.e.4): There will be a runner’s lane marked on the first base line from the commitment line to first base, in foul territory, in which the runner should run. When he runs outside the running lane and, in the umpire’s judgment, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base, the runner will be declared out. The runner may run outside the three-foot lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.

This change was approved by a show of hands.

 

c. LEAGUE MEETINGS

New Rule (inserted after Rule 1.3): Meetings will be called as required, but at a minimum, one General Membership meeting, three Board of Directors meetings and four Executive Committee meetings will be held each year.

A quorum must be present at each Board of Directors and Executive Committee meeting in order for business to be conducted. A quorum is defined as at least 50% of members of each of these groups. A quorum is not required at the General Membership meeting.

This change was approved by a show of hands.

 

d. BY-LAW CHANGES

New Rule (inserted after new League Meetings rule above): All changes to these By-Laws must be approved at a Board of Directors meeting at which a quorum is present. By-Law changes must be approved by a simple majority of the Directors present at the meeting.

This change was approved by a show of hands.

 

e. DUTY CHANGES

Remove duty 2.2.c. from Vice President paragraph – Obtains permits as necessary

Remove duty 2.4.f. from Treasurer paragraph – Responsible for finding storage for league equipment

Add to duty 2.5.b. in Information Officer paragraph:

Current 2.5.b.: Screens and posts all appropriate information to the website and disseminates pertinent information through other means as required.

These changes were approved by a show of hands.

 

f. REVISE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PARAGRAPH

New paragraph 2.6 The Executive Committee consists of the five elected officers. It has the governing power of the league. The Executive Committee appoints managers and assistants for the coming season prior to the start of practice. Any expenditure of league funds over $200 must be approved by a simple majority of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee also appoints chairs of special and other committees as needed.

This change was approved by a show of hands.

 

g. GENERAL CLEANUP

Paragraph 3.4 – change “Chief Umpire” to “league Vice President”.

This change was approved by a show of hands.

9. A motion was made to change the base paths lengths back to 65’. This motion was defeated by a vote of 12 to 2.

10. A motion was made to change the starting count back to 1 ball and 1 strike. The vote on this motion was tied 7 – 7. Since there were not sufficient votes to pass the motion, the starting count will remain 0 balls and 1 strike.

11. A motion was made to eliminate bat restrictions for players 75 and older. This motion was defeated by a show of hands.

12. A motion was made to allow 1 courtesy foul after a batter had 2 strikes. This motion was defeated by a show of hands.

13. Discussion was held on preventing outfielders from throwing out the batter at first base. No motion was made so no vote was taken resulting in no change.

14. Discussion was held on options to meet league growth demands. Understand that these are preliminary discussions and no decision has been made. It was decided that further discussion is required and that league players should be surveyed for their opinions. Among the options discussed were:

a. Change minimum age of players from 55 years old to 60 years old. All players already in the league would be “grandfathered” in. New players from 55 to 59 years old could play in the Wednesday night league.

b. Split the league into two divisions based on age/playing ability, with one division playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the other playing on Mondays and Wednesdays or Wednesdays and Fridays.

c. Split the league into two divisions. One division would play by SS-USA rules which would include different bats and everyone needing to run to first base. The other division would play by current rules. Playing days would be as in 14.b above. Players would be able to choose which league they wanted to play in.

d. Limit the league to 13 teams with 12 players each.

e. Add games on Wednesdays. This could mean that a team might occasionally play Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in one week.

15. A motion was made to amend the courtesy runner rule to allow the use of any runner once a runner reached first base. Unlike our rule allowing a “random” courtesy runner from home plate, this runner would be subject to the normal SS-USA courtesy runner rules – a player can only be a courtesy runner once an inning and if this courtesy runner is on base when it is his time to bat, he will be declared out and removed from base.

This motion was approved by a vote of 10 – 4. Harry Gowl agreed to prepare a draft of the wording for this change.

16. A motion was made to arrange for paid umpires for the end-of-season tournament. This would be an approximate $600 cost. There would be one umpire per field. This motion was defeated by a show of hands.

17. Discussion was held on the draft process. Emphasis was placed on maintaining as much parity between teams as possible. A motion was made to conduct the draft using two leveling rounds. This motion was approved by a show of hands.

18. Harry Gowl announced that Umpire Training would be held on Tuesday, April 28th on Field #1 starting at noon. All those planning to umpire this year are requested to attend.

19. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded and approved.

Tom Wendorf

Information Officer, OTS

ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

April 1, 2015

Meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. at the Bethany Town Hall.

1) Bo Wood introduced the Executive Committee, and then identified the 13 teams for 2015 and their managers and sponsors. There will be 13 teams with 12 per team. A question was asked about going to 14 teams, would not be feasible with 2 fields. Options will be looked at in the future.

• All Out Sports: Chris Brown and Ron Weber
• American Legion Post #24: Johnny Allen and Ed West (Pat Sherry will assist, not play).
• Atlantic Orthopaedics: Steve Carey and Mike Krieg
• B & E Tires: Grady Meredith and Neil Fleming
• Colonial East: Jesse Bare and Wayne Peaper
• Diamond Blade Tire Works: Pat Carey and Gene McCloskey, sponsor Joey Royster
• Dynamic PT: Bo Wood and John Bokop
• Edward Jones Investments: Paul Litwin and Chris Houlday
• Fox's Pizza Den: Mike Fleetwood and Frank Sica
• LBG Homes: Don Hillock and Ron James
• Ocean View Family Rest: John Mancuso and Carl Pierce, sponsor John Walker
• Robinson Furniture: Harry Gowl and Buddy Robinson
• The Starboard: Carmine Calciano and Ed Sternberg

2) Tom Wendorf went over the preseason and season schedules. Each team will have 3 byes during the regular season. Preseason practices start tomorrow, April 2nd. New players will practice on Field #2 at 9 a.m. every day, other players will practice with their 2014 team according to the schedule, until the draft.

New Player Evaluation will be April 16th at 9:00 on Field #2. Players from last year that need to be re-evaluated are to attend the Evaluation session. Manager will meet after this session to set ratings.

The player draft will be April 22nd at 10 a.m. Location should be the COG, any changes will be announced. (Draft Meeting date rescheduled due to facility availability – meeting will be held Monday, April 20 at the Church of God small chapel starting at 10:00 a.m.)

3) Dick Mullins went over the draft procedures, and the fact we may have 4 teams that exceed the leveling round limit, and that the Exec. Comm. will get with the managers on April 13th to identify how that will be addressed. Also went over the numbers of players, wait list, etc.

4) Harry Gowl went over the financial status for the Treasurer.

5) Harry Gowl talked about rule changes for 2015 that will be taken to the Board of Directors for approval.

Also stated that each team is required to provide two umpires. Umpire training session will be held on April 28th to go over OTS rules that are different than the SS-USA rules that we follow.

6) Work needed on fields. John Walker has already started the road work. We will put down crush and run.  Additional infield mix is needed to fill in holes and low areas. $1200 per load, plus $1200 to deliver, so we’re looking at getting a half load so storage for more than a year is not an issue, for half the price. Had a leak in the irrigation on Field 1, repairs will have to be made.

A field work day will be held, date to be announced.

7) Ground crew is headed by Johnny Allen. Anyone interested on helping out on the ground crew, let Johnny know.

8) Frank Kerns asked about removing any restrictions for bats for players over 70 years old. Other leagues allow senior bats. Asked that it be taken to the Board of Directors. Bo stated he would take it to the Board.

9) Bo discussed the idea of hiring umpires for the tournament, will be brought to the Board of Directors for a vote on whether to do it or not. Special rules we have will have to be given to them.

10) Bo discussed the growth of the league, with 2 suggestions on how to handle it. One, divide the league into two divisions by age and ability, they would play on different days. Two, change the league age from 55 to 60, thus reducing the number of eligible players. Nothing to vote on now, but things to consider for the future.

11) Joey Royster stated they need two more managers for the Wednesday night league, for a total of 4. Keith Purdy, Terry Shifflett and Joey will be handling the Wednesday night league. The teams that play on Wednesday night will be required to prepare the fields for the Thursday games.

12) Dick Mullins announced the elections this year will be for Vice President and Secretary. He will not be running, Carl Pierce has indicated a willingness to take the position. If anyone else is interested in the Secretary's position, please let him know.

Richard B. Mullins Secretary, OTS

Bin 66 graciously hosted our Wine and Beer Tasting even in February. Now they are hosting an event to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Mike Ohr, OTS player and an employee at Bin 66 has passed along an invitation for all OTS players:

Happy Spring! Here’s a link to sign up for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity's 2015 WineTasting on Sunday April 19th from 4-6 pm at Bin 66. Co-sponsored by Bill Lingo of Lingo Realty and Bin 66, this event has been sold out for the past two years - Great wines, scrumptious apps, raffles, and even discounts on anything you decide you like and want to bring home - you won't want to miss this opportunity to get out on a Sunday afternoon and join your friends and neighbors while supporting a great cause.

To register click on the following link: https://www.sussexcountyhabitat.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=164

For more info - click on: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3sjth61vdz79al4/winetasting%20ad%202015.pdf?dl=0

Hope to see you on our registration list soon!

 

Ted Fisher