American Legion Post #24

MEETING MINUTES for October 7, 2008   The newly elected officers of the Old Timers Softball League met today for an informal meeting to get acquainted with each other and discuss issues that will or may come up for the next season, as well as budget issues that need to be addressed between now and when we begin collecting revenue next season.

The League officers for the 2009 season are: President: Bo Wood, Vice President: Tom Farrah, Treasurer: Archie Alexander, Secretary: Dick Mullins

The main purpose of this meeting was to update everyone on the financial aspects of the league, where the money goes and how much is collected, league rules and regulations, where the league has been and where we hope to take it.  Archie will have the ability to issue a financial report in the near future, but at this time the league is in good financial condition. Bo stated there were several items he thought should be included in next year’s budget.  They include the acquisition/purchase of a shed (minimum 10’x12’) to house a tractor that is being donated by the COG (approx. $2,000), a roller ($200), backstop screens ($400), and other implements to maintain the fields.  Also discussed was the annual maintenance fee of $295 to maintain an AED (defibrillator) on the field during games.  This is in addition to the uniforms/balls/etc. required to play ball during the season.

Everyone agreed with Bo’s items as presented in principle, based on cost, feasibility, etc.  For example, the shed to house the tractor may be a pre-constructed plastic shed or we may opt to build our own, depending on cost, labor, materials, etc.  We need to meet with the COG to determine location, appearance and other issues. Archie presented a projected budget sheet for 2009.  It is based upon 150 players paying $40 per person, sponsors for 12 teams based on projections that we can increase the pool of players, and funds from Sussex County.  We have adequate funds to accomplish our goals for next season.  The insurance is due January 1, and we have continuous expenses such as the weather line and web site.  Routine expenses include uniforms, balls, equipment, insurance, telephone, the picnic, field maintenance and other expenses.  We all agreed with Archie’s approach to the budget and what was projected.  Archie has already scheduled to meet with several home owners’ associations to advertise our league and solicit players.  All players are encouraged to advertise our league and solicit new players.

The registration letters will be mailed to all players, as well as being sent by e-mail and on the web site.  The letters will include the option of each player including any health issue they want to disclose to the league in the event of an episode on the field.  In addition, we will ask if any player has a skill, such as nurse, EMT, first responder who wants to declare it and help out at games.  These are voluntary.   

The schedule for next year, based on a league wide vote, is to play on Tuesday and Thursday (not Fri.).  Practices that Sal conducts now on Wednesday will most likely move to Monday.  More to follow.

 Rules:  Two issues that will likely need addressing next spring include substitution of players and  mid season players joining teams (and how to rate them).

Field Maintenance:  This year, Bo Wood and John Bokop basically maintained both fields, and as all will agree, they did a great job.  However, we do not think it is fair to place this burden solely on these two individuals.  Therefore, next year we are considering assigning each team a week, during which it is their responsibility to maintain both fields, including cutting grass, lining, field prep., etc.  This is something that will be discussed and voted on by the team managers whether it is done day by day or by the week.

Player input:  It is our feeling that when major issues surface that affect the league and its’ players, a league wide vote may be called for.  Obviously, we cannot run the league on the day to day operations in this manner, but significant issues may require everyone’s input. The weather line will be discontinued as of November 1.  It will be re-activated April 1, 2009. Player Safety:  This is a major concern, and to that end we have agreed to accept the donation of an AED from Rescue One for Life.  This will require an annual maintenance fee of $295, which will include replacement pads, battery, medical oversight and all documentation required for the State or Delaware.We will ask the umpires and team managers to become certified in CPR and AED (defibrillator).  This would be voluntary.  Also, we will look to upgrade our first aid supplies, and may offer an informational class on first aid, to include the common injuries/medical conditions we may see on the field. 

The OTS Senior Olympic team in the 60 to 64 age bracket won the Silver Medal on Saturday September 20th by defeating 2 of the 3 other teams in their division. The team, managed by Bo Wood ended up playing 4 games that day; 3 in their division and 1 game against the Delaware Legends who are in the Majors division. It was a long day with the first game starting at 9a.m. and the 4th game ending at 5:30 p.m.

The team played all day without a single injury which was very fortunate considering there were only 12 players on the roster.

The team had to play the Legends in the 1st game......the toughest team at the tournament......and although the pitching and fielding was very good, the team was not able to put enough consecutive hits together to keep pace with the Legends hot bats.

From the 2nd through the 4th game, the team really put it all together, handily beating 2 teams from Wilmington and giving the Stars, the eventual Gold Medal winner, a run for their money. The manager of the Stars commented that we were their toughest competition of the day. 

OTS Team players were: 

Pitchers - Eddie Sternberg and Ed Wilson

Catchers - Ron James and Terry Thomas

Infield - Harry Banks, Jesse Bare, Johnny Allen, Bo Wood

Outfield - Pete Harris, Ron Weber, Tom Faulkner, Tom Copp

The recent courtesy runner rule controversy/discussion has generated about as many opinions as there are players, managers and assistant manager in the league.

Some feel that the rule [Item J-2] needs to changed, others feel it should stay the same, others feel some minor modifications are needed, and others feel that no league rules should be changed during the season. Frankly speaking, it’s a quagmire with no answer that’s going to satisfy everyone.

Consequently, it has been decided that the league we will follow the rule as written at the beginning of the 2008 season, but allow for game day modifications when both opposing manager agree.

Following the completion of the 2008 season the League’s Board [Officers & Managers] will revisit the courtesy runner rule and hopefully come up with modifications that are satisfactory to all.

The current rule [Section IV, Sub-heading J, Page 8] reads as follows:

J. Courtesy [Substitute] Runners

1) Players who have difficulty running from home plate, or on the base paths, due to injury, age or for medical reasons may use a courtesy runner.  Before the game begins, the manager should give the umpire and opposing manager the names of any players requiring a courtesy runner from home plate.

2) The designated courtesy runner will be the last batter who made an out; or, if that player is on base running for another player, then the next previous batter, to make an out., etc.

Exception: In the first inning, with no outs, anyone on a team roster may serve as a courtesy runner.

3) A courtesy runner from home plate must start from a position directly behind the catcher and not leave that position until the ball is struck.  If a runner leaves this position before the batter hits the ball he/she will be declared out.

4) A courtesy runner may not be used after one pitch to the next batter.

5) Another courtesy runner may not replace a courtesy runner, except in event of injury.

6) A courtesy runner on base when it is his/her time to bat will be declared out on base, but will be allowed to bat.

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A. Further Definition of Rule J-2: 

[1] Courtesy Runner from Home Plate [Other than First inning]: The player who made the last out, unless he/she has already run in the inning and/or he/she is unable to run [due to age, injury or for medical reasons], is theonly person who can run for a player needing a courtesy runner from home plate.

* If the player who made the last out is ineligible or unable to run then the next to last person to make an out must be the courtesy runner.  The team manager and/or assistant is responsible for maintaining a record of who made the last out[s] and providing this information to the umpire in a timely fashion when a courtesy runner is required.

[2] Courtesy Runner on Base:  The player who made the last out, unless he/she has already run in theinning or he/she is unable to run [due to age, injury or for medical reasons], is the only person who can run for a player needing  a courtesy runner who is on base.

* If the player who made the last out is ineligible or unable torun then the next to last person to make an out must be the courtesy runner.  The team manager and/or assistant is responsible for maintaining a record of who made the last out[s] and providing this information to the umpire in a timely fashion when a courtesy runner is required. 

-----------------------------------------------B. Game Day Modification Option:

If two opposing mangers wish to waive any portion of thecourtesy runner rule, [agree to a game day modification of the rule] they must mutually agree to the waiver before the game commences and notify the umpires of the portion(s) being waived.   

Examples of alternatives that have been used with some success this season include:

* Any player may serve as a courtesy runner from home late, at the beginning of each inning until the first out is made.  After the first out is made the player making that out must serve as courtesy runner. 

* If the player who made the last out is ineligible or unable torun then the next to last person to make an out must be the courtesy runner.   

* The selection of courtesy runners for a player who is on base,in any inning, is at the manager’s discretion. 

* If the person who made the last out is unable to pinch run for any reason, go back one spot in the batting order  

If these alternatives and/or others you may try prove successful, under actual game conditions, please keep them mind and share the results with an OTS Board. 

This input will be utilized when the Board reviews and updates league rules prior to the 2009 season. 

Regarding 2008, this memo is the final word [end of discussion] regarding the courtesy runner rule for the 2008 season!   Tom Harvey

The OTS league rules are available in the "HANDOUTS" section of this website. The rules are stored as a PDF document.
To download the rules to your computer for viewing and printing simply:
1. Click on the "Handouts" link on the left side of this webpage.
2. Go to the bottom of the page and click on the item titled "Rules and Procedures".
3. Click on the By-Laws for the current year.
4. Click on "Download Now". This will open the rules in a PDF reader.

You can now read and print the document.