 Hello Live Oak Little League baseball players and parents, I look forward to great things to come in the 2010 season. There is a lot of exciting things happening and your board members have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to put together a great year.
As you can see on our web site some of the important dates coming up in January for both players, coaches, managers and parents. January 9th is the first try out date and registration for all players, in the 2010 year. January 16th is the second try out day. So keep plugged in and continue to check out our the web site for updates and date changes.
New this year for the 2010 season, is the open draft for Majors. Baseball Congress has given us a heads up that this will be permanent for all Little Leagues in the 2011 season making it mandatory for all Major leagues across the states. The board has decided this year to go ahead and implement it for the 2010 season staying ahead of the game. This means all Major players will have to try out for the 2010 season, which means you might not play on the same team that you did last year. You must try out in order to be eligible for All Stars come June.
Also new this year, which was a unanimous decision by the board is a season ending tournament for AA, AAA and Major divisions. What I mean by this is that your win loss stat throughout the year counts towards your placement in the division tournament. Example is, first place will play 4th and 2nd place will play third and the winners of those play for the title of champions of that division. A lot of leagues in district 39 have gone to this and it works. This means all the teams in the division has a shot to win the division. There are still some things to be worked out though....
I'm really excited and looking forward to the 2010 Bat A Thon. This will be the only fun raiser this year involving players. That's right, no more candy bars or coupon books, "Yeah." The Bat A Thon will be held on March 6th starting at 9 am. The player that brings in the most pledges of money will win the grand prize of a WII game station, a $250 value. In addition to the grand prize each player will get three attempts to hit a target by batting off a tee. Hit a target and you can win additional prizes, such as new baseball bats, gloves, bags, balls, T-shirts and many other nice prizes. Parents your invited as well to hit alongside with your kids. For $25 parents will get three chances to swing for a variety of prizes for adults. A dinner for two to a local restaurant, a gift certificate to a local shop and other gifts. You can even enjoy a hot breakfast while you watch your teammates hit. There will be a great menu being put together by Connie our snack shack coordinator. For the youngsters not eligible to play there will be a bounce house so you can jump until you drop. There something for everyone in the family to enjoy and do. So come out support the league and I will personal guarantee a great time. Again the date is March 6th at 9:00 am the same day as team and individual photos.
We have a new snack shack coordinator for this upcoming season and her name is Connie. Connie has diligently been working over the last couple of months putting together a brand new menu. One of the new items is chili cheese dogs and fries. Ymmm!!!!!! There is a lot more and Connie along with her team will be keeping the snack shack full off goodies and food throughout the season. I can't wait to see what's in store for this season. So make sure to say hi to Connie and fill your belly's with some great food.
The Live Oak Little League Board is aware of the economy and the difficult times some parents have been having financially. This year more than ever parents have been asking for financial help. We as a board recognize this and guarantee that, "No child will be left behind and all will play." Another wards, no one will be turned away for financial difficulties. So parents if this is what is holding your decision of whether or not your son or daughter can play, don't. We have payment programs, scholarships and other avenues to assist. Again I say again, "No child will be left behind and all will play."
With that being said the goal this year for the league is to raise $20,000. The money will go to equipment, uniforms, registrations and fees from the League District, School District and Charter Fees that includes insurance. So if you know any business or individual that can help however slight their tax deductible donation would be greatly appreciated. Check out the link on are web site under donations. Lastly, I want to encourage parents to step up and help out with coaching or managing a team. What a great way to spend time with your child but also to have an impact on other children's lives. For the younger divisions there's no experience needed and for those who have a little experience think about managing one of the older divisions. There's no greater reward then being a positive impact on a child's live. So the league invites you to check it out. All you have to do is fill out a volunteer form at the January 9th try out day. I look forward working with you in the 2010 season. I want to personally thank all the future managers, coaches, and team moms in advance for your contribution to the Live Oak Little League. Without you there is absolutely no way a league could be put together. If you have any questions don't hesitate to e-mail me through the web site.
Thanks to everyone and I look forward to seeing you on the field.
Shon Leonetti
President
Live Oak Little League |
