A Captain's meeting was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Thank you to all of those who were able to attend. We had 11 teams represented and covered a number of items.
It is always great to catch up with everyone in person and discuss the upcoming season. For those who were not able to attend and for those who did attend, notes appear below. Please note that I have added some details where relevant.
The Agenda
was as follows:
The League
Fee this year will be $1225. The fee is due by Friday, March 14, 2008. Any team that has not paid the fee in full
will not be part of this year's league.
There are
26 teams scheduled to participate this year, which is the same number as last
year. At the time of the captain’s
meeting, 23 out of the 26 teams from last year are expected to return, with 20
of the 23 returning teams close to intact.
If I get additional space, I may be able to add 2 more teams.
If you
require an invoice or a W-2 to be filled out, please let me know via email and I
will produce an invoice or complete a form for you.
The league follows ASA rules unless specified. Teams are responsible for bringing their own bats, bases, balls, field permits, league rules and catcher’s mask. Failure to bring bases will result in the other team automatically being designated the home team. A list of banned bats is available on the site.
We discussed the need to bring a ball to the game rule as well. The rule is listed below.
Both teams are required
to bring a new, unused “Clincher” softball to every game for presentation to
the umpire before game time. If the
designated “home team” fails to bring such a Clincher to the game, umpires will
have authority to award “home team” status to that team’s opponent. If the designated “visiting team” fails to
bring such a Clincher the game, it will be obligated to pay the “home team” the
sum of $10 under pain of forfeit.
Umpires will have authority to order such a forfeit if the sum is not
paid.
The leadership and dedication of captains are the most important
keys to running a successful and efficient league. Unless
specified, the League uses ASA rules.
Captains should always have the League specific rules with them when
playing to clarify in the event that the League rule overrules the existing ASA
rule.
Constant email updates are sent out throughout the season that indicates schedule changes, rule clarifications and the infamous playoff scenarios. The primary and secondary contacts are included on the emails unless otherwise specified. If captains know they will be out of town and the secondary contact is unavailable, a backup contact should be indicated.
If the Commissioner is out of town or will be unavailable, he will communicate to the captain’s involved in the days games and designate another contact. Voicemails are generally returned within 24 hours. If there is a forfeit for a game, you must contact the Commissioner directly by phone as there are times were access to email is not available during the day.
In 2005, a new captain’s guide was created to serve as reference for captains. The guide appears on the League website.
Captain’s
Responsibilities include:
Everyone was
updated regarding where we stand so far for the permits for this season. The fields that the league uses are all
managed by different organizations that have different timeframes and different
scheduling priorities. As many of you
know, the city permits are grandfathered which is desirable for the space that
we have today, but bad for the fact that it is difficult to acquire additional
space to use.
Parks
Department
We'll
again be on Commodore Barry fields 01 and 02.
We will be starting on April 7th. The fields are expected to be closed around
the first week of July due to the annual festival. The League is working with the Parks
Department to see if we can still use the fields for any of the dates during
the expected July 4th timeframe.
Right now, the organization using the field has requested a large
preparation setup and cleanup time.
We are in
process with the
Parks
Department Update
The
Con
The league should
have the field for usage in July and August as in past seasons.
Murry Bergtraum
The league
has been allocated the same amount of dates as last season. Payment is being coordinated.
Miscellaneous
If you
know of any location, public or private, that may have space and is reasonably
priced, please pass the information along.
If you have any comments regarding the league and the site or if you have a recommended softball site or vendor, please contact the Commissioner.
A design idea has been submitted and is being worked on by one of teams. Updates are expected within the next week.
Each year the league distributes awards at the annual End of the Year Event. The League Champion and Runner Up used to receive individual trophies. Other times the league has purchased a bat or contributed dollars toward jackets. Effective in 2008, the League will eliminate any and all confusion and distribute $500 to the Playoff Champion and $250 to the Playoff Runner Up. This will simplify the process and offset any delays or confusion with the dissemination of the EOY awards.
The condition of the fields is always a going concern. From lights out along the East River to trash
on the fields in
If you arrive at a field and it is in poor condition, such as trash on the field, the dugouts a mess, etc., please contact the Commissioner.
We do not want anyone to get hurt and we want the parks and fields to be in the best condition possible.
As a reminder, never use a broom on the fields because you’ll be pushing the dirt on to the grass creating a lip. It is always best to have a bucket and a garden rake to put more dirt down on the field. Obviously, I water pump is ideal, but unlikely.
The Brooklyn Permit Office, along with Storr
Tractor and The Red Hook Sports Coalition is offering a chance for the field
crews to meet with league representatives and teach everyone how to maintain
the fields. The “Ballfield
Prep Workshop” is being offered on May 3, 2008 from 9 to 11:30 AM at the
Topics include:
If interested, please contact Mr. E. Rivas at 718-722-3213 and let me know that you plan on attending.
Upon completion of games, teams are expected to clean up their dugouts and inspect the surrounding area. The winning team should have the umpire sign the book.
The winning teams should then submit the results on the league website.
Each year around playoff time, there are many discussions with the captain’s regarding the playoff process and how to improve the timing of the playoffs. The weather dictates the timing of the playoffs, but generally we shoot for the end of July or first week of August for the playoffs to begin.
We also reviewed the League Contact Form which includes new items. In particular, I have asked each team captain to rank their field preference and actually what nights they can play. I will try to schedule accordingly. In addition, I requested that teams provide me a desired rival and a list of teams that they want to try and play for the upcoming season. I’m hoping that it will enable me to schedule games more easily and eliminate any perceived bias.
Many rules were discussed and a few rules will be clarified. An update to the Rules should occur by March 14, 2008..
Free Agents
As in year’s past, there are a number of individual’s who contact me each year looking to join a team. If you are seeking one or more players, please let me know and I’ll pass along the names and contact information of those who have contacted me. There are a handful of players from prior teams that are no longer in the league that are wishing to participate.
Rule Enforcement
Many of the umpires who preside over the league games often work for other leagues as well and can often get confused by our custom rules. Remember that if there is not a custom league rule, then we default to ASA Rules. Teams are expected to police one another and have liberty while on the field to work together. Ultimately, the umpires run the show when they are on the field and there is more leeway in the regular season. As per the permit, there is no signage, alcohol or music allowed at the fields.
Minimum Age
The minimum age to participate in the league is 21. There is no maximum age. This will be clarified within the Rules as it was not previously set.
Defensive positioning
Teams may place fielders in any defensive alignment they wish in the field of play. There is no restriction on the number of players in the outfield vs. the infield. Teams are asked to exhibit proper sportsmanship at all times. This rule is being highlighted to clarify situations where teams find themselves in a bases-loaded last inning of the game with one out and need to turn a double play and thus, bring their fielders in to increase their opportunity to make a play.
A second scenario involves weaker hitting players when teams
often push their fielders onto the infield.
Many umpires choose to make a decision based upon their
determination. The rule is clear and be
added to the Rules. Teams may position their fielders in any
configuration they choose.
Managing late-arriving players
Coordinating work schedules, navigating traffic, and traveling via subways can be a frustrating and unpredictable experience. There are instances where players arrive late and wish to participate. ASA rules highlight the ability to append a player to the bottom of the lineup as long as the lineup has not turned over. A discussion took place among the captain’s present and it was determined that the league will adopt a new rule effectively stating:
Late arriving players
may be appended to the bottom of the lineup prior to the start of the top of
the fourth inning even if the lineup has turned over without penalty.
Minimum number of players to
start/finish a game
Teams must start the games and finish games with a minimum number of 8 players. I have clarified in the rules the start times of games.
Game times for all
regular-season games shall be at 6:15 p.m. sharp, unless otherwise noted (See
3.8). A team can elect to wait until the
game start time if 9 or fewer players are present.
Mid-season League Outing
A few years ago we had done a midweek outing which enabled teams to mingle and meet others. It was suggested that I try and bring this back again this year. I have a few ideas of potential locations. I am open to ideas.
Pitching clarification
The league does not have a clock rule. You can go as high as you can as long as you do not do a windmill or a slingshot. See the pitching diagram on the site. According to ASA rules, a pitcher may take only one step. A pitcher is not allowed to take a step back and then proceed forward. To further clarify, a pitcher can take a step forward, to the side, or backwards, but only one step.
Extra Hitters vs. Designated
Hitters
The league enables a team to bat up to 12 hitters. A team may have 2 Extra Hitters or 1 Extra Hitter and one Designated Hitter. A DH can hit for another position player in the field, while an Extra Hitter can both hit and play the field under the premise that there are no more then 10 fielders at any one time. A team can have 10 fielders and two extra hitters who can rotate in and out of the field or a team can have 10 fielders, one extra hitter and a DH. In this instance the Designated Hitter will take the at bat of another positional player who is playing the field. For those baseball fans, think of it as the AL DH.
The Rules will be further clarified to include the item above.
Reentry clarification
You can be taken out of the regular season game in the batting order and still play the field. There is no formal rule that if you enter the game that you are required an at bat. If a player is taken out of a game and then put back into the game, the player can only hit in the same spot in the order.
In regard to pitching, there is no limit to the number of times that a pitcher can be removed and reenter the game. If you remove your pitcher in the first inning, the pitcher can return at any time.
Courtesy Runners
The existing rule reads:
Courtesy runners will be allowed, provided the runner is the last batter who made an out. Upon reaching base, a team may elect to have a courtesy runner for a member of its team. To avoid any manipulation of the courtesy runner (which occurred in the 2004 playoffs), the team may only run for a female player with another female player. If another female player is not present, then the Team Manager may approach the umpire and indicate why the female runner requires a courtesy runner. If deemed appropriate by the umpire, the individual who made the last out will then be allowed to become the courtesy runner. All courtesy runners must check in with the umpire. If the umpire is not informed of the courtesy runner and a pitch takes place, it is the umpire's discretion to choose whether to call the courtesy runner as out.
The above rule will be refined to indicate it is the last batter who made an out while hitting at the plate.
Equipment purchasing
I tried last season to get a bulk purchase for the league’s softballs, but I learned that the margins for the balls are very low and there is very little that could be done.
For those interested, one of the cheapest locations that I have found is:
http://loadedbases.com/debclinf12so.html
I also have a uniform link from one of the teams. If you are interested, please contact me.
Playoff Eligibility
A player must appear in 4 games to appear in the playoffs. Special consideration will be granted for
those who experience extenuating circumstances, such as military deployment or
return from injury. This rule has always existed, but never formally documented
in the Rules.
Rule Books/Scorebooks
The scorebooks and rulebooks were handed out to those who were in
attendance. I will attempt to coordinate
the delivery of the remaining scorebooks.
Overall, I was very pleased as the meeting ran very smoothly and we kept it to about an hour. I try to run things as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Games are normally scheduled for each team to occur three out of every four weeks. There are times where larger gaps occur, especially during the first month of the season. If you wish to have a day or week off, please let me know as soon as you can since it will assist me in scheduling. I am human and admit that I sometimes make scheduling mistakes. Check the days with the dates on the calendar for your schedule. Although I cross check each date myself, I have previously listed the wrong field.
Thanks again for all of the hard work that each of you do. You should be commended by your teams and your company’s.
There are a number of items that require follow up that I am working on presently.
The list includes: