2008 Kevin McAuliffe City Softball League
Captain Meeting Notes

Recap

 

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:

  • Current Team Status
  • Overview
  • Proper Equipment
  • Review of Captain's Responsibility
  • Update on Field Space
  • Field Maintenance
  • EOY Awards changes
  • Playoffs
  • Rule Changes/Clarifications
    • Minimum Age Requirement
    • Locations of fielders
      • co-ed requirements 
      • defensive player positioning
      • Extra Hitter vs. DH
    • Adding late-arriving players
    • McGowan Rule
    • Minimum number of players to start/continue a game
  • Payment of League Fee
  • Available players:
  • Open discussion

League Fee

 

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. 

Proper Equipment

 

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.

Expectation of Captains

 

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:

 

  • Communicate with the Commissioner including coordinating payment of the  league fee
  • Coordinate individual team’s attendance and team’s equipment
  • Verify scheduled games are in their proper location
  • Carry all necessary permits and League Rules to each game
  • Provide on-field umpire with game ball and lineup
  • Submit a final regular season roster
  • Serve as point person with umpire if there is a disputed call or question
  • Report game scores if you are the winning team within 24 hours of the game’s completion including the field condition, umpire id and any additional relevant comments
  • Manage the field include checking to see the condition of the field both before and after game time
  • Remind all of their team’s participants to never give money to anyone at the field.  The league fee covers all of the costs for the permits and umpires.

Overview of Field Space

 

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.
 

Brooklyn

 

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. 

 

Prospect Park

 

We are in process with the Prospect Park permit office and awaiting confirmation of our field space for the upcoming season.  The same amount of dates are expected as last season.

 

Manhattan -

 

Parks Department Update

The Manhattan permits have already been received and paid for.  We will be on the East River 06 field each Wednesday and Thursday and Dewitt Clinton for a handful of Friday’s in June.

 

Con Edison

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.

League Website and Logo

 

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.

End of Year Event Awards Change

 

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.

Field Condition and Maintenance


The condition of the fields is always a going concern.  From lights out along the East River to trash on the fields in Brooklyn, it is important that captains pass along their observations to the Commissioner in order to enable follow up with the respective offices.

 

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.

 

  • There are crews that cut the grass for all of Brooklyn and thus, at times the grass can get very long.
  • Murry Bergtraum at times needs more clay in the infield.  Let me know if you notice that the surface is missing clay.
  • The lights along the East River are serviced by a contractor with a contract that begins in July.  If the lights are out in June, we are out of luck until then.

 

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 Red Hook Recreation Center.  It’s located at 155 Bay Street between Henry and Hicks. 

 

Topics include:

  • Removal of Standing Water
  • Quick Fix Remedies
  • Synthetic Field Maintenance
  • How to Grade a Field
  • Line Marking

 

If interested, please contact Mr. E. Rivas at 718-722-3213 and let me know that you plan on attending.

End of Game Procedures

 

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.

Playoffs

 

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.

Open Discussion

 

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.

Final Thoughts/Follow Up

 

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:

 

  • Update the league website with the additional clarifications of the rules above
  • Update the one page snapshot of the custom league rules
  • Select a chartable event for the season to benefit the NSSA school
  • Review the possibility of a date and a location for a midseason social