OrlandoBaseball.com - Home of the Orlando MSBL

May 11, 2008 - Baseball Angels
I wanted to thank all of you who have contributed to the City of Orlando Youth Baseball program, as we try and bring baseball back to the inner-city and the underprivileged. We have 95 kids in the program, and we have had camp for three weeks. Now we will play a short five game schedule of games every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning at Grand Avenue Field, corner of Grand and Parramore, during the month of May. Special thanks to Eddie Rubiera of the Titans who gave $100, plus convinced three of his customers to pay for a camper. Doug Elliott of the Indians also generously gave $50. John Needham of the Astros rounded up over $500 worth of bats and gear. Rex Walker of the Dodgers, Tommy Santiago of the Outlaws, Vanessa West of the Yankees, and others also gave of their time. I thank all of them, and remind everyone that we are still woefully short on everything, money, gear and players willing to give a little time back. It really is a blast, the kids are charmers, and are fun to spend time with. They are short on experience and training, but long on enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Cash is still cheerfully welcomed, you can mail contributions to PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 32704, gear can be dropped off at the field, or given to Brian Blevins, and/or you can come by and jump in and help, I promise you it will be gratefully received!

May 04, 2008 - All Star Game and Hall of Fame
The American League beat the National League 20-12 in a bombfest at Osceola County Stadium, spring training home of the Houston Astros. Everyone enjoyed the use of the stadium, particularly the hitters, who rained hits all over the yard. Players and fans were greeted with notice of the game on the big marquee at the entrance to to Osceola Heritage Park on 441.The announced All-Stars in attendance included, for the Senior Circuit, Warren Hansen, Billy Kiernan and Brian Kremposky for the Astros, Mike Santonino and Jason Schmidt for the Braves, Lawrence Butcher, Joe Jasinski and Evan Gerking for the Dodgers, Robb Cymerman, Josh Montero and Nelson Rodriguez for the Marlins, Gus D'Andrea, Brian Kisner and Jeff Shebovsky from the Pirates, and Craig Meyer and Jose Tavarez for the Reds,. The American League reps included J.C.Farias for the Angels, J.B.Cartmill for the Barons , Jim Edwards and Ellis Rodriguez for the Blue Jays, Adolfo Camacho, Jason Dunaway and Doug Elliott for the Indians, Jason Dehler, Ben Prill and Jay Bengert for the Lugnuts, Jose Baez, Felix Lopez and Lazaro Rodriguez for the Outlaws, Rich Brower and Tim Riegert for the Red Sox, and Joe Neira, Joe Wieleba and Lorenzo Poveda for the Yankees. Speaking of Poveda, the veteran ripper was inducted into the Hall of Fame in between the sixth and 7th innings, along with long-time member, and fellow Yankee Mark Lewis. Two very popular players, two fine ballplayers and two super guys that we are honored to honor with inclusion in the Central Florida MSBL Hall of Fame. There were so many kids that we needed six heats to give all the interested contestants a chance to Race Around the Bases, which was fun for youngsters and parents alike! I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did!!

April 17, 2008 - Help needed with City of Orlando Youth Baseball Camp
I am desperately seeking help of all varieties for the City of Orlando Youth Baseball Camp and League for 2008. The need is huge and it's a great way to give back for some kids who really need your help.

Can you give some time? This Saturday, April 19, we're getting organized and going over stretching, exercises and warm-ups from 9 M until 11 AM. Next Wednesday, April 23, from 6-8 PM, we're going to cover fielding with the campers. The following Saturday, April 26, from 9-11 AM, we're going to cover hitting, the following Weds., April 30, we'll cover base running and sliding, and on Sat., May 3, we'll cover pitching and throwing. Sat. May 7, we'll review and divide into teams for a 5-game schedule. These are 50-75 underprivileged youth with little or no baseball experience, from the ages of 7-13 years old. Our goal is to stoke a desire to play and a love for this great game.

What I need/how you can help:

Your time would be great. show up at those times, at Grand Avenue Field, corner of Parramore and Grand Avenue, and we'll find a station for you to run, or a drill to supervise, just spending time with these kids is crucial, many are from single-parent families, Dad's not been there to interact with, much less teach them the finer points of the game.
Look around the garage for old gear: kids' bats, kids' gloves, small men's gloves, even gently used shoes.
Good old money, we're woefully undersupported, the kids have no money for baseball shoes, athletic supporters, cups, you can even buy those things for the kids and bring them down, anything will be much appreciated. You can make checks out to City of Orlando Youth Baseball, c/o Central Florida MSBL, PO Box 4025, Apopka, FL 32704.
Coach one of the teams, we have a brief, 5 game schedule, and we have enough kids that we can play a 3 week, 5 game schedule, 2 hours a pop. A relatively short commitment for a lifetime of memories.
Sponsor a kid, $25.09 pays for everything for one kid, sponsor 3, 5, whatever, every sponsorship means we have one more kid we won't have to turn away.

Thanks for any help, I know you guys are the best, let me know if you can make it, once, twice, all of the meetings, any small effort or contribution is critical for these kids...

April 08, 2008 - Open letter to the league from the commish
I'm always amazed and proud of how much our members care about this league. I am coming up on my 100th EMail and call regarding the unfortunate soul who for the want of a better term will be now known as the illegal player. Upon further review, I will revise my decision about how it is best handled. The original decision was based on the letter of the rules, and what I could do in my capacity as commissioner to right the wrong. Now the one team who filed the protest, at the insistence of other teams, I might add, wants to withdraw the protest and restore the loss as it was played on the field. The torrent of criticism directed towards Tim Wunder and the Yankees concerns me. Tim is as upstanding a manager and person as we have in the league, and he has put that team together through hard work, lots of practice, and they have just assembled a super bunch of people who really care about each other and the league. The last thing he and they need or want is to foster a sense of revenge or resentment from those who feel they received a win unfairly. Jim Matoska and the Titans, also as great a group of guys as you'll ever meet, headed off the potential for those feelings by refusing the chance to take the win on protest, as stipulated in the book. By the same token, many have accused the Red Sox of everything from complicity in the WMD coverup to harboring fugitives. Bottom line is we had an illegal player play in two Red Sox wins, and that is illegal. So I, despite the objections of Jim and Tim, take the initiative to forfeit those games to the Titans and Yankees. Please direct your animosity towards me, and not those teams or players, I do this over their objections. Also, for the conspiracy theorists, there is no greater plan, as you will see when we release the balance of the schedule later this week, there is no advantage or disadvantage schedule-wise inherent in that regard for anyone involved, including the Reds, as a result of this move. Like Bowie Kuhn rejecting the Charlie Finley-sale of Vida Blue, (am I dating myself?), I do it for the good of the game, and for the good of the league. And to mangle another Gumpism, that's all I have to say about that. I'd much rather talk about 'Zo's #500, or the resurgent Dodgers, or the upstart Indians, how well the field is draining, or how 'bout those new screens on the backstops, or what a great group of humans we have in this league, anything!!

December 02, 2007 - MARLINS ARE FALL CHAMPIONS!!!!
Rich Muscemi and the Marlins are the fall champions of the Central Florida MSBL! The last team to qualify for the fall playoffs became the last team standing, as the Marlins triumphed over the two undefeated teams Sunday to win the championship.

A dominant Jimmy Groves on the hill and a flurry of Marlins hits overwhelmed the previously unbeaten and top-seeded Patriots in the semi-finals. Then Darrin Reichle went the distance in the championship game, and the Marlins came back from a 2-0 deficit with a three-run eighth to snatch their first CFLMSBL championship 3-2 over the second-seeded Fury, who breezed into the finals with a 4-0 victory over the Lakeland Crew, knocked off their previous perch as this spring's and last fall's champions.

The Fury seemed in firm control of the outcome in the championship game with strong pitching, superb defense and timely hitting, but for the second consecutive season, as the Crew did against the Red Sox this spring, a late inning rally was the difference, as the Marlins bunched some hits, and a few walks opened the doors to the decisive three runs in the top of the eighth, and Reichle made them stand up, retiring the side in order in the bottom of the ninth for the crown.

Congratulations to all of the Marlins, who really gelled at the right time, and to Muscemi who worked hard to take the Marlins from expansion team to champions in a few, short years!! Congratulations also are due to the impressive Tim Langley and the Fury, who were one fateful inning away from taking the title in their first appearance in the league, as well as to Ron Sousa and the Patriots, who picked the wrong time to have their first tough game this fall, and to Tracy Nolan and the Lakeland Crew, who by virtue of a strange tie in the regular season, had to make the trip from Lakeland three times in a week, and it may have finally caught up to them.

Thanks to all member players, managers, fans and families for supporting the league this fall and all year long, and best wishes to everyone for a joyous holiday season. We look forward to another great year in '08! Stay tuned for further details, coming soon!

November 17, 2007 -
A weird-weather, broken schedule has given way to an exciting conclusion of the fall season. I just wanted to clarify what I believe to be the playoff scenario, up to the moment. Please feel free to differ, but given what we already posted as the criteria, and the inevitable issues with pure fairness, here is my best take on the current scenario. First point, any team with four or more non-wins is eliminated from fall contention, with the exception of the Titans who have won the Marsh Division by a half game over the Outlaws. This 4+ non-win group was amazing this year, and includes outstanding seasons by the expansion Indians, led by Doug Elliot, the upstart Dodgers, led by Rex Walker, completing their best record at 7-3-1, the expansion Blue Jays, headed by Joaquin Lora, and perennial powerhouse Astros, led by John Needham, who might lose a slot short only a head-to-head win. That leaves Titans winners of the Marsh, Patriots winners of the Haber, Crew top wild card at 9-0-1, and the Cards, Lugnuts, Fury and Marlins fighting for the last three spots going into the final regular Sunday. If the Cards beat the Yankees, they are in. If they lose, they're out, and the other three teams qualify, no matter what, in an order to be determined. If the Cards win, that brings it to the Lugnuts/Fury game. If the Lugnuts lose, they are eliminated, as the tiebreaker with the Marlins would be lost by virtue of best record common opponent with different result. Dodgers beat the Lugnuts, lost to Marlins. If the Fury loses, they would be out, even though they have only one loss, because they would be 6-1-2, a WP of .666, at the end of the day. Sound fair? That's as fair as I can make it, and I've checked all scenarios several times. Let me know if you see an egregious omission, but check it first, there are several mitigating circumstances. Thanks to all, and I look forward to an exciting end of the season and playoff! Bonus: with all of the inclement weather, spring baseball is not far off!! Updated schedule of games for this weekend: No games Saturday, Florida Classic Football game conflict. Sunday, noon, Yanks/Cards, 3:30 PM Angels/Braves, 7 PM Lugnuts/Fury...

June 17, 2007 - CREW CHAMPS FOR 2007!
Spring 2007 champs - The Crew

The Lakeland Crew snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with an improbable 4-run bottom of the 9th inning to defeat the defending champion Dr. Phillips Red Sox Sunday afternoon 4-3. Larry Hingle was masterful on the mound for the Sox for seven innings, holding the potent Crew attack to 5 hits and no runs. The Red Sox, in the meantime, had pushed across single runs in the 2nd, the 3rd, (RBI triple by Will Bland), and 4th (RBI single by Hingle), and held a 3-0 lead going into the 8th. Kevin Gallaher, who had been a monster for all of the Red Sox playoff games, came in for the eighth, and pitched around a Lawrence Sutton double and a walk, and after the Sox failed to score in the top of the 9th, the Crew were down to their last three outs of the season. Crew manager Tracy Nolan led off with a solid single to right, but the next two hitters were retired, and the Crew was down to it's last out. But Gallaher seemed to tire a little with one out to get for the repeat championship, and he proceeded to walk David Gatauco and Sutton to load the bases, then Curtis Lugo to force in a run. Sox manager Jason Black made the call to the bullpen to Scott Lubier, but the momentum had shifted. Rich Brower worked another walk to make the score 3-2, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic endings in league history.

After the four consecutive walks, Lubier had to get ahead of the next hitter, but Wash Respess was ready and lined the first pitch to left field to score Sutton with the tying run and Curtis Lugo with the championship winner! The Crew had been down to their last out, down three runs, with only one runner on, and had come all the way back to win the crown!

Kevin Lidle was outstanding on the bump for the Crew, going the distance and allowing only 2 earned runs on eight hits. Respess was game MVP with his game winner and 2 other hits. Lugo walked three times, and Nolan had a pair of hits. For the Sox, Bland and Hingle had two hits apiece.

It was truly an outstanding game between two outstanding teams, and you got the feeling watching that these were two very good clubs who would have to play a lot of games against one another to determine who had the advantage. But for this season, in this series, the Lakeland Crew came out on top. Congratulations to all of the members of the Crew who made the long trek to Orlando to complete their run.

So another great season of baseball comes to a close in grand fashion. For the these teams, a well-deserved rest. For everyone else eager to lace them up, I'll post details about the fall season shortly. Have a great summer!

April 25, 2007 - All-Star game a success!!
The All-Star Game came off without a hitch Sunday night under the lights at Tinker Field as the Jason Black-led East beat the Tracy Nolan-led West 4-1 . A good-sized crowd enjoyed some All-Star caliber pitching, and a pleasant evening breeze, and a great time was had by all. The latest inductees into the Hall of Fame were announced between the 6th and 7th innings, one active, one retired. When talk of the greatest players in league history starts, one name always comes up. Terry Griffin was a player for the Braves in the 90's and early 2000's. He was a fantastic hitter, and a great fielder, but always a gentleman and sportsman. The second inductee continues his stellar 15 year run to this day. Mike Grenci was an Indian, an original Marlin, and now a Red for the last seven years. He has evolved from a power pitcher to a control artist, but is often remembered for one of the great individual campaigns in the league, 1999, when he went 16-1 with an ERA in the low 1's. For all his skills, however, Mike is a true family man, an unflinching supporter of the league and as his many curent and former teammates can attest, a team player all the way. Speaking with a little bias as manager of the Reds, I'm hoping Mike will continue playing for many years to come. 2007 Inductees into the Central Florida Hall of Fame: Terry Griffin and Mike Grenci.

2007 All Stars who made an appearance this year included, for the West, Corey Schofield, Kevin Lidle and David Gatauco of the Crew; Joe del Valle and Jimmy Groves of the Marlins; Sem Cuevas and Mike Gale of the Mets; Duane and Clay Stone of the Angels; Jim Edwards and JimKeena of the Mariners; Lawrence Butcher and Andy Guasto of the Dodgers; Pete Ferrraro and Bob Capo of the Brewers, and Frank Shaw of the Titans. For the East, Jason Laub, Sean Miller and Mark Hammond of the Astros; Steve Reed Donnie Williams and Mike Grenci of the Reds; Larry Hingle, Jevin Gallher and Cary Weeden of the Red Sox, Brian Abrahamson and Alberto Gonzalez of the Pirates; Craig Pledge and Kike Zembrano of the Royals; Chad Holland and Curtis Leonard of the Yankees; George MacGowan and Jay Claudio of the A's and Kevin King of the Braves.

February 07, 2007 - Baseball Bits...
Playoff news....The four division winners will advance, plus two wild card teams, those with best overall records by winning percentage at the end of the season. Playoffs start the week after Memorial Day. The tiebreakers are 1) head-to-head, 2) head-to-head records versus other teams in descending order of record/winning percentage 3) coin flip........Playoff format is the top two records among divison winners will receive byes; the best record among the other two division winners will play the lowest wild card, and the 4th divsion winner will play the wild card team with the best record in one-game playoffs. Then the highest seed plays the lowest remaining seed 2 of 3, #2 seed plays the other remaining seed 2 of 3, and the winners will meet in a 2 of 3 for the championship..........6 of 19 teams make the playoffs, this isn't hockey.

Remember the fields will have had two games played on them by the 3:30 game, and three by 7 PM on Sundays. You might want to consider having someone go down to rake and tamp the minute the game preceding yours concludes. There is a locker where we keep a number of rakes, a tamper, a bucket, some shovels, if you need dirt. Field 1 has never been in better shape, and Field 2 will be good, the new sod is a little fresh.

No player is eligible who does not appear on the paid list. As usual, we are dragging a number of teams and players, all of whom are saying they will remit by Sunday. I will be down there all day to collect from stragglers, and to make sure that we honor those players and teams who did make a timely commitment. We wouldn't have a league without them. So I will be adding eligible players at the field by hand this Sunday, but that is not a reasonable expectation in coming weeks. Please encourage your players to get their money in before the games, to avoid an embarassing scene for both of us.

Let's have a year with a lot of sportsmanship and league comraderie, no getting booted out of games, because of a call. New rule this year: you get run, you're out for one. 2nd boot, you're out for two(t), #3, and we'll talk about what courses are best for throwing clubs. Enjoy yourself, our league record remains unblemished at 15 years and counting, we've never had anyone drafted.

Finally, for now, Sunday is Thank A Manager Day, these guys have to put together a roster, schedule practices, pester guys for dues, take and make calls all the time, write and return Emails, round up equipment, listen to the complaints, coordinate uniforms, just to name a few of the many things that come with the deal, then, oh yeah, make out a lineup, try to make or keep his team competitive, hope guys show up on time, and all for the love of the game!

Thanks guys, we simply don't have a league without ya!....Play Ball!

November 21, 2006 - CREW FALL CHAMPS!!!!, ALL STAR GAME A SUCCESS
The Lakeland Crew concluded a year to remember by winning the fall championship on the road at beautiful Sanford Stadium, defeating the Angels, who had to advance through the semis on Thursday night. Kevin Lidle was masterful for the champs, allowing only three hits, and the Crew took advantage of some inopportune Angel glovework, as well multi-hit games for Corey Huston and Anthony Washington to post the victory for skipper Tracy Nolan. Pitcher Juan Guedez of the Angels held the Crew in check the first time through the order, but a couple of extra outs spelled doom this time, as the errors opened the door of opportunity for the Crew, and the bats came to life and took full advantage. The Crew had a memorable year, winning the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic early, finishing second in the sping season to the Red Sox after posting a league-best record, winning the 28+Wood Bat National Championship at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix, then topping it off with a perfect run through the fall campaign , and a win in the championship. Congratulations to all the Crew members. The Angels were valiant in defeat, having hovered in or near the cellar the last several years, the spring edition showed some real improvement, and the fall team came to within one game of the championship.

In the the first Fall All-Star game, on a gorgeous fall day, East beat the West 9-4, but the score was incidental to the good time had by all. 35 lucky ballplayers had the chance to get a final at-bat or three in before the long winter's nap, Tigers Chris Vigue and Mark Mamary were the only All-Stars with two hits, but the MVP on this day was Lugnut Jeff Francher, who came on in relief of Jason Laub of the Astros and threw 4 innings of shutout baseball. Mike Gale of the Mets closed the door in the 9th. Veteran Rex Walker walked twice and ripped an RBI single. For the West, Joe del Valle of the Marlins, Jeff Shebovsky of the Pirates, Tim Wunder and Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees pitched well, and Ferdinand Medina of the Cardinals and Bobby Esteves of the Marlins slashed doubles. But a good time was reported by all, and it was nice to get back on the field at Sanford Stadium, where many CFL MSBL veterans spent a lot of time in the 90's.Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!!!!!!

November 19, 2006 - CREW FALL CHAMPS!!!!, ALL STAR GAME A SUCCESS
The Lakeland Crew concluded a year to remember by winning the fall championship on the road at beautiful Sanford Stadium, defeating the Angels, who had to advance through the semis on Thursday night. Kevin Lidle was masterful for the champs, allowing only three hits, and the Crew took advantage of some inopportune Angel glovework, as well multi-hit games for Corey Huston and Anthony Washington to post the victory for skipper Tracy Nolan. Pitcher Juan Guedez of the Angels held the Crew in check the first time through the order, but a couple of extra outs spelled doom this time, as the errors opened the door of opportunity for the Crew, and the bats came to life and took full advantage. The Crew had a memorable year, winning the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic early, finishing second in the sping season to the Red Sox after posting a league-best record, winning the 28+Wood Bat National Championship at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix, then topping it off with a perfect run through the fall campaign , and a win in the championship. Congratulations to all the Crew members. The Angels were valiant in defeat, having hovered in or near the cellar the last several years, the spring edition showed some real improvement, and the fall team came to within one game of the championship.

In the the first Fall All-Star game, on a gorgeous fall day, East beat the West 9-4, but the score was incidental to the good time had by all. 35 lucky ballplayers had the chance to get a final at-bat or three in before the long winter's nap, Tigers Chris Vigue and Mark Mamary were the only All-Stars with two hits, but the MVP on this day was Lugnut Jeff Francher, who came on in relief of Jason Laub of the Astros and threw 4 innings of shutout baseball. Mike Gale of the Mets closed the door in the 9th. Veteran Rex Walker walked twice and ripped an RBI single. For the West, Joe del Valle of the Marlins, Jeff Shebovsky of the Pirates, Tim Wunder and Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees pitched well, and Ferdinand Medina of the Cardinals slashed a double. But a good time was reported by all, and it was nice to get back on the field at Sanford Stadium, where many CFL MSBL veterans spent a lot of time in the 90's.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!!!!!!

November 13, 2006 - Playoffs and All Star game near.... (news and notes)
The Angels clinched the Jim Krall Division and their first playoff berth in quite a few years with a doubleheader sweep on Sunday. Juan Guedez pitched 14 solid innings total in the two games to propel the Angels, in one of the more amazing performances this fall......... A head-to-head loss to the Angels prevented the Yankees from a potential worst-to-first scenario. Congratulations to Tim Wunder and the Yankees on an amazing turnaround!........The scheduling gods smiled on us this time, as the Juice/Lugnuts game Tuesday night at Jones will be for the division and a playoff matchup with the Angels on Thursday night. Come on down to watch two excellent teams square off..........Congratulations to Tracy Nolan and the MSBL National Champion Wood Bat 28+ Lakeland Crew, who swept through the regular fall season undefeated, and will host the winner of the Angels and either the Lugnuts or the Juice on Sunday, after the All-Star game at Sanford Stadium.......Speaking of which, three members of each non-finalist playoff team, chosen by their managers, will represent their teammates at the first fall All-Star game at Sanford Stadium. Gates will open at 8:30 AM, and activities will start at 9 AM. Concessions will be open, and we hope to see a lot of members and their families come out to enjoy the last baseball of the year, as well as the thrill of the championship game. More details later in the week...........For all of the non-playoff teams, with a couple of games to go this week, thanks for another great fall season, I hope you enjoyed the new venues in Sanford and in Lakeland (Thanks to the Tigers and the Crew for being such great hosts!) We had a few bumps in the road this fall, but overall it was fun, and we will continue to work to improve the ballplaying experience for all of our members next year.....Finally, congratulations to the Dodgers on getting rid of that goose egg in their last game of the year!!!!!!

September 13, 2006 - New site for Sunday
The games scheduled for Grand Ave have been shifted to Zinn Beck Field in Sanford. That's the Dodgers @ Juice at 8:30 AM, Tigers @ Braves at Noon, and the Reds @ the Mets at 3:30 PM. For those of you who haven't been to Zinn Beck in a while, you are in for a surprise. I went out and inspected it, and it is in great shape. All-grass infield, wind guards, hitting background. It's still a little cozy down the right field line, but looks like a nice facility. I know that's a bit of a long drive for the Tigers of Lakeland, but I won't put you there again, and it's just a whole lot nicer place to play than Grand. I've booked it for three games for the next few weeks, and I will use it whenever possible for the Seminole County and Volusia County teams. It is directly behind Sanford Stadium in downtown Sanford. Mapquest it for directions to the corner of Mellonville Rd. and Celery Dr. You enter the parking lot off Celery, past the school buses, and you can park in the Hamilton Elementary School parking lot. A couple of issues particular to this field: 1) long foul balls third base side will go over the wall into the stadium. You may or may not be able to get someone in there to retrieve them. 2) You are HIGHLY discouraged from partaking in the after game beer in the parking lot of the elementary school. This is an arrestable offense. There are plenty of watering holes nearby on 17-92.

Old timers will remember that we used to use this field and the stadium regularly, but were shut out when renovations were done, and the costs rose dramatically. I had to do some serious schmoozing to get us back in here. Please pick up trash and put it in the baskets after your games. I am in the process of trying to muster the collective power of all of the amateur leagues in this area to get someone to listen to our concerns and provide us some nicely appointed, affordable playing facilities, where we're not the last organization in line. If we are good neighbors and tenants, some doors will start opening for us. Please do your part, play ball, keep it clean, and this will go a long way to provide some impetus for the Seminole County powers that be. There is an old-boy network in charge of many of these facilities, and they talk. I was asked this week about whether we'd cleaned up our act, because the Palm Bay Americans, long gone from the league, left some beer bottles in the dugouts at Oviedo and Lake Howell High Schools. IN 1994!! So I'm going to try a new tact, try to organize some league activities that will allow us to give back to the community. I have contacted RBI, Reviving Baseball in the Intercities, to see about a local affiliation, a way we can give back to the community, through clinics, sponsorships, umpiring, organization, contributions etc. More on that soon.

Pirates, Deltona and the Cardinals players need to ick it up. The Cubs are out this fall. If 2 of you can come up with the six paid, I'll try and get you a game somewhere Sunday if you want it., but no guarantees. However, any later than Friday won't work, we'll have to refund the few paid guys, or find another team for them. We have lots of paid guys waiting around for a final schedule to be able to plan their recreational, work, and family obligations. Six paid players was due 20 (twenty) days ago.

May 16, 2006 - Not So Gentle Reminder
As the weather heats up and the playoffs near, competitive fire can sometimes get the best of us. However, a couple of things here that it does not hurt to be reminded of. Please exercise self-control on the field at all times. Throwing equipment, cursing loudly and arguing with officials creates an environment where players hesitate to bring friends and family. We want to be a place where a player can bring his kids without worrying about whether another player is going to unleash a string of expletives because he thought a pitch was off the plate. Second, fraternization with umpires creates an atmosphere that can be misinterpreted by the opposition. Cordial interaction is great, and encouraged, but it should be out in the open where anybody can hear it if they want to. Also it helps to be reminded that malicious contact, intended or otherwise, with another player, is prohibited. On a doubleplay, or play at the plate, if the ball beats you to the bag, your choices are to get down or get out of the basepath. Otherwise we're either going to have an argument, fight, or a ballplayer with no teeth. Point of emphasis, arguing with the umpires is not part of the game in our league. Any time you put a ball in play or let a ball go by at the plate, or throw one on the mound, you take the chance that the third party, i.e. the ump, in charge of objective judgements, will not agree with yours. If it happens, get over it, in a civilized fashion, and understand that it's part of the game. If you have a recurring problem, document it, and bring it to my attention. It's not your job to be the judge of that person's ability, or motivation for being there. I will address that with the booking agent, and I agree, we have had some umpires this year who looked for all the world like they didn't want to be there. Finally, incidents like what happened last Monday night will not be tolerated. Anytime the police are called out to one of our games because of something that happened on the field, things have gotten way out of bounds. This is fun guys, and for the 95% of you who continue to keep this in proper perspective, thank you.