... Pros and cons? How can we improve? Did any of the out of town teams comment?
As one who umpired at Dutchman on Sunday, I liked the atmosphere and enthusiasm of all three teams: Albany Yankees (DH), Vermont and Maine. After a rain delay between games, players from the Yankees and Maine pulled out the rakes, shovels and two bags of speedy dry to get the field playable.
One of the Vermont players was almost giddy on playing at such a beautiful facility as Keeholtz Park. However, high grass, no lines and ungroomed infield were also noted by others.
If someone could confirm, Darrell Duncan once again came thru after the rain and got a soaked infield ready for the title game at New Scotland?
Just would like to get other's respectful opinions on what they heard and saw so that we can improve next year.
To all, thanx for your participation. Jim Konstantakis Giants/Whiz Kids Board member
I could not believe that the game was played at New Scotland after that torrential rain. Derrell swooped in like the caped crusader and we were playing a half an hour later. Hats off to him. There was some discussion about the league stepping up and buying a tarp for the home plate area. Shep
Thank you Q for your hard and dedicated work in completing another LD Tournament. Kudo's to all the teams who were very understanding about the little hiccup the weather threw at us. Like the Lone Ranger, Darrell arrived, got bags of speedy-dry out of the garage for us to use, and disappeared in a cloud of dust(more like a rooster tail of water), saving the day. Both the Marlins and Cardinals players stepped to the fore and worked the field to allow us to continue with the semi's and finals. Thank you all.
dbwixon
-- Edited by dbwixon on Monday 5th of September 2011 07:02:51 PM
Q et al...we knew going in there was a chance of rain. I'm glad we had access to rakes, shovels, and turface. Our team was there to play ball and was willing to do whatever it took to make that field playable. I'm glad the umpires let us get the field ready so baseball could be played.
One thing: as a player from out of town, I would have liked it if we could have had an opportunity to purchase a tournament T Shirt. No one came around, as in year's past, to sell shirts. I know it's only a T shirt but it's a nice momento to go home with.
I think the championship games should all be on Monday morning. At least in the 45+ division. If you are adding a 55+ division, you are going to need to seriously consider utilizing Monday morning for the championships. Asking players to play 3 games in one day, on a holiday weekend, is too much. If that doesn't change, I know more than a few players that won't be playing next year.
To Mike Girard..............-This idea has been brought up to me about playing on Monday for all championship games. This would be a great for everyone to come on monday and watch all the title games.
T-Shirts- This year the T Shirts sold like hot cakes. What I might do is send out a spreadsheet to all managers asking who may want t shirts so I can get them for each team who wants them. Also, working on getting more volunteers to be at all the fields to make sure t shirts are sold.
Thanks for the feedback. Anything I can do to make the tourny better.
To Q's points - last year we were trying to hawk T-shirts up until the last game and barely sold all of them. Once the tourney is over, there is virtually no demand for them and we wind up eating the loss. It's difficult to predict demand, but his idea is a good one.
Regarding Monday games - the last few years Monday has afforded an initial "play-in" round for some of the divisional playoffs. Not being able to use that may push those playoffs back another week.
A couple more ideas that have been flowing through my mind.
-I was discussing with some of the fields about having the concession stands open to sell food. This is a quick fix in between games to grab a bite to eat and a drink without having to leave the facility.
-Having "Rake" sell bats to teams who may need some for labor day or who need replacements.
-Having a photographer (league member) go field to field taking photos. Kind of like they do at Cooperstown.
-Open Friday and Saturday cage times at Frozen Ropes for teams who want to get some swings in before the games.
-50/50 to win prizes?
-Set up a room at the Hampton inn for all teams in tournament to come and mingle.
It would have been nice to have fields that were closer together for teams that had to move from Dutchman to Central babe Ruth. Our 11am game at Dutchman didn't finish until about 12:40pm. By the time we shook hands and packed up our gear and drove over to CBR, it was 1:10pm. Game time was suposed to be 1:00pm The umps kind of rushed us to get the games started. All in all it was a fun time.
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We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing.
Without a complex you will always have teams who will need to move from field to field. Solution give more time in between games.
-Someone mentioned getting rid of the 3 hit batsman rule...............I guess in 2 divisions pitcher had a no hitter going into the 5th but hit 3 guys and was taken out of the game.
-It was also mentioned that we should increase or get rid of 2 hrs and 20 minutes curfew.
Ron & I were discussing the same thing about the concession stand. That would be a great plan because between games the wives were the "gofers" to get food and drinks for the guys (which we didn't mind), but if we had a stand, the league could also make money. I would volunteer to run it if you want:)
To Don Wixon, a couple of the guys were asking if they could get a copy of the photo you snapped of us under the tree following the Championship game. Can you send it to my email? foxnsox13@yahoo.com Thanks! -Lenny
