been back and forth checking both fields. Satellite has puddles still but New Scotland has set up and will be firm enough by 2:30. Home GM's please cancel Satellite umps. jreel
Without getting anyboys pants in a bunch I would like to know what is the criteria for cancelling games.this is the second time we have had a cancellation and both times I got to the field and it was totally fixable.I have worked on fields way worse for children to play on and we played......this is alittle or a should say to much disappointment.I thought we would try alittle harder to get the games in.come on guys whoever is charge needs to get a second opinion or if it stopped raining for a bit let the teams show up and decide.might as well since we are getting notification when we are just about at the field.
Reclaiming fields from wet conditions can hurt the fields for future use. Since we are gracious visitors on these fields, we have to be careful how we treat these fields. That being said, in no way was New Scotland in any condition to be to be reclaimed for your 11:45 am game yesterday. From all reports, the home plate dirt area retained way too much moisture to be reclaimed, and there was even a little light rain still falling. Shortly there after the rain stopped and the clouds cleared. After a couple hours of sun and dry conditions, New Scotland was barely able to be reclaimed (without pushing any mud off the field) for a 2:30 pm start. I'm not sure what other time you are talking about, but we will be willing to listen to any ideas you have toward improving the process (including your volunteering your services).
-- Edited by mgirard11 on Monday 30th of July 2012 07:43:14 AM
-- Edited by mgirard11 on Monday 30th of July 2012 07:44:03 AM
Thanx Mike G. for your accurate post. I will ask everyone who posts on the Bulletin Board that you include your name if it can't be deciphered from your online name. This is not personal to 45er, but several of you with whom people ask "Who sent that message?''
Thanx for your considerations. Jim Konstantakis Giants Whiz Kids Board member
Uh yeah, just for the record, that was NOT me! I am Mark Marshall, shortstop for the 45 Yankees and kinda manager/pitcher/SS for the 35 Highlanders (though keep that part quiet please, I don't like to advertise that too much!)... Heck, at the rate this year's been going, I'm not even too sure I want people to know I play SS for the Yanks either! I'm starting to wonder if it's just me or what as all the losing is about to make me crazy??? Maybe I need to call the good Dr. Ansel for some advice on what to do before I go off on someone for dropping a routine pop-up or something? I seriously did not know so many adult men could not catch pop-ups, it's kinda freaked me out this year...
But anyways, the system in place for rainouts has always been fine from what I've seen, and yesterday was understandable, plus Mike was almost real-time with his updates, so I don't even think there's a real issue with rainouts being called as is... Just the cold hard facts of life for guys that don't live near the field(s) as we all have to drive and take our chances at times as even at the ML level people show up only for it to be cancelled...
Heck, I just found out the Cubbies went all the way to Kingston for a DH Saturday only to have it get rained out just as they started to take the field ~ but not a single guy beeched about it (at least not publicly)... Might be part of their winning attitude as they are obviously a "dynasty" in our 35 division...
When I said we have gotten fields ready that in were worse condition,I meant ME other coaches and players.I absolutely would help and I know my guys on the cougars would too.That being said,with 20 something guys being at the field I don't know why we would look to whoever the guys you stated to fix up a field on a rainy morning.Bottomline line is we could have played Sunday 230 at satellite with a few of us who would've helped. And I thought message would have my name Mark DeNicola 45er.I can't see a reason to hide on this forum or put out a message like I did Thank you Mark DeNicola 322-6336.
So listen, thing is that I hear what you are saying, but the bottom line is (and I'm not putting any "blame" on anyone here, just stating facts) that the procedure involves first the home team manager making the decision of whether or not to call the game, notify the umps, the other manager, his players, etc...
I mean I am the manager of a 35 team and yeah, no question that it's a pain in the back side, but it's just part of the responsibility that you agree to when taking on the managerial role... And the facts are that Frank should have went to the field and made the call himself and if he had any question or wanted confirmation, then he could have called the commish (though I understand Scott was out of town), and then either John (Prez), or even consult board members (Frank knows then all I think and certainly most of them)...
Heck, I kinda got in trouble for making the call to play a game on a boderline field after we "reclaimed" it earlier this year and I understand wanting a second opinion. but I felt strongly that it was ok to play on w/out harming it in any way and so did the other manager (who just happened to be a board member too), so we went with it... We had to answer later and it was kinda a pain once again, but also again ~ it's all part of the territory and responsibility of being a manager...
So yeah, at the end of the day, I think if we had gotten there early enough and reclaimed and Frank said it was good enough to play on w/out any further harm being done to it, then we could have played... But that didn't happen...
So anyways, no biggie as we'll just make it up as the 45 season has another month to go, so we have time ~ but I'm just saying that the process is actually fine and hey, if you wanna manage the Cougars and take that on, talk to Frank as maybe hes ready to give up the reigns... God knows I'm contemplating whether or not I want to do it again after only one year since it sounded like a good idea at the time but now ~ uh yeah...
I'm not so sure I really want all that comes with it... Including this kind of stomachache...
Here's the thing: If you had 20-something guys at the field, then you all could have worked on it. Why didn't you, especially if you have experience doing it? Players on both teams obviously knew it had rained. So, get there early and have at it. There is really no school official or town official to lean on over the weekends. But if you go for it, then be sure to do it the right way, too. I understand your frustration, Mark, but let's not fault the league or its officers for not getting a field ready. The teams playing can do it themselves. Also don't forget that John Reel and others did manage to get one of the fields ready, it just wasn't yours; there's just so much that can be done without numbers. And don't forget the equipment you'll need; we have no access to the sheds.
One thing we've discussed is having ALL managers in all divisions attend a clinic that shows the proper way to remove water and mud from a field. We will try to do that in the spring. We need to do this because if the work isn't done properly, the town and/or school officials won't be happy having to clean up our mess and it could put field use in jeopardy. So, in reality, Mark, if players are going to work on a field, they will need someone from the Board there to help/supervise. But most every Sunday there is a Board member scheduled to play at one of the fields and any of them would be willing to get there early to do just that. Managers just have to ask.
I prefer players not work on fields. Well meaning players have lost us fields trying to get games played. The process at Satellite and New Scotland is to rely on the field personnel. At both fields they were absent this weekend , a rarity. they both are charged with doing the work and making the call. in their absence I made the fields visits and calls for the commissioner. I am aware of the long distance some travel and try to make calls early as possible; while also giving things a chance to dry out. that was toughest call at both fields Sunday. I made 3 trips checking fields that AM. mindful of the time factor. Perhaps we can muster trained and reliable work crews and its something we may indeed need some day . Then we will rely on the collective knowledge and ambition of these players and volunteers . Sorry for the confusion and the long drive for nothing. And keep the willingness to help , its what this league was built on. jreel
