As part of the league's plans to provide baseball opportunities to all age groups and abilities, we are organizing the Platinum Division for its inaugural season. The Platinum Division will be geared primarily for players 60 years of age and older. We will also welcome players from the 55+ and even the 45+ divisions who aren't getting enough playing time on their current rosters. I am also hoping that the new division encourages guys who are no longer playing in the CDMSBL to make a come back. There are some details to be worked out; some based on the number of players interested. For now I will offer the following information.
I will operate the first season much the same way that we have run Fall Ball over the past few years. Each week I will send an email to the players who are on my list. Priority will be given to players in their 60s then 50s then 45+. Players over 70 are automatically in. (That way I don't have Fred Pidgeon emailing me to make his reservation!) We will create two or more balanced teams and play ball. One principle of the division is that guys who want to pitch get a chance to pitch, guys who want to play a certain fielding position get to try that position and everyone on both teams bat. Other than that it's old fashioned, pick up baseball.
We will try to schedule one hour of batting practice before each game.
Games will be played on Saturday mornings. We have fields available so we may rotate based on interest. I would love to see us play a game in Cooperstown.
There will be one umpire and we will play seven innings. Players will pay an amount each week to cover the cost of the field, the umpire and game balls. Players will not be required to make a season-long commitment.
The concept of a Platinum Division has been discussed for a few years. Based on conversations relating to the 55+ division, many of us feel that 2018 is the right year to put the division on the field. If the first season is a success we can consider a more formal approach in future years. I think that running the Platinum Division like we do the Fall Ball program will work out very well. The key to getting this season off the ground is gathering a pool of interested players.
If you are interested please email me at dballjr@nycap.rr.com. Please include your age and your preferred positions. As I gather this pool of information I will send out regular updates. Hell, we might even have a practice!
Shine up those cleats boys. Let's play some baseball!
This may be the best idea anyone has ever had for this league.
I know Donny Ball had a lot to do with the creation of this division, but I applaud the efforts of anyone else who may have had input on this. What a great idea and I look forward to seeing how this plays out.
