Biloxi Little League: Biloxi League News

By Communications Division
Williamsport, Pa.
February 12, 2009

Since its founding, Little League has remained a community-based program, that is operated by local volunteers and supported by the neighborhoods it serves. The cost of operation is an annual task for local Little Leagues throughout the world, but still the program remains the most widely-recognized and affordable option for more than 2.6 million children (ages 5-to-18) who wish to play organized baseball or softball.

“Playing Little League has always been about developing social skills and understanding the values of leadership, personal accountability and teamwork,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “Every child who plays Little League wants to have fun, while we as an organization want to make the program practical and affordable for all of our leagues.”

The current economic situation, may force parents to make some tough choices when deciding if their children will be playing organized sports in the coming year.

Little League does not require its chartered programs to charge a registration fee for a player to participate. What Little League does have are regulations forbidding leagues from turning away players because of an inability to pay.

“Our leagues, their players and volunteers rely on each other to make the program work,” Mr. Keener said. “Little League has many talented players, but is for everyone, not just the elite who can afford to play.”

Many leagues pass no costs on to its families, while others, along with a relationship with local sponsors, set a reasonable fee that will help offset operating expenses for the season. In fact, Little League International is continually searching for cost effective ways for communities to be a part of the program.

In contrast, the out-of-pocket cost for a family to send one player to a popular 12-under travel ball weekend tournament could be hundreds of dollars, including travel costs, lodging and food.

“Some children are more skilled than others, but our program is not solely about making great ballplayers, it’s about making better people,” Mr. Keener said. “Some players are fortunate to have the talent to play baseball and softball at a high level, and that’s one reason why there is the Little League International Tournament. For the majority though, they simply are looking for an opportunity to play, and parents want their children to be a part of something that can provide them with found memories and a positive experience.”

Other youth baseball and softball organizations have gained favor in recent years, despite the cost and lack of a governing body or safety oversight for players. Travel ball or select club teams charge parents exurbanite amounts of money under the guise that they offer a better, more competitive brand of baseball or softball.

“In the past several years, youth leagues not affiliated with Little League, and lacking the commitment to family and community, have taken the sports of baseball and softball and turned them into more of a business venture than a recreational outlet,” Mr. Keener, the first Little League graduate to be elected President and CEO of Little League International, said.

“Little League is acutely aware of the delicate economic balance required by its member leagues,” Mr. Keener said. “To that end, we have been diligent in maintaining the cost effectiveness, while not compromising on any of the materials or resources available to our chartered members.”

Some examples of how Little League has made the program cost effective while keeping it relevant on the local level include, two free rulebooks for every team, lowering charter fees, requiring background checks on volunteers at no charge to the leagues (for the first 125 checks), the development of LittleLeagueCoach.org - a free on-line coach and manager training website, the ASAP program, which yields lower insurance premiums through participation, and reimbursement for travel costs for all teams participating in the annual Little League International Tournament.

“The quality of the Little League game is as good as ever,” Mr. Keener said. “Still, in these trying financial times, it is our intent that parents understand that Little League is for everyone, and getting involved is an investment in our children’s future.”

This is the time for all Little League Volunteer Baseball and Softball Umpires, new and experienced, to get ready for the upcoming season. There are three primary areas all umpires need to focus on prior to the start of the baseball and softball season. They are equipment, physical, and mental readiness. Let’s take a look at these three basic important areas.

An umpire’s equipment is a very important and vital part of safety, comfort and appearance. All protection equipment, chest protector, shin guards, mask, and other associated personal equipment should be checked to make sure that all straps, clips, fasteners and padding are in good condition and will provide the utmost protection and versatility for the umpire. The outer garments need to be checked also to make sure the uniform fits the individual so he or she can look their best on the field. If any of the equipment needs to be replaced, it should be done at this time, while equipment is available at the umpire outfitters. For new umpires just starting out, one of your questions might be, what do I need to get started? Your best resource would be to confide in your league or district Umpire-in- Chief (UIC) for their input and experience. The local league you are umpiring in might be able to help you get started with your first set of gear and uniform. The local league UIC can provide you with information on umpire outfitters such as Honigs Whistle Stop that can help you get started. Find out first what uniform is required by your local organization before you get started.

The physical part of the umpire’s readiness is also very important. Months before getting on the field for the first time after the long winter off season, the umpire should start a physical exercise program to get into good condition. Start getting those muscles in shape by starting your conditioning program slowly and working up to 45-to-60 minutes a day. Start off slowly, by simply walking 30 minutes a day with some resistive exercises. Get yourself into a state of physical readiness so when you get on the field you can perform your duties without injuring yourself, loosing time from work, while enjoying the vocation you look forward doing…umpiring.

The third, and just as important as the other two, is mental readiness. During the offseason, Little League umpires should get into a rules instruction and mechanic clinic as soon as one becomes. It’s very important to keep up on the rule changes for the new year and also to refresh those field mechanic drills and tune up to learn any new skills. There are many resources available for beginner and experienced umpires. Little League rulebooks and other training resources can be ordered through Little League’s Online Store at www.LittleLeaguestore.net.  Williamsport and all Little League Regional Centers offer weekend and week-long rules and mechanics clinics. The training at these centers is top quality and the experience of the volunteer instructors is superior. You can find the dates for these clinics at www.LittleLeague.org , click on clinics or call your local regional center. Another great resource for the volunteer umpire is the Umpire Registry. By joining this group you will belong to a select group of umpires in the Little League fraternity. By joining the registry you will receive Little League Baseball and Softball rulebooks in hard copy and also electronic versions. Also, you will receive Little League Baseball’s “The Right Call,” and “The Umpire In Little League,” plus many other benefits including this Fair Ball newsletter. Check out the Registry at www.eteamz.com/llbumpireregistry.

There’s a lot to do between now and when you umpire your first game on the field, so why wait any longer get started today. Have a great season and thanks for all the time you volunteer to make the program better.

Bill Carter
Western Region Umpire-In-Chief

Week 1 of the 2008 season for Biloxi Little League is in the books and we're off to a great start!!!!

Team schedules are being updated on line, and should be finished in the next week.  Feel free to post scores on our message board & we will get them updated.