Berwyn Paoli Area Little League: League News

March 10, 2008 - Berwyn Paoli Little League prepares for the 2008 Spring Season, marking the 15^th anniversary for the Field of Dreams.  And at the ripe old age of fifteen, this local Little League ballpark is still growing.  During the off-season, Cappelletti field expanded its outfields, added new scoreboards and built a wall (BPALL’s very own Green Monster) in right field.  In addition, the complex has four new batting cages and a new, portable concession stand.

Field of Dreams broke ground in 1992.  The first game was played in 1993 between the BPALL and Devon Strafford LL – making the 2008 season its 15^th year of play.   More than 4,000 players have enjoyed this complex.  Throughout the years, leaders in the organization have planned events to financially support as well as spotlight the ball park.  An annual Silent Auction is held to raise the more than $30,000 needed to run the organization annually.  This year’s event is May 3, 2008, at Waynesborough Country Club.  All adults, including former players, in the community are invited to attend. 

Throughout the playing season a host of special events are planned for players and families.    Sunday, April 27 is sure to be a special day at the Field of Dreams.  In conjunction with team Picture Day, BPALL is hosting a Troop Collection.  Last year, Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League shipped more than 1,500 pounds reading material, toiletries and food treats to area residents serving in the military.  April 27 is a fun day at the ball field with a Moon Bounce, Rock Climbing Wall, Barbeque, and a possible fly-over by the Marines. 

Later in the season, May 17, the organization is having Volunteer Firefighter Awareness Day with both the Berwyn & Paoli Fire Companies.  Many former players volunteer their time to these fire companies.  Kids will be able to try on firefighter gear and equipment as well as climb on the trucks.  Fire boots will be sitting out in hopes of donations.

Our BPALL League Meeting that was postponed due to last week's "blizzard" will be held Wednesday, February 20th at 7:30 PM in the T/E Middle School Teacher's Lounge (next to the Cafeteria). 

 We will review the 2008 league calendar and discuss the many exciting events we are planning thus far.  This is a general information meeting. 

January 12th - T/E Middle School Library - 10am to 2pm

January 19th - T/E Middle School Library - 10am to 2pm

We will need proof of age and residence for each child playing in the league for the first time.  The open registrations are also a good opportunity to meet league volunteers and to discuss any questions or concerns. 

Not sure if your neighborhood in Tredyffrin, Easttown, or Schuylkill townships is inside our boundaries?  Click the link below to find out!  (A new page will appear, with our area outlined in blue.  Use the controls in the upper left corner of the map to zoom in and move around.)     

Berwyn-Paoli League Boundaries

(Note:  We can only accept Visa and MasterCard for online registration; we regret any inconvenience.  Please email berwynpaolill@yahoo.com to arrange other payment options.)   

In 2008, the following age brackets will be used: 

Baseball:  Date of Birth between 5/01/1991 and 4/30/2001

The Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League (“BPALL”) has big plans for the 2008 Spring and Summer seasons, as it tries to build on previous year successes, on and off the playing field.

            To get things underway, an Open Forum for all BPALL families and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 30^th at the T/E Middle School Cafeteria, beginning at 7:30pm.  There will be a quick review of a BPALL’s structure, history, finances, safety program and improvements for Field of Dreams (“Dreams”).  Parents are encouraged to discuss such other items as they deem appropriate.   All monthly meetings are open to the public, but the annual Open Forum offers a better opportunity to directly answer questions or address issues which may be sometimes overlooked.

            Annually, BPALL initiates changes and improvements with safety, regular season play, coaching techniques, Dream’s construction and special events for players and parents.  This helps BPALL to provide a good, healthy, fun athletic outlet for community children and their parents.  This year should be no different. 

            Improvements for safety and field changes are now in the works at Dreams.  The Rules Committee is refining some rules for better instruction and competition.  Both the Senior Baseball and Softball Programs are expanding and BPALL plans to reinstate Big League Baseball (for 16-18 year olds).  After the success with 5 former players coaching the last two years, led by Paul Schuster and Billy Perrone, this year we are expecting 8-10 former players to return as coaches in the Senior Program. 

            Coming off a successful regular league season in 2007, BPALL teams followed up with a great Tournament Season, winning District and Sectional Crowns and being finalists for the Pennsylvania State Title.

            There will be some great special events for the players and parents at Dreams, including an Opening Day Parade, Handel’s Ice Cream Day, Troop Collection Day, Rita’s Water Ice Day, Firefighters Awareness Day, Pizza Day, a Fair/barbeque and picnics at Dreams.  Also, but only for the adults and former players, there will be a Silent Auction Gala held in the Spring (date to follow).  Last year’s was a huge success.  In the initially planning stages is an Old Equipment Collected Day, where families can donate used equipment to less fortunate leagues in Pennsylvania, and to the Military abroad.  The biggest success story last year was the Troop Collection Day (See Suburban, July 19, 2007 issue) where the players collected and shipped 1,500 pounds of goodies to former BPALL players in the military.  This year the Navy and Marines have promised s “Fly Over” during the Collection Day.

            BPALL has the only local Challenger Program for physically and/or mentally disadvantaged youth.  If you know someone interest, please tell them about our program.  These players practice once a week and play each Sunday.  They also participate in Challenger Day where 250 players come together for one great day of community and family fun.  BPALL has hosted the Challenger Day 4 of the last 8 years, and has requested to host it again in 2008.

            At the Open Forum, refreshments will be served and stations will be available for discussing volunteer positions, i.e., coaching, administration, finance, sponsors, concessions, fundraising, etc.   It is a good opportunity to get involved with a great organization. 

            Registration for BPALL begins Online on November 1^st for returning players (at  http://eteamz.active.com/berwynpaolill/ ), while Walk-in Registration be will be held at T/E Middle School on January 12^th & 19^th from 10am until 2pm (This is also a good time to discuss coaching opportunities).  Players between the ages of 5 (by April 30^, 2008) and 18 are eligible to play.  For questions call: Kurt Misialek (610-745-8383), Dave Phelan (610-902-0656) or Tom Toscani (610-647-4901 or 215-840-0294).

Carly and Molly Houlahan receive President's Volunteer Service Award

On July 26, President Bush presented B-P softball player Carly Houlahan and her sister Molly with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for “Hives For Lives”, their non-profit company that sells jars of honey to fund cancer research.  Carly and Molly greeted President Bush on the tarmac as he arrived in Philadelphia on Air Force One.  Carly, 13, said, “We talked for about five minutes, and the President said, ‘It’s great to see kids your age doing such great service, instead of just watching TV.’”  On the softball field, Carly was a key member of the Wildcats, who were runner-ups in the Girl's Majors playoffs in June.  . 

The inspiration for the company came from Michael Houlahan, the girls’ paternal grandfather, who died of cancer in 2004.  During a visit to the home of their maternal grandparents, where the family shared a beekeeping hobby, the girls found a niche for the honey they harvested. 

They decided it could be sold “to help those suffering, to prevent others from suffering, and to honor my grandfather,” said Molly, age 15.  Carly coined the motto: “Bee the cure we seek.” 

Other links to the story:

• Philly Inquirer:  http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/8722677.html
• CBS:  http://cbs3.com/seenon/local_story_207181411.html

Congratulations to Carly, Molly, and the Houlahan family!! 

President Bush poses with Molly (left) and Carly