Escondido American Little League: Parents Corner

Third, Team Call.  When the Manager calls you he will give you all sorts of info.  First will be his name, the team name and practice dates and times.   The manager will tell you about what each player needs.  For equipment the minimum you will need is a glove that fits and is comfortable.  For uniform, your coach will give you colors.  The league provides a shirt and cap while the parents will need to get baseball pants, a matching colored belt, socks and cleats. Practice will begin in Feb.  The days and times will be given to you from your coach.  Those will be the set times/days/location of practice and may vary depending on special practices like using the batting cages.  The games will run from early March to mid-June.  Each game will go on as your schedule states with the exception of rain outs or weather delays.  Please sign up for the Newsletter (sign up below) so you will receive any rain out information as soon as the league determines the conditions of the fields.

Fourth, Season Begins.  The season gets kicked off with a T-Ball game then announcement of ALL the teams, awards from last year, announcement of All Star Players and awards for the 12 year old jackets (all kids that have been with us for their baseball career will get a jacket in their last year as a major player which is 12.)  The day is filled with lots of fun for the kids and even the adults.  Aside from the ceremony, there is a basket auction.  Each team will create a basket and donate it to the league.  During Opening Ceremonies families can bid on the baskets and the league benefits from the auction.  We usually have some pretty spectacular baskets.  Everything from a basket full of gift cards, to complete orthodontist package, to bikes and more. The Team Parent will coordinate the basket for each team but if you have ideas I am sure they will appreciate it.

Fifth, Parent Participation.  During the season, parents are expected to participate in a few things. 

1. Fundraising.  We sell Candy to help supplement the league and keep our fees low.  We are so proud that offer one of the lowest fees in San Diego.  It's all due to our parents and fundraising.  Each box of candy will sell for $60 or you can opt out of selling for $30.  The kids love selling the candy but if any candy bars go unsold they cannot be brought back.  The parent must purchase them.  If you sell out of one box then you can get more boxes to sell.
2. Snack Bar - volunteering.  We ask our families to staff the snack bar for 4 hours per season.  It will be scheduled with our Snack Bar Coordinator, Debbie Fox and your Team Parent.  You will be able to schedule a day and time that works for you.  Or you may buy out of this as well.  We will charge you $40 and we will hire someone to staff it for you.
3. Be Your Team Snack Family- your Team Parent will schedule each family to be the "Snack Family" for each game.  Each family will be asked to bring a drink and a snack for each player.  We've had some pretty good snack families.  Last year, we had someone buy each of our boys a Cheeseburger and soda.  Another parent did "Team Bags" which had the pencils, paper, cups and other things with the team (Angels) logo.  Others will bring juice and a fruit roll up or bring cupcakes to celebrate a birthday.  It's all up to you but you are only expected to bring a drink and something to eat.  Your Team Parent will let you know if there are any allergies on the team.
4. Optional:  Board Duty.  We have a few slots open to anyone interested in participation on the EALL board.  It takes many volunteers to make our league successful and if you would like to participate, please view the Board of Directors Page for opportunities.
5. Optional:  Umpires.  We always need adult umpires on the field to assist our younger umpires.  You may umpire in any division.  We just ask that you know the Little League Rules.  Each Minor B team and above are required to assist in some games.  The volunteers just don't need to be the managers or coaches.  Parents are encouraged to participate.  See the Umpires Page for more opportunities.
6. Optional:  Scorekeeper.  For the Minor B divisions and above each game will need a scorekeeper.  Each team will have games that they are responsible for scorekeeping the game.  We will have a clinic on scorekeeping early in the year and duties can be split between two parents.  One can do pitch count while the other manages the scorekeeping.  Please speak with your Team Parent about scorekeeping opportunities.

   Once the season starts then it will be practice and games.  It will become pretty regular within a few weeks.  We do follow the Escondido Unified School District calendar and no practice or games will be played during Spring Break (April 2-14) with the exception of any make up games.  T-Ball and Rookies will end around the end of May but closing ceremonies won't be until the Minor B, Minor A, Majors and higher are done with tournaments.  Our closing ceremonies will be mid June.

            If you have any other questions, please contact us at:  webmaster@EscondidoLittleLeague.com