Mark Caress passed away in his sleep on Wednesday July 22, 2009.

Mark started umpiring with Granada Little League in 1999 when his grandson played in the Minor Division. Even though Mark’s grandson was done participating in GLL, Mark continued as an umpire in our league. Mark is a highly regarded umpire in GLL and throughout District 57. Mark has umpired numerous post-season tournaments and was a District Umpire Instructor. Mark instructed at many Rules and Mechanics Clinics throughout District 57 over the past several years. Granada Little league and D57 was very fortunate to have Mark as a Volunteer Umpire. He was a very dedicated and respected volunteer. 

Mark’s passion for umpiring, and instructing aspiring umpires was second to none. Whenever he was asked to do a game or teach at a clinic he was always there. It didn’t matter if it was cold and rainy or sunny and hot he was there. Even if Mark was not scheduled to do a game he would find his way to the fields to watch the kids play or watch an umpire do a game. He would spend time after games helping umpires with their mechanics, game management or just to talk about the game. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Mark had one of the loudest strike calls ever. If he was doing a game on field 2 you could hear him all the way to the senior field on Murdell. He was a mountain of a man with a heart just as big.   

Mark was a Loving husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Friend and a Big Part of the GLL Family.  

Below you will find some general information regarding activities during the season.  This list is subject to change at any time.

Website – check the website on a continual basis.  We constantly keep the site up to date with information regarding activities, schedules, rainouts, etc.  You can also set up a team website during the year.  This is a great way to communicate with your parents.  Send an email through the contact us link if you want more information regarding setting up a team website.

Uniforms – uniforms will be distributed before the season starts.  New policy – all players will keep their uniforms at the end of the season.  League provides jersey and hat.  Parents will need to purchase undershirt, pants, belt, and socks.  Wait to hear from Manager as to what color to purchase.

Equipment – the league will provide equipment to team, including helmets, bats, catcher’s equipment.  Equipment will need to be returned at the end of the season.  All player's should have glove, cleats, protective gear.

Drafting – Draft procedures begin from Minor A to Majors.  Teeball and Farm teams are distributed randomly. 

Umpires – Teams are required to recruit a parent volunteer to umpire their games beginning in Minor A.  This person must go through all of the league umpire training classes.  For home games, a team must provide a plate umpire.  For visitor games, a team must provide a bases umpire.  Umpires are provided and scheduled from the league for the Major division only.

Scorekeepers – During each game, the home team must provide a scorekeeper in the Minor A through Major Division.  This person must go through a scorekeeper’s clinic provided by the league.  There are no standings for the Minor A division.  Scores are kept to ensure that the players are all receiving minimum play. 

Fundraiser – fundraisers are held each year to assist the league in necessary improvements to facilities, maintenance, etc.  

Sponsorship – the league has a sponsorship program where each team can gain sponsors who donate money to the league.  Team gets back $125 for each sponsor they have.  This money can be used to reimburse funds used for team party, tshirts, etc. 

Opening Day – each year we have Opening Day ceremonies on the first day of the season. 

Pictures – team pictures will be taken at Opening Day.  Your team parent will receive the order forms and schedule.

Snackbar – the league has a great snackbar that is run by some very dedicated volunteers.  For each game that your team plays, there is a snackbar shift that needs to be covered by a parent on your team.  Many parents pay young teenagers to work their shift.  Teens must be 13 in order to work in the snackbar.  A schedule of shifts will come out at the team parent meeting.

Snackbar tickets – one of the favorite items that our players enjoy is receiving a snackbar ticket after the game.  These tickets are for $1.00 and enable them to purchase something at the snackbar.  A team may choose to purchase tickets at the beginning of the season.

Publicity – each home team is responsible for sending in publicity information to the league’s website, so that it may be sent into the local newspapers.  Teeball and Farm includes top player names for offense and defense, Minor and Major includes game information with scores.  This job is usually done by the scorekeeper in the upper levels.  More information is on the website.

Important News - Late Registration Fee postponed until December 31, 2009!!!
Happy Holiday's from GLL!