Summer Softball '09
Coaches...Please destroy any unused umpire checks.
2009 - The year of the raindrop has come to a close. I would like to thank all the coaches for working hard on scheduling make up games, the parents for remaining flexible throughout the season, and of course the players for remaining dedicated to the great game of softball.
We had a record number of teams this year (196) representing 57 different cities and towns. We have over 2700 players. The only question is...can we break 200 next year?
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING DIVISION CHAMPIONS:
18A Newton Panthers
18B Bedford
18B Chelmsford Blue Crush (Blue)
18B Melrose Red Raiders
14A Burlington Crossfire
14A Danvers Falcons
14B Medford Maniacs
14B North Andover Knights
14B Amesbury Attitude
14B Lynnfield
12A Danvers Falcons
12A Lowell Dirt Dogs
12B Melrose Red Raiders (Red)
12B Salem, NH Sidewinders
12B Lynnfield Blue
10U Lexington Gaels
10U Burlington
10U Salem, NH Sidewinders
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Looking ahead to next year, we have some work to do with the 10U Division. We have to fix up and clarify some of the rules that were problematic this year. Some have asked about hiring ASA umpires to work in this Division. I will work with their officials in the off season to see if this is realistic. The finanical impact for this upgrade would be about $20 per team. I also wonder if we are ready for an A and B within this age group.
This was the first year we used the individual insurance program. Generally the process went pretty smoothly. Remember for next year, if your local leagues buy into this program, there would be no additional cost when these players sign up for Middle-Essex.
SOME DATES FOR 2010:
Annual registration meeting: May 23, 2010
Season begins: The week of June 28th
All Star Games: Saturday, August 7, 2010
Season ends: August 12th
Please plan your sign-ups / try-outs around this schedule.
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP IS AN IMPORTANT VIRTUE. WIN GRACEFULLY...LOSE WITH HONOR.