Four District 16 Umpires have been chosen to umpire during Regional Tournaments for the 2011 International Tournament Season.  In keeping with the volunteer aspect of the local leagues, travel expenses for Regional Umpires are the responsibility of the umpires.  They are volunteers just like the local league's board of directors, managers and coaches.  District 16 is very proud to have them represent the District.

Bill Gritzmaker, who is the Umpire in Chief for District 16, will be umpiring during the Little League Baseball Regional Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 4-13.  Bill has already umpired the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon.

PJ Laskaska, will be umpiring during the Big League Baseball Regional Tournament held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 19-July 23.  PJ has already umpired in the Big League Softball World Series in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Dan O'Bryan will be umpiring during the Big League Softball Regional Tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 27-August 1.  Dan has already umpired the Jr. League Softball Regional Tournament in Akron, Ohio.

Norm Walters will be umpiring during the Jr. League Softball Regional Tournament in Akron, Ohio, August 5-10.

Congratulations to all of you!!!

District 16's Big League Softball Team became State Champions on Sunday, July 28th and finished Runner-Ups to District 9 at the Regional Tournament in Grand Rapids on Monday, August 4th.  Congratulations to these young ladies and coaches on a terrific season.  Thank you for being great role models for the young players that are coming up through our program.  We are very proud of you!!

Tecumseh's Little League Softball Team defeated the hometown team of Mattawan, 5-1 and became State Champions.  They will represent the State of Michigan at the Little League Softball Central Region Tournament which begins on Sunday, July 27 in Carthage Missouri.  Check http://www.littleleague.org/series/2008divisions/llsb/index.htm for updates on the Regional Tournament.

• September:  An in depth letter writing campaign to the rules committee in Williamsport, on the affect that affect that current softball rules is having on participation and retaining softball players.
• October:  State District Administrators meeting in Mt. Pleasant, where rule changes were discussed and received support from all districts in Michigan.  Overview of 2007 State Tournaments and initial discussion for 2008 State Tournaments.
• October:  Fall District 16 Meeting in Clinton for all League Presidents and support volunteers.  Recap of 2007 Season and initial preparation for the 2008 Season.
• November:  District Administrator and staff training at Central Region in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Rule changes and League Administration changes for the 2008 Season.  Met with Little League Vice-President of Operations, Pat Wilson, to discuss proposed softball rule changes.
• December:  State of Michigan Little League Tournament Committee Meeting in Kalamazoo to update host sites and responsibilities for 2008 State Tournaments.
• January:  District 16 Meeting in Clinton for all League Presidents and support volunteers.  Overview of Central Region Meeting and softball update.  District Assessment of $2 per player is approved and supported by 80% of League Presidents in our District.
• February:  Little League “Road Show” Training Session in Midland for District and League Volunteers.  Stressed the importance of the “Player Agent” and having updated League Constitutions, Boundary Maps and accurate League Expenses Accounting.
• February:  Little League Town Hall meeting in Kalamazoo to discuss what rule changes should be implemented to improve softball and retain softball players.
• March:  Michele Smith (2 Time Olympic Gold Winning Pitcher) Softball Clinic in Kalamazoo.  See Picture of Larry Fix, Michelle Smith and Bud Vanderberg, District 2 Administrator.
• Upcoming Event in March:  Al & Al Coaching Clinic in Kalamazoo.  Perfect for both the new and experienced managers and fulfills your league ASAP training requirement.

Little League always promotes family involvement and the importance of the community in a local program.  This photo is indicative of all the support our Little League Teams receive from their parents, siblings, grand parents, family and friends.  After a long and successful tournament run through Districts and the State Finals, our Tecumseh 10/11 Year Old Baseball Team, along with their supporters, celebrate after their season ended in the State Championship Game played in Gaylord, Mi.  The second best team in the State held their heads high as they congratulated State Champions Midland for their 2-1 victory.

Addison Little League
Ash Carleton Little League
Belleville National Little League
Belleville American Little League
Blissfield Little League
Hudson Little League
Onsted Little League
Plymouth Canton Little League
Clinton Little League
Morenci Little League
Sand Creek Little League
Tecumseh Little League

Congratulations to PJ Laskaska who has been chosen to umpire the 2007 Big League Softball World Series in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

PJ has been an umpire since 1999.  He has umpired in three State Finals and two Regional Tournaments in Big League Softball.

The World Series for Big League Softball begins on August 13 - August 18, 2007 and  is held at Vanderberg Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan.