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Saturday, November 29
Annual Meeting November 23, 2008
The annual meeting of PBAELLS was called to order by President Bill at 2:00pm on November 23, 2008, at Monroe-Ryburn Field. Those present paid their $1 to be members of the league. The members then elected the Board of Directors for 2009. The Board then met to elect officers, approve the budget and set dates for registration and other activities.
Saturday, August 2
Big League Girls go Extra Innings
Our girls gave Colorado a run for their money. Colorado got out to a lead, but our girls came back to tie the game and go into extra innings. Colorado came out on top 11-8 in 8 innings. Good effort girls!! Good luck tomorrow with the Host Team.
Monday, July 28
Big League Team Advances to Regionals
PBAELLS will be represented in the Big League Regionals in Sequin, Texas. We play Colorado at 6pm on 8/2. Good luck to Manager Tom Parker and the Big League girls!! Click on this link for brackets: http://www.littleleague.org/series/2008divisions/blsb/qualify/ussouthwest.htm
Friday, July 18
Excited Welcome to Sara Thompson, Little League Softball Manager
It is so exciting that Little League has named a Softball Manager, Sara Thompson. I have communicated with Sara via email and invited her to Pine Bluff. We are anxiously waiting to see if needed changes will come for the softball program in Arkansas. The link to the article is here: http://www.littleleague.org/media/sara_thompson.asp
Sunday, July 13
11-12 Year Old Allstars WIN STATE
PBAELLS Wins State!! What a great softball game. Pine Bluff beat Bearden 4-2 to win the state tournament. Natalie Johnson pitched the whole game for PBAELLS. Way to go coaches David May and Mike Hall for leading the girls to victory. Great job, Ladies!! Now it is on to San Antonio, Texas and the Regional Tournament. Arkansas's winner, our girls will play Louisianna on Saturday, July 26th at 8pm. Now you not only represent Pine Bluff, but also the State of Arkansas.
Saturday, July 12
11-12 Year Old Allstars in Finals
PBAELLS 11-12 year old allstars defeated Bearden 10-2 and will face the winner of Bearden & Bald Knob in the State finals Sunday at 2pm. Congratulations to Jamie Bridges, the winning pitcher. who pitched 5 innnings and Natalie Johnson pitched one inning with CJ McKinley behind the plate. Big hits were delivered by Natalie, Shelby Wall, Jamie, Desha Higgins, Jada Taylor and Savannah Ring. Manager James Bridges did a superb job of getting in the substitutions with their 13 players it is very difficult getting everyone in as dictated by Little League rules. Way to go James - great job!!
Saturday, July 12
11-12 Year Old Allstars WIN
Great job , ladies!! The 11-12 year old allstars won 17-6 against Bald Knob at Bearden to advance and play Bearden, Saturday at 6pm. Pitchers Jamie Bridges, Natalie Johnson, and Savanah Ring took their turns on the mound. The win was never in doubt as the Pine Bluff team jumped out to an early lead and continued to build on it to the end. The umpires seemed to be limited in their knowledge of Little League Division Softball, but we worked our way through some unnecessary grief. Great job, Manager James Bridges and Coaches David May and Mike Wall in preparing these girls. We looked GREAT!!
Wednesday, July 9
State Tournament Update
Unfortunately PBAELLS is the only team in the 9-10 year old tournament. Bald Knob has backed out so there will be no 9-10 year old tournament. Manager Dean Bearden was informed of this last night. We are working on opportunities to allow the team to play and represent Pine Bluff. Thanks so much to Manager Dean and Coach Danny Brown with the help of Coach Ricky Riggins for all the effort they put into helping this team prepare for the State Tournament.
Tuesday, July 8
State Tournament Info
9-10 Year Olds: There are two teams in the tournament. PBAELLS vs Bald Knob at 6pm Friday the 11th and again Saturday at 6pm.
11-12 Year Olds: There are three teams qualified PBAELLS, Bald Knob and Bearden. PBAELLS vs Bald Knob at 8pm Friday the 11th. The winner plays Bearden Saturday at 4pm and loser plays Saturday at 8pm.
Wednesday, July 2
Closing Celebration & Recognition - Humongous Success
Thanks so much to our board: Lori Johnson, Laura Brown, James Bridges, Judy Brumett, Jim Achorn, Mica Cook, Mike Davis & Dale VonTungeln for making the Pizza Party a Humongous Success. We served 40 large Mazzio pizzas, cake and drinks. Fun was had by all!!
Congratulations to our Winners: First Place Little Girls, Mazzios and Manager James Bridges with 2nd Place to First Arkansas Insurance and Manager David May. First Place Big Girls, Hoffman-Henry Insurance and Manager Mica Cook with 2nd Place to Bank of Star City and Manager Tom Parker. Would love to include the girls names and pictures, but Little League will not allow us to do it without written permission from each parent.
Sportmanship Plaques were presented to our Seniors: Heather Easterling, Samantha VanVehoven, and Taylor Johnson. We congratulate them for being an important part of PBAELLS as role models thru the years.
Tuesday, July 1
Big Girl Tournament Teams Announced
Congratulations to Manager Mike Davis and the 13-14 year old Junior League Tournament Team: Katy Johnson, Shelby Gonzalez, T'Cara Malone, Taylor Wilkes, Hayley Raymick, Allison Richey, Carol Oldenberg, Brittany Wright, Sarah Davis, Brandy Emerson, Allison Howie, and Brook Davis.
Congratulations to Manager Tom Parker with Coaches Scott Pinckard and Mike Clausen and the Big League Tournament Team: L.G. Brown, Kristen Little, Michele Knott, Carlesha Malone, Morgan Carter, Lola Johnson, Kristi Pinckard, Abby Parker, Tara Branch, Brittany Gatewood, Smantha VanVechkhoven, Nene Sampson, Tiffany Eason, Samantha Montgomery, and Taylor Johnson.
Sunday, June 29
Closing Celebration & Tournament Update
Tuesday after the last game of the 2008 season at approximately 7:30pm we will celebrate a great year with a Humongous Pizza Party for players and volunteers. We have 40 pizzas coming and water for all. Ya'll join us!! We will recognize our supporters, volunteers, managers, coaches and umpires plus the top teams in each division will receive trophies and we'll announce the Big Girl Tournament Teams (one for ages 13-14 Junior League & one for ages 15-18 Big League).
Congratulations to Dean Bearden and James Bridges with the help of Ms Judy their books are approved for State. There will not be District Tournaments for any age group. State Tournament will be at Bearden. When we have details of the State Tournament we will post them.
Sunday, June 22
Board Meeting Highlights
The board met today to deal with some specific scheduling issues. The board agreed that the Hartsfield-Browns game where neither team had enough players will not be resheduled unless standings are in contention. James said that there was to be a District 9-10 year old tournament at Western League, which was news to the board. The board decided to select the Big Girl Tournament Team on Wednesday, June 25th @5:30pm at the field. The Board will host our Closing Celebration Tuesday July 1st after the early game with free pizza and drinks as long as it lasts provided by the board. The Big Girl Tournament Teams will be annouced and the league winners will be recognized. We hope everyone will come out and have some pizza with us to celebrate a tremendous league year!
Saturday, June 21
Little Girls Tournament Teams Announced
Congratulations 9-10 year old Manager Dean Bearden and Coach Danny Brown. Team members: Sally Jenkins, Shelby Castleberry, Alyssa Rauls, Kylyn Kemp, Ya'Kecia Lindsay, Bethany Brown, Lauren McFalls, Madison Heflin, Peyton Ring, KeAyra Hall, and Kaleigh Stires. These young ladies will represent PBAELLS at Bearden in the State Tournament. Go team!!
Congratulations 11-12 year old Manager James Bridges and Coaches David May and Mike Wall. Team members: Kierra Cox, Jamie Bridges, Jada Taylor, Courtney McKinley, Tezra Collins, Shelby Wall, summer Harris, Kaylin beene, Kierra Manning, D'Shai Higgins, Shelby Montgomery, Natlie Johnson, and Savannah Ring. These young ladies will represent PBAELLS at Bearden in the State Tournament and winning there will send them to the International Tournament with Regionals in San Antonio, Tx. Go Team!!
Little Girl Division Winners: First Place Mazzios, Manager James Bridges and Second Place First Arkansas, Manager David May. First Arkansas and Simmons, Manager Skipper Raymick, tied as far as games won and lost, however the tie breaker goes to First Arkansas, since they won three of the games played with Simmons. Come to Closing Ceremonies Tuesday, July 1 after the first game (about 7:30pm) to celebrate
Sunday, June 8
Casey Crowder Tournament Huge Success
Wow! What a great fun weekend of softball!! We saw some great plays and some funny antics. First congratulaions to our committee with Chair Mica Cook, Judy Brumett and Lori Johnson. Congrats to winners Mazzios, Little Girls and Bank of Star City, Big Girls. Second place went to 1st Arkansas and Browns. Games played on schedule and fun was had by all. About $2,000 was raised for the Casey Crowder Scholorship Fund. The 2008 recipient is Samantha VanVeckhoven. Thanks to Bubba Vontungeln and Ms Judy for spearheading the effort to put a permanent "angel in the outfield" sign to commemorate Casey's life and to serve as a reminder of how precious life is and to encourage girls to ask about it so we can explain the dangers. We had 9 umpires work the games led by our chief Umpire, Dale Vontungeln and VP, Dr Jim Achorn. Special thanks to James Bridges, David May, Ricky King, Skipper Raymick and lots of volunteers who kept the field in shape between games. Ms Judy sends thanks to the concession workers who all did their part. It is amazing what can be done when people work together in harmony with common goals.
Sunday, June 1
Board Meeting Highlights
President Bill thanked the board with special recognition of Manager Rep, Mike Davis, for their efforts in dealing with opportunities and stressed that as we move forward and adopt new policies that we will deal with opposition and just need to stand firm in our commitments. Dr Achorn reviewed his meeting with the church and felt we are moving toward a good resolution for all. Lori presented the minutes for the May 3 meeting and they were approved with minor changes. We agreed to have a drawing for first prize a donated bike and second prize a $100 gas card with $1 ticket sales to begin at the Casey Crowder Tournament with proceeds to be split with the three tournament teams. Details for the Casey Crowder Tournament next weekend were reviewed. Laura reviewed our financial statement including the concession update and that the only sponsor that has not paid is Bank of Star City. We will mail a letter to each parent that have not paid any fees to work out an arrangement for payment. Dr. Achorn reviewed our rules and umpires. We approved two policy statements concerning Manager/Coach appointments and use of pool players to facilitate play. Managers and board members have copies of the adopted policies. James reported that we are looking to gravel the parking area past the right field fence to limit our use of the church parking lot. We will get new carpet for the ramps on the grandstands and the vent-a-hood cleaned in the concession stand. The board voted to sponsor four tournament teams: Little Girls 9-10 year olds to state and one Major, Junior and Big League Team to State and the International Tournament. State tournaments will be in Bearden. Judy reported that we have only three girls that need to be assigned to teams and she would take care of assigning them today. Bill recommended we have a year end banquet and the Board will meet to finalize plans for that on June 22nd at 2pm in the pressbox area.
Saturday, May 24
It is all good!
At 4:13pm yesterday we had our 1,000th hit on our web site. That means that people are looking at us. That is exciting that our parents, players and others are looking at what we are doing. I am working very hard to keep the information fresh and updated. We had our first rain outs Thursday and they were rescheduled by the schedule committee. Check schedule for updates. The umpires handled it well with little fanfare. Thanks guys!! The old batting cage out past the right field fence is gone. We are making improvements and we need your continued support to make PBAELLS the best it can be. Suggestions are always welcome, but let's please keep them positive and not demeaning or critical. We are all in this together. Please take the time to click on Rules and review your local rules. We will strictly abide by them and not knowing is not excuse - ask the local police when we speed and say, "I did not know it was a 35 mile/hr zone." We are still guilty. Be informed so you won't be embarassed. Thanks so much to Dale, Dr Achorn, Gary and Mike for umpiring. These guys are working hard and deserve our support. You may not always agree with their calls, but if you think you can do it better then volunteer to umpire and see how it is. Thanks guys!!
Friday, May 16
Good News
I am so proud of the progress we have made. PBAELLS was notified last week that we will receive a $1,000 grant from our YAC application. This money will go to help deserving families subsidize their fees. The DOC tore down the old batting cage past the right field fence and it will be picked up and removed. Check the schedule and standings on the web site as we are playing ball. Congratulations to Natalie Johnson who has hit two out of the park home runs this year as a 12 year old. The Saturday 10am Player/Coaches Clinics have been a big success and improved the skills of those that have attended. We ask that you park outside the right field fence to help us meet our agreement with Goodfaith Church. Thanks to all and we'll see you at the ball park!
Wednesday, May 7
Board Meeting Highlights
President Bill reviewed our progress and especially the outstanding Opening Ceremonies. The board met Tuesday, May 6th at 7:30pm. Lighting: Getting a proposal to replace lenses and bulbs to improve lighting. Web Site: We will not post pictures or names of girls on the site to avoid any conflict with Little League. We have finalized the agreement with Goodfaith Church for parking. Our members are encourage to park out past the right field area. Deadline for submitted applications for the Casey Crowder Scholorship is Friday. The only sponsor fee not paid is BSC. We will be contacting parents through the managers that have not paid their fees for this year. Those that did not opt out of concession stand duty will be assigned nights to work by the Managers. Our local rules are officially approved by LL. We will be working to get gravel on the parking area outside right field fence. NO warm up or throwing of any balls will be allowed inside the fence except in the bull pen or on the playing field. Remember that animals are not allowed inside the fenced area at any time. Managers needing pool players to field 9 players are to notify Player Agent, Judy 30 minutes before game time and the pool player will be given 15 minutes to arrive. Pool players have to play 9 outs and can not pitch. We agreed to repair the vent-a-hood.
Saturday, May 3
Opening Ceremonies: Super Fantastic!!
Special thanks to Dr. Jim Achorn, James Bridges, Lori Johnson. and Ms Judy for making our opening ceremonies so wonderful. The field looked awesome! The presentation of awards went without a hitch. Judge Holcomb sang I am Proud to be an American and made us all proud. He threw out the first pitch and the games began!!
Tuesday, April 29
Pre-Season Tournament - WOW!! Congrats HH/BSC & Simmons
James Bridges and Dr. Jim Achorn deserve a big 'attaboy' for making our Pre-season tournament such a success. Congratulations to 1st Place Big League: HH/BSC & Major League: Simmons. 2nd Place: PBNB & Mazzios. We had four certified umpires work the games with three that have worked Regionals and one that has qualified for World Series play. That's 1st class!! Your board did a great job getting it all together and our managers are on target to have a great year. Saturday started and ended on time - Wow!. We worked through the rain Sunday to complete a great weekend of softball. We saw some great plays, big hits and fun was had by all !!
Sunday, April 20
Olympics - Huge Success - Lots of Fun!!
Over 40 girls entered events. Thanks to Lori with Managers James, Mike, Mica, Skipper, and Melinda for their help in making Olympics such a great success. Tiger Dunn saved the day with his long tape measure. We will recognize the winners at Opening Ceremonies.
Sunday, April 13
Coaches & Players Clinic - Fun
Thanks so much to Tom Parker and Mike Davis for helping me take the 15 girls at the clinic through the stations. This will be the last clinic due to Olympics next Saturday, Pre-Season Tournament the next and Opening Ceremonies the next. Thanks again to James Bridges for making this years clinics such a big success.
Sunday, April 6
Board Meeting & Manager's Meeting Highlights
The board met today at 2pm at the field with eight of our nine board members present. President Bill called the meeting to order and reported on the plans for field lighting and that we have developed a good relationship with WCHS. Secretary Lori presented minutes of the 2/24/08 meeting, announced approval of pre-season tournament, and our Safety Plan is approved by LL. Treasurer Laura brought us up to date on our finances with only one sponsorship and two sign sponsors not paid. VP Dr Achorn presented the game schedule and our updated local rules, which were approved and you can find under Forms, Rules & Info. Facilities Mgr James reported on the success of our Coaches/Player Clinic, first aid kits are available for all coaches, and we will order a tarp to protect the infield when `it rains. Mgr Rep, Mica reported that the Casey Crowder Tournament will be June 7th & 8th with no entry fee - we want all to play. Player Agent, Judy reviewed Olympics 4/19, Pre-season Tournament 4/26-27, and Opening Ceremonies 5/3 at 3pm. She reviewed that two big girl teams have lost players and players were drawn to bring each team to 14 players. Mica opened the Manager's meeting after the board meeting by making sure each had rule books and first aid kits. She reviewed the schedule and Dr Achorn reviewed the local rules in detail. Next Board Meeting is scheduled for May 3rd at 2pm prior to Opening Ceremonies.
Saturday, March 29
Coaches & Players Clinic - Lots of Fun
Thanks to James, Royce, Dr Achorn, and Lori for coming out to work with the girls. We had a great time. It was a little cool, but the spirits were high as we took the girls that came through the stations. We will be there next Saturday!!
Thursday, March 27
Coaches & Players Clinic Saturday, March 29th
Managers and coaches please arrive at 9:30am to review the plan and to get things ready for the training. Girls start arriving at 10:00am and we will be ready at 10 sharp to start each station.
10:00 am: Divide girls into groups for each station and rotate them around the area.
Have 5 to 8 girls in each group, depending on how many show up.
As soon as they complete a station, they move to the next one.
Station 1: Mike - Batting cage. Hit 5 to 10 balls each. Two coaches work with girls on proper stance.
Station 2: Skipper - Soft Toss & black eyed pea toss. By batting cage area.
One coach pitch balls/peas to them and correct. Each hit 5 to 10 balls.
Station 3: James - Pitching – not on the pitchers mound, so we can use the field for infield. On side by 3rd base outside field with high school back stops. Two at a time. They will pitch 10 pitches each.
Will need two catchers with helmet. Only girls interested in pitching will go here.
Station 4: Bill & Rusty - Fielding. Girls will field two balls at each base and throw to first.
Need a coach to teach and a person to catch at first base.
Station 5: Tom & Royce - Outfield. Use a pitching machine to throw balls to them in field. Each girl will catch 5 fly balls and throw in to a spot by the machine. Need someone to feed machine, coach out with girls and someone to catch in.
12:00pm: All girls assemble in the stands.
Bill and Dr Achorn will tell them about plans and get them excited about the year with the help of managers and coaches. Let's' Make it Fun!!
Saturday, March 15
Coaches & Players Clinic - Big success
Thanks so much to James Bridges for heading up our clinic. We had 15 girls and 9 manager/coaches in attendance. Thanks to Skipper Raymick for working on hitting in the batting cage with the girls. As we planned it was a fun time of learning new skills and techniques together. Managers should contact Ms Judy or Lori about their uniforms. The league will provide a jersey and socks for each player. Teams will deternine if they want shorts or long pants and the girls/teams will purchase their own. This allowed us to reduce the registration fee to $50 and gives flexiblity for each team to decide what they want to wear.
Wednesday, March 5
Draft Complete - Teams Set
Managers and coaches met Monday at the field. The draft was conducted following Little League rules with Player Agent, Ms Judy in charge. Scott Pinckard assisted with the process. Several said it was the smoothest draft they have ever seen. Team rosters are posted under Forms, Rules & Info. Team contact info and practice field info is posted under Team Info. Remember there will be a player/coaches clinic each Saturday from 10am-12 Noon at the field. Thanks to all for your help! Check back often.
Thursday, January 17
Lease with Watson Chapel
We have finalized the lease to allow Watson Chapel High School to use Monroe-Ryburn Field for the girls softball program. Thanks to Mr Hazelwood for working with us to make this an agreement beneficial to all.
Wednesday, January 23
Online Registration & Donations on Web Site
We can now take online registration and donations. Someone wanting to donate to the league can simply click on Donate Now on the left panel and follow instructions.
Thursday, January 24
Locks at Monroe-Ryburn
All locks have been changed including those on the main gates.
Sunday, February 3
Board Meeting Highlights
The board met today at 2pm with ALL board members present. Bill reviewed the Chapel lease, the web site at pbaells.org, on-line registration and got approval for an expanded sponsorship program. Lori presented the minutes of the 1/6/08 meeting, reported she sent sign renewal requests and presented a calling tree for getting the word out when needed. Laura led a discussion about the concession plan and brought us up to date on payments by team sponsors and for signs. Chief Ump Dale reported that he, William and Jim had gone to Waco for umpire training and had also attended the clinic yesterday in Malvern. There will be an umpire, manager and coaches clinic TBA. James reported on progress on the facilities and plans for ordering needed equipment. Mica reported on potential managers for Little Girls and a commitee of Mica, (Judy and Lori added) Mystic and Bubba Vontungeln was approved to put together the Casey Crowder tournament at our field with tentative date of the weekend of June 7th and 8th. Mike reported that he has commitments for managers for the big girl teams subject to board approval. Judy reported that she has everything ready for registration the next three Saturdays from 10-2 each day. James reported that there will be special skill development training starting Feb 16th from 10-noon each Saturday. Dr Achorn led us in a long discussion until it was decided that we would play continuous batting and the local rules were approved. A copy of the local rules will be posted under Forms & Info as soon as I get them. The board is committed to clear up the issue with ownership of the Little League fields so we can clear up liability and get insurance on the facility. Next board meeting is scheduled for February 24th at 2:00pm at Monroe-Ryburn Field.
Friday, February 8
2008 Local Rules Posted
Thanks so much to Dr. Achorn, Mica, Mike and Chief Umpire Dale for putting together and getting board approval for our local rules for 2008. Please, click on the Forms, Rules & Info tab on the left panel. You can read or print a copy from there. See you Saturday at registration.
Saturday, February 16
Last Day to Register: Saturday February 23rd 10am-2pm
Players that do not register by this Saturday will have to go back through the draft. If there is a problem gettting there Saturday, players must contact Ms Judy, Player Agent, at 329.6976 ASAP!!
Sunday, February 24
Board Meeting Highlights
First round of registration is closed. Players registering will go through the supplemental draft TBA. The board determined that there will be 4 Little Girl Teams and 5 Big Girl Teams based on registration data. Tryouts are Saturday at 10am and Sunday at 2pm for girls going through draft. The draft will be Monday, March 3rd with Little Girl managers/coaches meeting at 6pm and Big Girl manager/coaches at 7:30pm. Girls will be notified by the managers after the draft is completed for team assignments. We are excited!! If you have any questions about draft or registration, call Player Agent, Judy Brumett at 329.6976.
Tuesday, February 26
Registration Deadline & Supplemental Draft
Registration will close Sunday, March 3rd at 3pm. Anyone registered after last weekend's deadline will go into the supplemental draft, which will be after the regular draft on Monday. The supplemental draft will be a blind draft with names drawn from a hat or pool developed by the Player Agent. Managers will draw names until all slots are filled and all registrants are placed on a team.
Sunday, March 2
Registration is Closed
All Teams have a Full Roster. We have 49 Little Girls and 71 Big Girls for a total of 120 girls in the program. With the new competition from other programs out there this year we all should feel very good about our results. Thanks to all that helped get girls registered. We will continue to take names of girls that want to apply to play. If a team loses a girl, the Player Agent will coordinate drawing a name to fill the slot. The girl will be offered the opportunity at that time to register.
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