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Play Ball!
With NSLL’s first pitches happening this weekend or next, we thought this would be a good time for another League Update.
Schedules
By now, all schedules in all divisions should be complete. If you do not know your team’s schedule, you can check the NorthshoreLL.com site for daily updates.
Fields
This year we have more NSLL games being played on “maintained” fields than ever before. There only are a handful of scheduled games to be played on school sandlot fields – 90% of NSLL’s games in 2008 will be played at NAF (aka The Complex), NCF (North Creek Fields), or Westhill #4 (the “upper” field at Westhill with the grass outfield).
We all know fields are in short supply. We’re also all busy with personal schedules other than Little League. For these reasons, it will be very difficult this year to reschedule games other than rainouts. Case in point – our first two games in Majors baseball were rained out Thursday night!
So, if your team has nine players eligible and willing to play, managers must agree to play those games and not try to reschedule. The NSLL board will only consider rescheduling games in which there is a valid, provable reason that eight or fewer players were available to one of the two teams. Of course, rain outs or other weather- or light-related cancellations will be the first priority for rescheduling.
Rules and Sportsmanship
As the season begins, it also seems like intensity builds for all of us at the games. Practices in shorts and T-shirts turn into full-uniform, formal affairs with opponents, scores, and umpires. Please remember that all fans, coaches and players will be expected to be positive role models and participants during our games. No coaching decision is so important to the kids as to be argued about, and no umpire’s call is so critical to the game that he or she needs any opinions and help from fans. Let’s honor this great game, have great competition and have tremendous fun.
A note about rainouts and the new pitching rules:
Many of you may know Little League International has changed some pitching rules this season. Here’s a rundown.
- Any pitcher who throws more than 40 pitches in any game is required to observe 2 or 3 days of rest AND may not pitch in the team’s next played game. (Note: if the next scheduled game is cancelled, THAT cancelled game does NOT count as a rest game for previous-game’s pitcher(s). A rest game is an official completed game.)
- Any player who has pitched in a game may not play the position of catcher after his pitching innings.
Concessions
A fun concession stand update has occurred at NAF. In the next two weeks, NAF will be moving the concession stand from its traditional, “portable” trailer in between fields #1 and #2. The permanent NAF concession stand will be at the building near field #5 (where, conveniently there also are restrooms). The new concession facility will have a full menu of hamburgers and hot dogs along with other nutritious eats.
As an added convenience, NAF will be posting flyers and menus around all bleachers at all fields at the Complex. Once the new concession stand is fully operational, you will be able to place an order for your food via cell phone and your order will be ready for pick up in less than 10 minutes. That way, you won’t miss hardly any action while you fill your baconator cravings!
Uniforms
Majors and Minors baseball uniforms have been distributed, and while we are awaiting just a few small sizing changes, everyone should be ready to go for their first games.
AAA, AA and T-ball baseball uniforms should arrive early next week and well in time for first games, which begin on 3/29.
Reminder: we encourage managers and teams to play practice games when you can. However, Little League International rules prohibit practice games from being played in full uniform.
I think that about covers it for now. We’re looking forward to a terrific season. Let’s Play Ball!
Thank you.
Mindy Kraft
NSLL President
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