April 10, 2008

 

Managers,  last night the SMSBL Board met with all 9 members present.  We discussed several issues and made many important decisions that all of you need to be aware of immediately.  We took each of these issues and spent a lot of time making sure that it is the direction we want the league to head in for the future.  We all understand that not all of you are going to agree but understand that all Board Members play on teams and have had the opportunity to discuss these issues with many players throughout our league.

Everyone of our decisions was voted on unanimously, meaning 9-0. 

 

1.  Sac Yankees will be allowed back into the league under new management with the commitment to abide by the league's rules.

 

2.  Managers are required to make the home plate appearance at game time, if not the person at the plate will represent the club in all on field issues during the game.  So who goes to the plate with the lineup card becomes the MANAGER of that game, period.  Anyone else, arguing or coming out of the dugout could be ejected.

 

3.  Both Managers must agree on any issue prior to the game with the home plate umpire, if an argument is not made at that time then it will be assumed that during the game you will not change your mind and argue over something that had already been discussed.

 

4.  Effective for the Summer League-  The refund policy will be amended to $50 will be retained from the original payment.  $26 goes to National (unchanged) and we will be keeping $24 for administrative fee (new).  Request refunds at the end of the season.

 

5.  Ex-Pro Player rule eliminated in any of our age groups.  However, the National Rules still will take priority for Tournament Play.

 

6.  VERY IMPORTANT-  From Division 35+ and up the league will be WOOD BAT ONLY.  IF metal is your only choice then you will have to play in the 18+ or 25+.  There is no going back on this, we understand that some will be upset but the majority of this leagues older teams want Wood.

 

7.  All-star Game will be on June 8th in conjunction with a Fundraiser for the "Student Athletic Missions".  More information will be coming out regarding this soon.

 

8. The Summer League Divisions will be as follows:  18+, 25+, 35+, 45+ & 55+  this will be strictly followed.

      a.  you will be able to grandfather prior year players from 2007 roster up to 5 years of age(i.e. 40 in the 45+)

      b.  players in the 5 year grandfathered range "will not be able to pitch".  No allowances will be made.

 

9. Summer Fees are $1,000 deposit (refundable) and the balance of $3,564 by the final managers meeting.  Due to the possible loss of Renfre and Davis the league may be lowered to 30 teams, meaning about 6 per division.  Money talks and teams with it in will get first priority on division desired.  DO NOT push this, if we get the number of teams we can accommodate then it is done.  See the SMSBL website for the dates for the managers meetings.  Also, we would like to ask for and extra $24 per player for Donation to the "Student Athletic Missions" organization that’s taking young ballplayers to Latin America.  This is not required but only if you wish to help them out.

 

10.  Playoffs will be as follows:

      a.  18 to 25+ (top 4 teams)- 1 vs. 4 (#1) and 2 vs. 3 (#2) at 6:30pm on Saturday May 31st

      b.  35+ (top 4 teams)- 1 vs. 4 (#1) and 2 vs. 3 (#2) at 3pm on Saturday May 31st

      c.  45+ (top 2 teams)-  Championship game at 11am (#2) on Sunday June 1st

      d.  18 to 25+ Championship game at 3pm (#2) on Sunday June 1st

      e.  35+ Championship at 12:30pm (#1) on Sunday June 1st

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Please write us back with questions.

 

SMSBL Board