Our game against the Orioles this evening was rained out, despite a loud "let us play!" cheer led by the Braves (with most other teams joining in).
The makeup is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 25, at 4:30 p.m.
We are hoping for better weather for our next game, Thursday June 18 at 4:30 p.m. against the Phillies.
Dave
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Fielding a team for Tuesday (June 16)
Everyone,
Today Tyler joined Nick and Jack in the swine-flu sick bay. Connor woke up this morning not feeling good. And Alec is at camp until late Wednesday.
We will patch together a team to take on the Orioles Tuesday evening. I just don't know right now who will be on that team.
Tyler, Alec, and Nick seem to be out for sure. If Connor can play Tuesday and/or if Jack -- the first of our guys to get swine flu -- is cleared to play, we'll have nine guys and no problem. If Connor and Jack are both out, we'll get a kid from Minors to play for us.
Parents, please let me know ASAP if my understanding of your son's availability for Tuesday's game is incorrect. And if there's any change in any player's status, let me know that too.
Thanks!
Dr. Dave
Woodburn Street MASH unit
Today Tyler joined Nick and Jack in the swine-flu sick bay. Connor woke up this morning not feeling good. And Alec is at camp until late Wednesday.
We will patch together a team to take on the Orioles Tuesday evening. I just don't know right now who will be on that team.
Tyler, Alec, and Nick seem to be out for sure. If Connor can play Tuesday and/or if Jack -- the first of our guys to get swine flu -- is cleared to play, we'll have nine guys and no problem. If Connor and Jack are both out, we'll get a kid from Minors to play for us.
Parents, please let me know ASAP if my understanding of your son's availability for Tuesday's game is incorrect. And if there's any change in any player's status, let me know that too.
Thanks!
Dr. Dave
Woodburn Street MASH unit
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A Day of Rest
Braves,
We will not have our regularly scheduled Sunday practice. After two great games Friday and Saturday, the guys deserve a day of rest. In any case, I don't think there's anything we coaches could say to get them to play much better than they've played during their current six-game winning streak!
Dave
We will not have our regularly scheduled Sunday practice. After two great games Friday and Saturday, the guys deserve a day of rest. In any case, I don't think there's anything we coaches could say to get them to play much better than they've played during their current six-game winning streak!
Dave
Game Day: Braves 12, Phillies 10
At some point this season, the Braves will lose a close game. But not today, as the team squeaked past the very tough Phillies in a 12-10 nail-biter.
The victory left the Braves, with an 8-2 record, in sole possession of second place in WFB Majors. The Phillies’ record fell to 6-3.
As usual with our guys, it was a total team victory. The first inning featured the team’s first home run of the season, a titanic blast to straightaway center field by Nick. Alec took two for the team in the early going, getting hit by hard pitches in both the first and second innings. Connor smashed doubles to the outfield fence in both the first and second innings.
The highlights didn’t end there. Matt made a sensational catch of a pop fly in short right field to end a Phillies’ rally in the third inning. Scott, playing catcher, fired a strike to second base to snuff out a Phillies’ rally in the fourth inning. In the Braves’ half of the fourth, Chris clouted an RBI double to the fence. In the fifth Jason turned on the afterburners to beat out an RBI infield single with two out, knocking in a run that proved to be very important.
Then came the fateful sixth inning. The Braves were leading 12-7, but no lead is safe against the dangerous Phillies. And indeed, the Phillies didn’t give up. One run scored. Another run scored. Evan strode to the mound to try to save the game with one out, Phillies dancing off the bases, and the top of their order coming up.
Evan knew what to do – throw strikes and trust the defense. A third run scored, but Evan got one batter to pop up to Jason and the last batter to hit a grounder to short. Jason scooped it up, fired to Chris at first to beat the runner by a step, and your Braves had sole possession of second place!
-- Dave
* * *
This Day in WFBLL Braves History
First home run: Nick
The victory left the Braves, with an 8-2 record, in sole possession of second place in WFB Majors. The Phillies’ record fell to 6-3.
As usual with our guys, it was a total team victory. The first inning featured the team’s first home run of the season, a titanic blast to straightaway center field by Nick. Alec took two for the team in the early going, getting hit by hard pitches in both the first and second innings. Connor smashed doubles to the outfield fence in both the first and second innings.
The highlights didn’t end there. Matt made a sensational catch of a pop fly in short right field to end a Phillies’ rally in the third inning. Scott, playing catcher, fired a strike to second base to snuff out a Phillies’ rally in the fourth inning. In the Braves’ half of the fourth, Chris clouted an RBI double to the fence. In the fifth Jason turned on the afterburners to beat out an RBI infield single with two out, knocking in a run that proved to be very important.
Then came the fateful sixth inning. The Braves were leading 12-7, but no lead is safe against the dangerous Phillies. And indeed, the Phillies didn’t give up. One run scored. Another run scored. Evan strode to the mound to try to save the game with one out, Phillies dancing off the bases, and the top of their order coming up.
Evan knew what to do – throw strikes and trust the defense. A third run scored, but Evan got one batter to pop up to Jason and the last batter to hit a grounder to short. Jason scooped it up, fired to Chris at first to beat the runner by a step, and your Braves had sole possession of second place!
-- Dave
* * *
This Day in WFBLL Braves History
First home run: Nick
Friday, June 12, 2009
Game Night: Braves 5, White Sox 4
The parents of our Braves players practice a variety of noble professions: professor, lawyer, veterinarian, architect, journalist, pharmacist. But if the Braves' recent trend of 1-run games continues, we may have to recruit a cardiologist.
The Braves defeated the well-coached White Sox 5-4 in a rematch of two teams that played just a few nights ago. It must have been one of the fastest 6-inning games of the season. Both teams made excellent defensive plays. Both teams also made errors or mistakes that cost them runs. No fan could feel cheated by the intensity level of the action.
This was the Braves' third 1-run victory. That's "testimony to good teamwork and good pitching," Coach Ross told the Braves in his postgame remarks.
Braves player Jack was ill and couldn't make the game. Coach Dave said he told Jack's mom that the Braves were going to try to win the game for Jack Kivley, and they did so.
Chris proved in striking and dramatic fashion that he is the Braves' counterpart to both Prince Fielder (fearsome lefty slugger) and Trevor Hoffman (efficient closer).
The Braves came to bat in the top of the last inning, trailing 4-3. Jason ripped a ground-rule double to left field (had it not bounded out of the field of play, he might have gotten more), and went to third on a passed ball when Scott walked. Then, with one out, Chris smoked a huge double to right field, scoring both Jason and Scott, and giving the Braves a 5-4 lead.
On the mound in the bottom of the last inning, Chris faced the White Sox's best hitters. Chris struck out the first batter looking, and struck out the second batter swinging when catcher Anthony hung on to a foul tip. After a walk, Chris struck out the White Sox's slugger to end the game.
The Braves swing right back into action Saturday morning June 13, with Picture Day at 10 a.m. followed by a game against the Phillies at 11 a.m.
More highlights and notes:
BATTING & BASERUNNING: In the top of the first inning Connor and Chris worked a double steal, with Connor swiping home for the Braves' first run. In the second inning, Matt singled, and hustled all the way to third on fielder misplays. Then, with 2 outs and 2 strikes, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield to drive Matt home with the Braves' second run. Alec tripled to right field in the 4th, and scored by stealing home on a passed ball.
FIELDING: Jason continued his excellence at shortstop, vacuuming two hard grounders in the third inning and throwing the runners out.
PITCHING: Alec, with his distinctive neo-submariner motion, pitched three innings and struck out six batters. He grabbed a pop-up to snuff out a White Sox rally in the 4th inning.
The Braves defeated the well-coached White Sox 5-4 in a rematch of two teams that played just a few nights ago. It must have been one of the fastest 6-inning games of the season. Both teams made excellent defensive plays. Both teams also made errors or mistakes that cost them runs. No fan could feel cheated by the intensity level of the action.
This was the Braves' third 1-run victory. That's "testimony to good teamwork and good pitching," Coach Ross told the Braves in his postgame remarks.
Braves player Jack was ill and couldn't make the game. Coach Dave said he told Jack's mom that the Braves were going to try to win the game for Jack Kivley, and they did so.
Chris proved in striking and dramatic fashion that he is the Braves' counterpart to both Prince Fielder (fearsome lefty slugger) and Trevor Hoffman (efficient closer).
The Braves came to bat in the top of the last inning, trailing 4-3. Jason ripped a ground-rule double to left field (had it not bounded out of the field of play, he might have gotten more), and went to third on a passed ball when Scott walked. Then, with one out, Chris smoked a huge double to right field, scoring both Jason and Scott, and giving the Braves a 5-4 lead.
On the mound in the bottom of the last inning, Chris faced the White Sox's best hitters. Chris struck out the first batter looking, and struck out the second batter swinging when catcher Anthony hung on to a foul tip. After a walk, Chris struck out the White Sox's slugger to end the game.
The Braves swing right back into action Saturday morning June 13, with Picture Day at 10 a.m. followed by a game against the Phillies at 11 a.m.
More highlights and notes:
BATTING & BASERUNNING: In the top of the first inning Connor and Chris worked a double steal, with Connor swiping home for the Braves' first run. In the second inning, Matt singled, and hustled all the way to third on fielder misplays. Then, with 2 outs and 2 strikes, Nick ripped a hard single through the infield to drive Matt home with the Braves' second run. Alec tripled to right field in the 4th, and scored by stealing home on a passed ball.
FIELDING: Jason continued his excellence at shortstop, vacuuming two hard grounders in the third inning and throwing the runners out.
PITCHING: Alec, with his distinctive neo-submariner motion, pitched three innings and struck out six batters. He grabbed a pop-up to snuff out a White Sox rally in the 4th inning.
Absences
Everyone,
In the past couple of days I have heard a lot of buzz about the three confirmed cases of swine flu at Cumberland School, which seven members of the Braves attend (at least until the end of school Friday). I am sure that I would have been informed if any Braves had the disease.
Parents of our players routinely hold their sons out of practices and games if a guy isn't feeling good, which of course is best for all concerned. If we coaches see any sign of illness we will let the parents know right away.
But I don't anticipate any problems. We seem to have a bunch of healthy kids!
Dave
In the past couple of days I have heard a lot of buzz about the three confirmed cases of swine flu at Cumberland School, which seven members of the Braves attend (at least until the end of school Friday). I am sure that I would have been informed if any Braves had the disease.
Parents of our players routinely hold their sons out of practices and games if a guy isn't feeling good, which of course is best for all concerned. If we coaches see any sign of illness we will let the parents know right away.
But I don't anticipate any problems. We seem to have a bunch of healthy kids!
Dave
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Updates: Games, Picture Day
Braves,
Excellent practice today! The weather was perfect, the guys fielded beautifully, and they pounded the ball against my best pitching in scrimmage! Jason popped a walk-off single to left to win it for his team.
Two items:
FRIDAY June 12, please have your Brave at Water Tower by 5 p.m. so that we can have on-field batting practice. We did this before Tuesday's game and our bats came alive, so I'd like to do it again.
SATURDAY June 13 is Picture Day. Please have your freshly scrubbed Brave at Water Tower no later than 10 a.m. The picture-taking area is at the south end of Water Tower. Please fill out your order forms before you get to Water Tower -- everything's easier that way.
See at Water Tower tomorrow for our rematch against the White Sox.
Dave
Excellent practice today! The weather was perfect, the guys fielded beautifully, and they pounded the ball against my best pitching in scrimmage! Jason popped a walk-off single to left to win it for his team.
Two items:
FRIDAY June 12, please have your Brave at Water Tower by 5 p.m. so that we can have on-field batting practice. We did this before Tuesday's game and our bats came alive, so I'd like to do it again.
SATURDAY June 13 is Picture Day. Please have your freshly scrubbed Brave at Water Tower no later than 10 a.m. The picture-taking area is at the south end of Water Tower. Please fill out your order forms before you get to Water Tower -- everything's easier that way.
See at Water Tower tomorrow for our rematch against the White Sox.
Dave
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Practice 4 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at Atwater (Shorewood)
Hey Braves, great game last night!
We'll practice Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Atwater School in Shorewood. It may be sunny and warm, so please be sure to bring water.
Dave
We'll practice Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Atwater School in Shorewood. It may be sunny and warm, so please be sure to bring water.
Dave
Game Story: Braves 8, White Sox 1
The Braves put it all together Tuesday night, scoring seven runs in their last two at bats to break open a close game and defeat the White Sox, 8-1. The victory moves the Braves into a tie for second place in the Majors. Both the Braves and the powerful Phillies have six wins in eight games.
Tuesday’s victory featured power pitching, superb defense when it counted, and timely hitting. The pitching was especially impressive because the White Sox had been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 10 runs a game.
Connor allowed no runs in the first two innings, fanning four White Sox. Alec took over in the third inning; the top of the White Sox order was coming to the plate. With one out and White Sox runners on first and third in the scoreless game, first baseman Chris made a diving stab of a soft line drive to get the second out and prevent the runners from advancing. The next batter smoked a line drive toward left-center field. It had two RBIs written all over it, but shortstop Jason leaped high – very high – and snared the ball in the webbing of his glove to end the inning with no White Sox player having crossed the plate.
The game was still scoreless in the bottom of the third. Matt led off with a single and advanced to third base on two groundouts. Then came a wild pitch, and Matt dashed for home plate, scoring standing up for the game’s first run.
Jason took over pitching in the fourth inning, holding the White Sox scoreless. When the Braves came to bat in the fourth, Connor led off with a booming triple over the right fielder’s head. Chris walked and stole second, and Alec rifled a single to the outfield to score both of them. Alec stole second and third, which enabled Ryan to drive him in with an infield single. Braves ahead, 4-0, after four innings.
The White Sox got a harmless unearned run in the fifth inning, and then the Braves’ bats got really hot. Jason and Scott hit singles; they both advanced on a passed ball. Connor lined a single to the outfield, driving in two runs, and then kept on running himself, scoring as the White Sox booted the ball all over the field. Chris lined a double to the fence in right center, stole third, and then trotted home when Alec got his second RBI hit. Four runs on five consecutive hits.
Chris strode to the hill in the final inning with a seven-run lead. The first White Sox batter got on base via an infield error, but Chris struck out the next three hitters to seal the victory.
A complete team victory – the best kind.
The Braves have a rematch against the White Sox Friday, followed by a tussle with the Phillies Saturday at 11 a.m. You won’t want to miss those games!
-- Dave
Tuesday’s victory featured power pitching, superb defense when it counted, and timely hitting. The pitching was especially impressive because the White Sox had been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 10 runs a game.
Connor allowed no runs in the first two innings, fanning four White Sox. Alec took over in the third inning; the top of the White Sox order was coming to the plate. With one out and White Sox runners on first and third in the scoreless game, first baseman Chris made a diving stab of a soft line drive to get the second out and prevent the runners from advancing. The next batter smoked a line drive toward left-center field. It had two RBIs written all over it, but shortstop Jason leaped high – very high – and snared the ball in the webbing of his glove to end the inning with no White Sox player having crossed the plate.
The game was still scoreless in the bottom of the third. Matt led off with a single and advanced to third base on two groundouts. Then came a wild pitch, and Matt dashed for home plate, scoring standing up for the game’s first run.
Jason took over pitching in the fourth inning, holding the White Sox scoreless. When the Braves came to bat in the fourth, Connor led off with a booming triple over the right fielder’s head. Chris walked and stole second, and Alec rifled a single to the outfield to score both of them. Alec stole second and third, which enabled Ryan to drive him in with an infield single. Braves ahead, 4-0, after four innings.
The White Sox got a harmless unearned run in the fifth inning, and then the Braves’ bats got really hot. Jason and Scott hit singles; they both advanced on a passed ball. Connor lined a single to the outfield, driving in two runs, and then kept on running himself, scoring as the White Sox booted the ball all over the field. Chris lined a double to the fence in right center, stole third, and then trotted home when Alec got his second RBI hit. Four runs on five consecutive hits.
Chris strode to the hill in the final inning with a seven-run lead. The first White Sox batter got on base via an infield error, but Chris struck out the next three hitters to seal the victory.
A complete team victory – the best kind.
The Braves have a rematch against the White Sox Friday, followed by a tussle with the Phillies Saturday at 11 a.m. You won’t want to miss those games!
-- Dave
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Game afternoon (Tues June 9), other updates
Everyone,
We play the White Sox today (Tues June 9) at 4:30 p.m. Please have your Brave at Water Tower no later than 3:45 p.m.
If both teams have all their players ready to go at 4:15 p.m., our game might begin early because a second Majors game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and rain is supposed to drift in this evening.
FYI-1: We may try for a practice Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Atwater School in Shorewood. E-mail tomorrow letting you know for sure.
FYI-2: The WFB Little League board has its monthly meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8 p.m. in the warming house at Cahill Square. The big topic of discussion will be all stars. The agenda sent out by board prez Scott Deakin is appended.
Dave
* * *
Board Meeting Agenda – June 10, 2009
Ø Review and Approval of Prior Month’s Board Meeting Minutes
Ø Discussion regarding All Stars
o Players selection
o Coaches selection
o Coaches meeting June 11 Cahill 8pm
o List of players
o Team composition – ages
o Eligibility
Ø Ladies game /EOS Party
o When
o Uniforms
Ø Playoffs
o When
o All Star hold
Ø Safety
o Nets
Ø Other
o All Star hold
Ø Safety
o Nets
Ø Other
o Items raised by WFBLL Membership or WFBLL BOD
If you have questions or comments about All stars please come and voice your opinion.
I have a correction to the ages on the team should be as follows
U13/U14 – born between May 1, 1994 and April 30, 1996
U11/U12 – born between May 1, 1996 and April 30, 1998
U10/U11 – born between May 1, 1997 and April 30, 1999
U9/U10 – born between May 1, 1998 and April 30, 2000
We play the White Sox today (Tues June 9) at 4:30 p.m. Please have your Brave at Water Tower no later than 3:45 p.m.
If both teams have all their players ready to go at 4:15 p.m., our game might begin early because a second Majors game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and rain is supposed to drift in this evening.
FYI-1: We may try for a practice Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Atwater School in Shorewood. E-mail tomorrow letting you know for sure.
FYI-2: The WFB Little League board has its monthly meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8 p.m. in the warming house at Cahill Square. The big topic of discussion will be all stars. The agenda sent out by board prez Scott Deakin is appended.
Dave
* * *
Board Meeting Agenda – June 10, 2009
Ø Review and Approval of Prior Month’s Board Meeting Minutes
Ø Discussion regarding All Stars
o Players selection
o Coaches selection
o Coaches meeting June 11 Cahill 8pm
o List of players
o Team composition – ages
o Eligibility
Ø Ladies game /EOS Party
o When
o Uniforms
Ø Playoffs
o When
o All Star hold
Ø Safety
o Nets
Ø Other
o All Star hold
Ø Safety
o Nets
Ø Other
o Items raised by WFBLL Membership or WFBLL BOD
If you have questions or comments about All stars please come and voice your opinion.
I have a correction to the ages on the team should be as follows
U13/U14 – born between May 1, 1994 and April 30, 1996
U11/U12 – born between May 1, 1996 and April 30, 1998
U10/U11 – born between May 1, 1997 and April 30, 1999
U9/U10 – born between May 1, 1998 and April 30, 2000
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Coach Dave: Little League All Stars
Everyone,
I think most of you got the message about all-star teams from WFB Little League board president Scott Deakin. If not, I append it below.
There is so much opportunity for bad feelings about all stars that Whitefish Bay hasn't participated for the past several years. This year the WFB Little League board decided to dive into all stars again, and I'm hoping that the board can find a way to minimize bad feelings about the expense of all stars, the selections of which players will be on the all-star teams, and the impact that all stars may have on individual little league teams.
Many of the players on the Braves have little league ages of 11. Guys in that category will be considered for the U-11 all-star team unless they specifically request to be considered for the U-12 team. Basically, the U-11 team will be fifth graders, the U-12 team sixth graders. Kids can be considered for only one team. Generally, players want to stay with their school-grade cohort.
The teams will be chosen Thursday evening by the 10 head coaches of the teams in Majors. Each coach has been asked to submit a confidential list of 10 potential all stars from teams other than his own. Each coach may also nominate players from his own team.
The Braves have lots of players who would perform well if they were part of an all-star team. However, there is no guarantee that ANY member of the Braves will be chosen to take part in all stars. The selection process is subjective, and after the teams are announced hard feelings are almost inevitable.
If members of the Braves -- and/or their parents and coaches -- are disappointed by the all-star selections, I hope we will find a way to react with class and dignity. We have a great team, no matter how many (or how few) of our guys end up on an all-star squad!
Thanks for reading this long e-mail. As always, the coaches appreciate your support.
Dave
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Scott Deakin (GE Healthcare)"
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 10:15:13 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: All Star in WFB 2
This year WFBLL will be participating in All Stars. You are probably all familiar with the Little League World Series, which is the final international tournament of the U11/U12 All Star teams worldwide. Little League also runs this tournament for U13/14 (Juniors), U10/U11 and U9/U10 age groups which can advance to a state tournament.
The past few years we have chosen not to participate in All Stars because a player, once chosen to All Stars, was not allowed to continue playing with his/her LL team. It was a thrill for the 13-15 kids that made the team, but very disruptive to the other 90% of the league. Little League no longer has that rule, so the Board has voted to give All Stars another try this season.
WFBLL will be fielding 4 teams this year in the age groups mentioned above. Here are the details:
* Coaches: coaches for the All Star teams must be currently coaching in their respective leagues (Juniors for U13/U14, Majors for U11/U12, and Minors for U9/U10).
* Players: players will be selected to the teams by the current league coaches. Selection must be unanimous and rosters can have 13-15 players each. There will not be formal tryouts; LL establishes a selection date late in the season so that all kids get a chance to show their talent multiple times, to multiple coaches. Age is governed by Little League’s age rule as follows:
o U13/U14 – born between May 1, 1994 and April 30, 1996
o U11/U12 – born between May 1, 1995 and April 30, 1997
o U10/U11 – born between May 1, 1996 and April 30, 1998
o U9/U10 – born between May 1, 1998 and April 30, 2000
o A player is allowed to “play up” but must declare that desire before the selection process. Players will only be considered for one team, so if they elect to play up and miss the team, they will not be considered for the younger team.
* Team Managers: Little League runs a very tight and organized tournament, but to make sure each team is playing by the rules, they require a fair amount of documentation. Each team will need a parent volunteer to manage the documentation and other miscellaneous for each tournament.
* Schedule (everyone plays the District tournament)
o Coaching applications excepted: June 1, 2009
o Team selection: June 12, 2009
o Team/Player announcements: June 15, 2009
o Practice begins: June 16, 2009
o District tournament: Begins ~July 6, 2009
o Sectional tournament: Begins July 24, 2009 (if the team wins District)
o State tournament: Begins July 31, 2009 (if the team wins Sectional)
o Regional tournament: Begins August 7, 2009 (only for U12, if they win State)
o Little League World Series: Begins August 21, 2009 (only for U12, if they win Regional)
* Eligibility: Players are eligible if they
o 1) Have played in at least 60% of their scheduled league games by June 15th,
o 2) Are able to make the All Star team their first baseball priority (can continue play with his/her LL team, but must make All Stars the priority),
o 3) Can participate without conflict.
o Are living in WFB or have filed a 2D waver with 3 profs of WFB address
* Cost: WFB LL will provide a fixed dollar amount to each team that will cover entry fees and uniform costs for the players selected to the All Star teams. Players may be asked to do some fund raising to help cover the players travel costs should the team advance to the regional, state, or Williamsport level. Uniforms will be provided..
We’re excited to be doing All Stars again! If you have any questions, please contact me or one of the league commissioners.
If you will not be available from July 6 to potentially mid August and wish to remove your son/daughter from the selection please email me with “I wish to remove my son/Daughter from the all star selection” in the SUBJECT line they will be removed.
Regards,
Scott Deakin
I think most of you got the message about all-star teams from WFB Little League board president Scott Deakin. If not, I append it below.
There is so much opportunity for bad feelings about all stars that Whitefish Bay hasn't participated for the past several years. This year the WFB Little League board decided to dive into all stars again, and I'm hoping that the board can find a way to minimize bad feelings about the expense of all stars, the selections of which players will be on the all-star teams, and the impact that all stars may have on individual little league teams.
Many of the players on the Braves have little league ages of 11. Guys in that category will be considered for the U-11 all-star team unless they specifically request to be considered for the U-12 team. Basically, the U-11 team will be fifth graders, the U-12 team sixth graders. Kids can be considered for only one team. Generally, players want to stay with their school-grade cohort.
The teams will be chosen Thursday evening by the 10 head coaches of the teams in Majors. Each coach has been asked to submit a confidential list of 10 potential all stars from teams other than his own. Each coach may also nominate players from his own team.
The Braves have lots of players who would perform well if they were part of an all-star team. However, there is no guarantee that ANY member of the Braves will be chosen to take part in all stars. The selection process is subjective, and after the teams are announced hard feelings are almost inevitable.
If members of the Braves -- and/or their parents and coaches -- are disappointed by the all-star selections, I hope we will find a way to react with class and dignity. We have a great team, no matter how many (or how few) of our guys end up on an all-star squad!
Thanks for reading this long e-mail. As always, the coaches appreciate your support.
Dave
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Scott Deakin (GE Healthcare)"
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 10:15:13 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: All Star in WFB 2
This year WFBLL will be participating in All Stars. You are probably all familiar with the Little League World Series, which is the final international tournament of the U11/U12 All Star teams worldwide. Little League also runs this tournament for U13/14 (Juniors), U10/U11 and U9/U10 age groups which can advance to a state tournament.
The past few years we have chosen not to participate in All Stars because a player, once chosen to All Stars, was not allowed to continue playing with his/her LL team. It was a thrill for the 13-15 kids that made the team, but very disruptive to the other 90% of the league. Little League no longer has that rule, so the Board has voted to give All Stars another try this season.
WFBLL will be fielding 4 teams this year in the age groups mentioned above. Here are the details:
* Coaches: coaches for the All Star teams must be currently coaching in their respective leagues (Juniors for U13/U14, Majors for U11/U12, and Minors for U9/U10).
* Players: players will be selected to the teams by the current league coaches. Selection must be unanimous and rosters can have 13-15 players each. There will not be formal tryouts; LL establishes a selection date late in the season so that all kids get a chance to show their talent multiple times, to multiple coaches. Age is governed by Little League’s age rule as follows:
o U13/U14 – born between May 1, 1994 and April 30, 1996
o U11/U12 – born between May 1, 1995 and April 30, 1997
o U10/U11 – born between May 1, 1996 and April 30, 1998
o U9/U10 – born between May 1, 1998 and April 30, 2000
o A player is allowed to “play up” but must declare that desire before the selection process. Players will only be considered for one team, so if they elect to play up and miss the team, they will not be considered for the younger team.
* Team Managers: Little League runs a very tight and organized tournament, but to make sure each team is playing by the rules, they require a fair amount of documentation. Each team will need a parent volunteer to manage the documentation and other miscellaneous for each tournament.
* Schedule (everyone plays the District tournament)
o Coaching applications excepted: June 1, 2009
o Team selection: June 12, 2009
o Team/Player announcements: June 15, 2009
o Practice begins: June 16, 2009
o District tournament: Begins ~July 6, 2009
o Sectional tournament: Begins July 24, 2009 (if the team wins District)
o State tournament: Begins July 31, 2009 (if the team wins Sectional)
o Regional tournament: Begins August 7, 2009 (only for U12, if they win State)
o Little League World Series: Begins August 21, 2009 (only for U12, if they win Regional)
* Eligibility: Players are eligible if they
o 1) Have played in at least 60% of their scheduled league games by June 15th,
o 2) Are able to make the All Star team their first baseball priority (can continue play with his/her LL team, but must make All Stars the priority),
o 3) Can participate without conflict.
o Are living in WFB or have filed a 2D waver with 3 profs of WFB address
* Cost: WFB LL will provide a fixed dollar amount to each team that will cover entry fees and uniform costs for the players selected to the All Star teams. Players may be asked to do some fund raising to help cover the players travel costs should the team advance to the regional, state, or Williamsport level. Uniforms will be provided..
We’re excited to be doing All Stars again! If you have any questions, please contact me or one of the league commissioners.
If you will not be available from July 6 to potentially mid August and wish to remove your son/daughter from the selection please email me with “I wish to remove my son/Daughter from the all star selection” in the SUBJECT line they will be removed.
Regards,
Scott Deakin
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