Bob Dekoning Interview

Doug and family

I was lucky enough to be able to interview Doug Dekoning's father, Bob Dekoning! Thank you Bob.. It is so nice to hear from a parent of a ball player who has worked his way through youth baseball so successfully.

LoudMom:  What sacrifices have you had to make for Doug's baseball career?

Bob:  Were do I start, as a single parent my sacrifices may be different compared to a 2 parent family with 2 incomes. many missed family get together,working a part time job from late Spring through late Fall to make/ save money for the upcoming season ,and all the trips and expenses connected to it. Passing on overtime to travel. Driving all over 8-10 or 12 hour trips each way, and getting very little rest, and returning home ,usually very late Sunday nights or early Monday mornings, and going into work tired. Passing on buying personal gifts for myself as I needed to save for Doug's need for equipment and travel expenses. Aluminum bats and top quality gloves are not cheap. Bats only last one season. There is a sample of my sacrifices for Doug and I am so glad that I did all those sacrifices and more. They were well worth it and then some !! 

LoudMom:  What influence did you have in Doug's college choice?

Bob:  This is the way that went down. Doug was 11 years old and he started batting lesson's at Mike Hegan's and Scott Doffek was assigned to be his coach. Doug had great success with Scotts hitting style and approach and we just kept it up for several more years. When it came to High School and his Junior season we had made up our minds that if UWM gave Doug a Scholarship we were going there. Scotty made Doug the hitter he is and we felt it only right to give him 1st choice at reaping the rewards of all his hard work into Doug. So,the choice was easy,even though there were a few Colleges from the South that had showed some interest in Doug, UWM would be were Doug was going. Was the right thing to do then and still is the right thing to do today.

LoudMom:  What is your favorite youth baseball memory of your son? 

Bob:  When Doug was 7 years old he played on a team that was comprised of 6 kids from Menomonee Falls and 6 from Whitnal. They went to the championship game and won it all and a team trophy that was 6 feet tall. The moment that stood out was, back then, Doug was a pitcher and a good one. He pitched a lot that weekend and he was tired and sore but the coach asked him if he had one more inning in him to close the game and bring home the championship. He did a great job and we won the game,it was so awesome !! I have pictures of that game in the rec room that will be up as long as I am alive.

LoudMom:  Do you have any advice for other baseball parents? 

Bob: Make sure it is your son or daughters dream to play ball and not yours. If it is there's, then be there for them in good or bad times. It is easy to be a fan when things are going good but it shows the kids that your love and commitment to them is not conditional on winning only. Take the time to invest in them no matter what that is that they enjoy. You may not like what they like but, it is there time, not yours. Take the time to smell the roses and enjoy your kids and family. There is more to life than making money and working your way up the ladder of success. These moments in time are special and they come and go so quickly that if your not careful you just might miss them. I am so glad with all that I sacrificed and gave up for Doug that given a second chance I would do it all over again. He is a special kind of rose and I am so glad I took the time to smell it !! 

 

Check Out This Kid!

Doug Dekoning is an outfielder for the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He ended the 2010 season with a .300 batting average, recording 66 hits, 5 triples, 3 home runs, scoring 38 runs, and 25 RBI's.. 

He has had a great start to the 2011 season as well! He leads his team in most offensive categories including having a .404 batting average.. 46 hits, 24 runs scored and 25 RBI's..

Way to go Doug!! 

“The Game and Me”

Wouldn't it be cool to have your sports related memories or anecdotes published? To be able to save that memory forever and share it with others? Well, here is your chance!

Kelly O'Neil, editor and avid sports fan, is collecting these stories to share in the book "The Game and Me".  He believes (and is right as far as I'm concerned) that there are so many of these sports stories out there just waiting to be told.

So here is the scoop:

WHO: Editor, dedicated sports fan and father of three Kelly O’Neil is looking for your most memorable sports story.

WHAT: You’re invited to submit your sports-related memories and anecdotes for consideration in “The Game and Me” (Synergy Books).

WHEN: Submissions for “The Game and Me” will be accepted on an on-going basis until a sufficient amount of material has been collected.

WHERE: To submit your short story and see submission guidelines, please visit www.thegameandme.com.

WHY: Americans have long had a love affair with sports. From baseball to football and sports in between, “The Game and Me” is a celebration of sports and those who’ve been shaped by the game. Whether you were at the game, watching from home, playing or coaching we want to hear about the unforgettable sports moments that changed your life, inspired you and touched your heart.

Keeping score

Position Chart

Do you "keep the book" at your child's baseball or softball games?  Have you ever wanted to, but didn't know how to keep score of a baseball game.  It's not that hard once you get the hang of it.  

At the beginning of most scorebooks they have instructions for keeping score.  Numbers are used for all the positions to make it easier to keep track of everything.  Familiarize yourself with the terms used at a site like Sunset Park Little League Guide to Scorekeeping.  

Some leagues for younger kids will keep a much simpler book.  They will simply record if someone got out or reached base.  Then they will darken the line around the bases as they advance.  Filling in the diamond shows that a run has scored.  This basic amount is usually the minimum required by leagues to make sure the score is right. 

If you have an IPhone, Blackberry or Android phone you can get an app to score the game with.  iScore and GameChanger are two of the apps available to do this.  Once you have a scorebook or a smartphone app, watch some games on tv and practice what you have learned.  

Fundraising

There are many different ways you can raise money for your team. Here are some options. 

Raffles can be big money makers especially if you can get all your prizes donated by local businesses.  Then the only cost you will have is printing the tickets.  

You can sell products to raise money.   From beef jerky to seat cushions there are opportunities to sell many things.  Some of them you get the product and then sell them one by one.  While others you take orders from a catalog. 

Another option is selling discount cards or coupon books.  They provide great value for the price if used regularly.  You can raise money much faster selling $20 coupon books than with the $1 items. 

Many large corporations such as Nike and Microsoft offer grants available to youth sports organizations.   Some government agencies also help with funding youth sports.

Fundraising is a great way to help keep costs down for parents. We all know the expenses can rack up fast for our kids sports. Just check out STATS DAD for more on the cost of youth sports. 

PONY Baseball

PONY stands for Protect Our Nation's Youth. The concept for the name originally came from boys at the local YMCA in Washington, Pennsylvania and stood for "Protect Our Neighborhood Youth," but change  in the early 1950's (when PONY became a national organization) from "Neighborhood" to "Nation's."

Check out the history of Pony Baseball.

For the most part Pony Baseball uses two year age brackets. Traditionally it goes like this...

Shetland- 4-6yr olds

Pinto- 7-8yr olds

Mustang- 9-10yr olds

Bronco- 11-12yr olds

PONY- 13-14yr olds

Colt- 15-16yr olds

Palomino- 17-18yr olds (+ three 19yr olds)

Check out this video that explains how the divisions work.

Dixie Baseball

Dixie Youth Baseball was organized in the state of South Carolina in 1955. The name of the program was Little Boys Baseball. In 1962 the name was changed to Dixie Youth Baseball.

Dixie Youth Baseball has leagues in eleven states across the south. They have five divisions of play.

A is t-ball for ages 6 and under and uses 50' baselines.

AA  is ages 8 and under and is played differently in different leagues.  Some leagues have pitching machines while others have coach pitch. They use 60' base paths and 46' from the pitching rubber to home plate.

AAA uses the same field dimensions and is for ages 10 and under.

For the 12 and under age group they have 2 divisions.

- The Majors Division which uses the dimensions of the lower divisions.

- "O" zone division which has 70' base paths and 50' from rubber to the plate. This level has open bases (you can lead off and steal), and regular baseball rules.

Dixie Boys Baseball is for ages 13 and 14, with an 80' base path and 54" pitching distance.

Dixie Majors uses a 90" base path and a pitching distance of 60'.  They are for ages 15-19. At the end of local league play a Pre-Majors team, ages 15 and 16, may be selected for tournament play.

 

Their intent was to develop a program which would give local leagues more control in deciding how their leagues are run. There are basic fundamental rules each league must follow, but customs will vary and leagues may establish policies for the operation of their local program.

Brendan Harris

Last month my son attended the Brendan Harris Baseball Clinic. Recently I was lucky enough to ask him a few questions.


LoudMom:  When did you start playing baseball?

Brendan:  I started playing probably around 4-5 years old.  

LoudMom:  What is your favorite youth baseball memory? 

Brendan:  My favorite youth memory was when I hit my first homerun over a fence, and I didn't know it went out, and I slid into second base.  The umpire had to tell me it was a homerun, and then I continued around the bases.  I think I was 10.

LoudMom:  What kind of influence did your parents have on your baseball career?

Brendan:  My parents had a big influence in my athletic career.  My parents both played sports and encouraged me to try a lot of different things.  My dad was a big baseball fan and we would always watch the Yankees together when I was little and we'd also make it to a couple games a year.

LoudMom:  What advice do you have for young ballplayers with big dreams? 

Brendan:  My advice to younger players would be to always chase your dream, but remember to take one step at a time.  No one makes the major leagues at 12 years old, learn the game, enjoy the company of your teammates and have fun with baseball and other sports as well.  Always try to improve yourself from year to year and get the most out of your abilities, whether its baseball or in the classroom.  Try to climb the ladder one step at a time; make yourself a good high school player, a good college player, and then a good pro.  If you prepare yourself and work hard, good things will happen, but always remember that players can get hurt and have baseball taken away, but no one gets hurt and forgets a good education, so study hard. 


Thank you Brendan!   

CSN Stores $20 Giveaway WINNER!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS CINDY!!!

Cindy won a $20 gift code to use at ANY of the more than 200 CSN stores!! 

Thanks for playing!!!

Composite Bat Moratorium Update

Little League extends its ban on composite bats to the Little League (Majors) level. For a list of approved composite bats for Little League (Majors) division.

For a list of approved composite bats for Junior, Senior and Big League Baseball divisions of Little League. 

Babe Ruth League updated on 2/4/11. The 13-15 and 16-18 divisions will now follow the NFHS.

Metro Baseball League also follows the NFHS.

NFHS approved bats.

If I missed something or you know of any other leagues and their standings on the composite bat moratorium or approved bat lists please let me know!

CSN Stores $20 Giveaway!!!

CSN Stores has contacted me about hosting a giveaway. I thought, why not do that for my readers! One winner will get a $20 gift code!* You can use it on ANY product at ANY one of CSN's sites!

CSN has over 200 stores with over 2 million products, everything from baseball equipment to modern bar stools to birdhouses to.... well there is too much to list! You will just have to check them out.

GIVEAWAY:  All you need to do is fill out the form below! The contest ends 12:00am Thursday the 17th. No entries after that time will be counted. The winner will be announce that day. US or Canadian entrants only.. Good luck!





*Does not cover any shipping costs.

Trivia Answers

1.  While playing for the Boston Red Sox, Babe Ruth hit his first career home run against the New York Yankees on May 6, 1915. He was later traded to the Yankees for a mere $125,000.

2.  On September 7, 1974, in a game against the White Sox, California Angels pitcher Nolan Ryan became the first player to break the 100 mph barrier when one of his pitches was officially clocked at 100.8 miles per hour.

3.  On May 30, 1894, Bobby Lowe, of the Boston Beaneaters, became the first Major League player to hit four home runs in a single game. The unlucky opposing pitcher was Elton Chamberlain of the Cincinnati Reds.

4.  The first perfect game in American League history was thrown by Cy Young on May 5, 1904, when he led the Boston Red Sox to victory over the Philadelphia Athletics. One of the most consistent and durable pitchers the game has ever known, Cy Young won 511 games -- almost 100 more than any other pitcher in history. In 1904, he crafted one of the most amazing streaks of pitching excellence in baseball history. The right-hander pitched 24 1/3 innings without surrendering a hit, through May 11. Young had pitched two hitless innings at the end of a loss on April 25, seven innings of hitless relief on April 30, and a perfect game on May 5. Stretching his hitless streak to 24 innings against Detroit on May 11, Young finally gave up a hit to future Hall of Fame outfielder Sam Crawford in the seventh inning.

5.  On March 7, 1941, the Brooklyn Dodgers rolled the Cleveland Indians 15–0. Pee Wee Reese and Joe Medwick wore a batting helmet designed by two Johns Hopkins doctors with the help of Larry MacPhail. The two Dodgers, victims of HBPs the previous year, pronounced the helmets satisfactory.

6.  Ty Cobb stole home plate an amazing 54 times during his career. On four occasions, he went so far as to steal second, then third, then home plate in the same inning!

7.  Before 1880, it took Nine balls to walk a batter!

8.  Michael Jordan signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox in 1994 and was assigned to the team's minor league system. That summer he batted .202 with the Birmingham Barons, a class AA affiliate of the White Sox. Later in the year he batted .252 with the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.

How many did you know?

Trivia Questions

Anybody want to give it a try? Don't look them up! Take a guess!



1.  What team did Babe Ruth hit his first career home run against?

A) New York Yankees  B) Baltimore Black Sox  C) Boston Red Sox


2.   Who was the first Major League player to pitch a ball over 100 mph?

A) Tom Seaver  B) Nolan Ryan  
C) Roger Clemens


3.  Who was the first Major League player to hit four home runs in a single game?

A) Lou Gehrig  B) Babe Ruth  C) Bobby Lowe


4.  Who was the first American League pitcher to throw a perfect game?

A) Smokey Joe Wood  B) Cy Young  C) Don Larsen


5.  What was the first Major League team to wear plastic batting helmets?

A) Brooklyn Dodgers  B) New York Yankees  
C) Cleavland Indians


6.  What player holds the career record for stealing home plate?

A) Ty Cobb  B) Jackie Robinson  C) Lou Gehrig


7.  How many balls did it take to walk a batter before 1880?

A)Three  B) Five  C) Nine


8.  What retired basketball player tried out for the Chicago White Sox in 1994?

A) Frank Thomas  B) Michael Jordan 
C) Dennis Rodman 


Answers to come!

Now There's Something To Be Proud Of

History of Hallie Boys Baseball

In the early spring of 1970 a group of parents got together at the Eagles Club in Hallie and made plans to begin a youth baseball program. They called it Hallie Little League.

There were only enough kids to make up four teams that first year. The games were played on the softball field at the Eagles Club. The first game was played on June 23rd, 1970.

Little League 1970 Champs coached by Barry Nesja

The following year they decided to end their affiliation with the National Little League. The name was changed to Hallie Boys Baseball. And new rule's were established such as no tryouts and an "everyone bats" lineup. Also in 1971, the Eagles Club leased some land to Hallie at no cost for a baseball field of their own. Volunteers built Hallie Little League Field. 

Today the boys play at Hallie Park. It's a baseball and softball complex in Lake Hallie, WI. There is a total of seven fields and it has full concessions (Yummy). 

1999 Babe Ruth

Last year there were eight Tball teams, seven Modified Pitch teams, ten Little League teams, seven Babe Ruth teams, and two Senior Babe Ruth teams (that play in a five team league). This accommodates players from age 5 through age 18. AND it's still growing!

Not bad for a group of parents and some hard working volunteers!

I am proud to say this is where my son plays!


Thank you for the pictures Barry!

Greg Reinhard

Greg Reinhard

Professional baseball player Greg Reinhard agreed to do an interview for me. Thank you Greg!


LoudMom:   At what age did you start playing baseball?

Greg:   I have been playing baseball as long as I can remember.  My first memories are out in the yard having a catch with my dad.  He was insightful enough to get me in organized baseball two years early by lying about my age, so I'm guessing I was 5 in the 7 year old league.  He didn't make me play either, which is what I'm guessing people would take from him signing me up young.  My dad has always said, and made it known that I could do whatever I wanted.  It just seems all I have ever wanted was to play this game, or be around it.

LoudMom:   What is your favorite youth baseball memory?

Greg:   My 9 and 10 year old days of playing on the All-Star teams in Marinette stick out.  Before the days of club baseball for youth players, the All-Stars is all we had to play tournaments with.  So many of those kids are still my good friends today.  It is really where I learned to win, and to excel in big moments that likely weren't that big of a deal, but seemed like the only thing in the world that mattered at that time.

Other than that, playing catch with my dad.  I know people have written books about it the experience, but it is really special.  We still get the chance occasionally when I'm home.  It seems from the beginning we used a game of catch to have conversations about life.  That's probably the reason why so many dads and kids in America love the game.  It gives kids a chance to have a relationship with there dad after he gets home from work, and for  dad to stay young and have that same relationship.

LoudMom:   What kind of influence did your parents have on your baseball career?

Greg:   My parents have had the most impact on my career than anyone.  They have done so much, but from the beginning I think they realized how much I loved it and how serious I was about it.  It has always been so much more than a game, more like a lifestyle or way of life.  Since I think they saw that in the way I treated it, they always were willing to be there for anything I have needed, whether it meant driving to Tennessee to experience my first taste of serious baseball when I was 15, or driving back to Tennessee when I was 23 in professional baseball.  I am forever indebted to them for all the help along the way.

LoudMom:   What advice do you have for youth baseball players?

Greg:   I think young players need to have fun with the game of baseball, but treat the game with respect.  I can not think of a time as a youth player where I threw my stuff, or didn't take the game serious when I was between the lines.  There is only one way to play the game, and I think it is kind of escaping the baseball culture in today's game.

Lastly, there is no pickup baseball games being played anywhere.  Kids need to learn the game, follow it, and dream about it.  Playing video games doesn't seem to be the answer.  They should be outside in the neighborhood playing wiffleball, wall ball, pickle, anything but PS3.

Sports Climb

There is a  website SportsClimb.com that I have recently checked out AND joined.

It's a site built for youth sports players and their parents. Players and/or parents can keep a record of all their sports in one place. Friends and family can become "fans" and follow them. With parental controls no one can become a fan of a player without parents permission first.

Teammates can be added onto one team (so everyone doesn't have to enter the same info).  When a game is over, players record results(a team voting system ensures accurate game results), stats, photos, video, and a personal recap. Then players can send the results to all their fans. Fans can keep up with their "stars" sports activities and participate in forums for players, teams, and games.

Scott Bowers had the idea back in April 2009, and launched the site in August 2010. He is continuing to add new features. Some things to come are a "log" for players to record height, weight, strength, and speed over time. Coach and "team mom" capabilities for teams. And even a "snack duty" check box next to games.The capability to upload a photo for on the players page is also in the works!

I highly recommend checking this out. It is nice to be able to have all the  sports and teams in one spot. It really helps with keeping things organized. You also can get email alerts when something is coming up. Its so easy for family and friends to keep track of how the player is doing and even let them know if they will be attending a game!. The best part (I believe) is the pride my son has when he adds in game result and stats. It motivates him to do his best because he can see and share everything.

USSSA History

United States Slow-pitch Softball Association (USSSA) was founded in 1968 in Petersburg, Virginia by Robert Mueller, James DiOrio, Ray Ernst, Frank Ciaccia and Ted Mazza after the founder's ideas were turned down at a national softball association meeting.  In 1996 USSSA founded a baseball program and had over 1,000 teams in its inaugural 1997 season. In 1997 USSSA reorganized to become the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), the first multi-sports governing body.  Today USSSA is the largest multi-sport association in the world with over 3.5 million members.  In the 2010 season, USSSA Baseball registered over 42,000 teams.  It is currently based in Kissimmee, Florida.
 
USSSA Baseball has gained positive recognition because of it's philosophy "More Kids Playing More Baseball"

California Considers Protective Head Gear

California was working on putting a moratorium on metal and composite bats.  Instead they agreed to move up standards on metal bats to this year and begin the process of requiring protective head gear.  They are working on developing standards for protective headgear for pitchers, infielders, and base coaches in both baseball and softball.  They are encouraging schools to require protective head gear this season  and will consider making it mandatory next year.

  For the full story.

California is usually first when it comes to safety requirements.  This could easily spread across the country in a few years.  California Assemblyman Jared Huffman says  "A few years from now, baseball and softball pitchers at all levels, and in all states, will take for granted the protective head gear they wear. "

Aluminum VS Wood Bats Video

Wood VS Aluminum Bats

1. The aluminum bat is typically lighter than a wood bat. A lighter bat allows you to swing faster. This gives a batter more time to see a pitch and aim the swing.

2.  Studies have shown that aluminum bats produce a faster ball speed. A wood bat absorbs more of a balls energy at contact, while an aluminum bat "gives" and then "springs" the ball back off of it (trampoline effect). This means an aluminum bat typically would hit farther than a wood bat.

3.  The sweet spot on a wood bat is smaller than on an aluminum bat. It is the spot that gives a powerful clean hit. So the wood bat has less room for error.

4.  A wood bat is more likely to break. An aluminum bat can dent without affecting the bats performance. They also can break, but wood bats break more often.

5.  Typically wood bats are less expensive than aluminum bats.

Wood bats are used in pro baseball and in some colleges. Typically kids use aluminum bats, but most leagues do allow the use of wood bats also.

Aluminum bats came out in 1970. Before then everyone used wood bats. Some people say it's a disadvantage to use an aluminum bat because you may have a harder time with a wood bat when/if you play in leagues that require them.

Metro Baseball League History

1992- Volunteers from Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Hastings, Lakeville, Prior Lake, Rosemount, Shokopee, and Wayzata banded together to form the South Metro Baseball League (SMABL).

1996- Significant growth occured when the Northstar League, which were primarily north metro teams, merged into the SMABL and changed to Metro Baseball League (MBL).

1997- The demise of the MYBA brought a number of additional east metro teams to the MBL.

1999- Bloomington Classic League brought close to 150 teams into the MBL.
The North Classic League also agreed to merge their 60 teams into the league.
A total of 486 teams competed, making it the largest baseball league of its kind in the nation.

More Baseball

My son wants to play in two different leagues this upcoming season. He loves baseball and wants to play as much as possible. Obviously, one of the teams would have to be a priority over the other. This could make some people mad, or maybe not. There is a number of kids that already do this. I think it would be good for him. More practices, more game time.

I am just hoping it doesn't become too much for him.. or me. Especially if he wants to try out for the All Star team again, and if he makes that team. That could be a lot of baseball. A lot of running around. A lot of money...... and a lot of fun. 

 

How to Wear Your Baseball Pants With High Socks

1.  Put on the socks and pull them all the way up.

2.  Put the pants on.. pull the legs up to just below the knee

(or to the length you want them)

3.  Drop the pants to the floor, so they are inside out with

the elastic on the legs still on your legs at the length you want the pants

(Or you could just put the pants on legs first inside out)

4.  Fold the top of the sock down over the elastic on the

pants

5.  Pull the pants up so the are no longer inside out

You are ready to play ball!

I have heard that this is the best way to do this and that the legs stay up throughout the game. I will be trying it out this season with my son!

My Baseball Days

When I was in 4th grade I played baseball. My team was The Flame. We went undefeated in the regular season, but lost our first playoff game :( I was the only girl on my team and to my knowledge there was only one other girl in the league. 

My mom signed me up without me knowing.. and in the nick of time. I was so shy, I only knew one kid on my team (and I kind of had a crush on him). So although I liked baseball a lot, I didn't put full effort into it. I don't know if I realized that back then or not.  

The fastest pitcher in the league was on my team (the crush). During a practice he was pitching to me and I took a ball to the head (Yes, I had a helmet on). After that I really didn't do much at the plate. Unfortunately, that happened early in the season. But, I had an arm and could catch as good as anyone. 

Man, I'd love to turn back the clock and play my heart out!

Babe Ruth League/ Cal Ripken Baseball History

1951- Founded as Little Bigger League in Trenton, NJ by a group of men who named Marius D. Bonacci as founder, for ages 13- 15yrs old

1955- Babe Ruth's widow gave permission for her husbands name to be used, Little Bigger League became Babe Ruth League

1952- Had their first World Series

1966- The 16- 18yrs old division was started

1968- 16- 18yr olds first World Series

1974- 13 yr old Prep League was started

1980- First World Series for the Prep League

1982- Bambino Division was started for 5- 12yr olds

1984- The first Bambino Division World Series, Softball divisions for 4- 18yr olds started

There is also a Bambino Buddy Ball League for special needs children ages 5- 20yrs old

More Babe Ruth History

2000- Renamed the Bambino Division to Cal Ripken Baseball to honor Cal Ripken for all his help with the league

2007- The first World Series was held for the new Cal Ripken Major 70- Foot Division

Now the 12yr old division competes in the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, MD

More Cal Ripken History

CDO baseball selling patches to honor Christina Green

Christina Taylor Green 9/11/2001- 1/8/2011

The youngest victim in the Tuscon shooting.

The Canyon Del Oro Little League, where she played, is giving out uniform patches in her memory for the upcoming season. Patches are also for sale at the their website. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Fund.

Here is the story.

Treyton Kilar Field of Dreams

I just heard about this story and felt compelled to share.

Last September 6yr old Treyton Kilar from Whitewater, WI was killed by a drunk driver while him, his dad, and two sisters where heading home from a volleyball game. Here is the story.

Treyton was a huge Brewers fan and was even buried in his favorite player's jersey, Prince Fielder. Now they are trying to win the Pepsi's Good Idea/Refresh Projects 250,000 grant to build a "Field of Dreams" in his memory for the Whitewater community. If you would like to help the cause read more and vote here!

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. My heart goes out to this family.

The History of Little League

1939- Little League was founded by Carl E. Stotz in Williamsport, PA

1947- The first Little League World Series (then it was called the National Little League Tournament) was played, Allen"Sonny" Yearick is the first Little Leaguer to play pro ball ( Boston Braves Org.)

1953- Little League World Series (LLWS) is televised for the first time, Joey Jay is the first former Little Leaguer to play in the Major Leagues (Milwaukee Braves)

1956- Founder Carl Stotz severs ties with the organization, Little League Foundation is created

1961- Senior League Baseball was created for 13-15yr olds

1968- Big League Baseball was created for 16-18yr olds

1974- Rules were revised to allow girls, Little and Senior League Softball is created

1979- Junior League Baseball was started for 13yr olds

1980- Big League Softball was created for 16-18yr olds

1990- Was the first full season of the Challenger Division for mentally and physically disabled children

Buy me Some Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

My Fav Concession Stand Foods

1. Pretzels with Cheese

2. Brats

                                                                       3. Walking Tacos

4. Burgers

                                 

                                               5. Nachos

 

Composite Bat Ban- My Opinion

Baseball bats have regulations they need to be within for most leagues. Like the length, barrel width, drop (difference between length and weight), and bat performance factor (BPF). BPF measures how fast a ball comes off a bat when hit. Composite bats start off within these standards but as the are used they develop more give. More give allows the ball to come off the bat faster.  Sometimes referred to as the trampoline effect. 

I think composite bats are pretty cool. Come on, who wouldn't want a bat that helped you hit faster, harder, or farther? But, as we all know, I am concerned with safety. A ball coming off of a bat faster gives the fielders less time to react, especially the pitcher.  So I agree with the ban. I also like what USSSA did by moving back the mound and spacing the bases farther apart.

The point is technology advances so fast that sometimes changes have to be made..