From the President
Our 1998 youth baseball/softball season has come to an end. It has been a very active year, particularly at West Side. The new building, which has been up and functioning since May, is a tremendous help to all those who put in much time at the facility. By now I hope that you all have tasted the wonderful burgers and fries at the new concession stand. And isn't it nice to have the simple luxury of a bathroom at a ball field. A sprinkler system is being installed at the field and will help ensure that conditions remain first rate all of the time.
During the summer season, we hosted 5 tournaments at West Side. The field was busy all summer long, allowing so many players to enjoy the game and the facility. Our 14/15 and 11 year old baseball teams each won districts tournaments. Our 12 year old softball team finished second in the state tournament and won their summer league championship. Congratulations to those teams for their success on the field. In all we had 11 teams competing this summer, with more teams and players participating than ever before. For the first time, we fielded two ten year old baseball teams.
My main topic for this letter is the reward of being a youth sports volunteer. There are several reasons why people choose to be involved in youth sports. I have do so for 30 years for a bunch of reasons. I love the game. I love the kids. And it makes me feel more youthful, a feat that gets more challenging each year. I even get some exercise. I also discovered that I was pretty good at it too.
There is one other major reason that I return each year - the relationships and friendships made among coaches, players and parents. Those relationships are absolutely irreplaceable and may be the single most important factor in a coach's return. As an example, in 1980, I made my first trip from coaching Babe Ruth down to the younger Bambinos. When I began to practice with my team, I noticed that one father was present at all of the practices, so I introduced myself to him and asked him if he would like to help. A good helper is always invaluable, and as he had a 10 year old son, he would be able to help for three years. The family was new in town, and I soon met his wife and nine year old son who was itching to play in the league with the older brother. I formed a relationship with that family that is still present today. The boys and the parents are friends for life.
This past June, the younger son was tragically and senselessly killed in Florida, where he lived and worked. A part of me went with him. He will always be in my heart as will every player that I have coached. The family asked that donations in his memory be made to Sachem Youth Baseball/Softball. Next spring, we will be erecting a permanent flagpole and a memorial to Shane Wyze to replace our old flagpole in the vicinity of the building at West Side Field. I hope to dedicate the memorial on opening day next season. I think that everyone should come out and be a volunteer. See if you find the same rewards as I have found.
In closing, I remind you to fill out the enclosed registration forms early. This helps us in our planning for the upcoming season. And please look closely to see if there is anything for which you can volunteer. As an open organization we are always looking for help and new ideas. Please contact the nominating committee if you would like to be considered for a position or make a check mark on the application if you would simply like to volunteer. This is where those relationships begin.
Bob
West Side Field House Dedicated
On Sunday May 17, the new West Side Field House was officially opened and dedicated. The day saw a jamboree from 12:30 to dusk involving all SYBS teams, both baseball and softball, that use West Side Field during their season.
All players and parents got to try out the new and improved snack bar that now features hot foods such as burgers and French fries in addition to traditional favorites like hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and soda. By the attendance and the smiles on the kids' faces, they loved it!
At 4 o'clock, the games were suspended for the official dedication ceremony, hosted by SYBS president Bob Nutile. Bob pointed out that the building was the culmination of a 5-year plan and acknowledged the many individuals who played a key role in making the new facility a reality after much hard work and a few roadblocks along the way.
Guest speakers included Selectmen Steve Powers, Josh Alper. Selectman Jim Johnson was also in attendance.
The Winchester High School Octets set the tone for the ceremony with their performance of the "Star Spangled Banner" followed by a special rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," arranged by their advisor and head of the Winchester Schools Music Department, Ms. Lynne Rahmeier.
To highlight the afternoon, special guest speaker Lou Tompkins, president of the largest summer baseball program in our area, spoke the praises of the Winchester youth baseball/softball program. He also announced that the 1998 Bay State Tournament of Champions (A,B, and C Divisions for 12, 11, and 10-year olds, respectively) would be held in August at West Side Field.
Mr. Tompkins said that this honor was granted not only so that other towns would have an opportunity to visit and enjoy the new facility, but also to show them "how a first rate organization gets things done!"
Field House Donations Welcomed
Over 75 families, individuals and businesses have already contributed to the construction of the West Side Field House. Their contributions have been greatly appreciated and they have been thanked directly by SYBS.
Despite their generosity, we have yet not recovered the full cost of construction. Therefore, we urge our other constituents and friends to donate any amount they can to SYBS (Field House). As in the past, amounts of $250 or more will be acknowledged by an inscription on a bronze plaque permanently affixed to the building. Cumulative donations by any donor totaling $250 or more will be similarly acknowledged upon their receipt.
Please send your gift to P.O. Box 612, Winchester, MA 01890.
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Registration Begins for 1999
Registration for the upcoming baseball/softball season is now under way.
As in the past registrations received prior to October 1 are eligible for a $5 early bird discount.
Registration forms are enclosed in this edition of The Rundown. If you, a family member, or friend needs additional forms, feel free to make copies or obtain them at the Recreation Department at the Sanborn House on High Street.
For those who wish to register in person, you may do so on September 23, 1998, in the Winchester Room at Town Hall from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.
Tryouts for Major League To Be Held Sept. 26-27
All Winchester baseball players who will be 10, 11 or 12 years old as of July 31, 1999, are invited to try out for the Major League teams at West Side Field on September 26 and 27. The times will be as follows for the respective age groups:
| 12 year olds | Sat 2:00-3:00 | Sun 12:00-1:00 |
| 11 year olds | Sat 3:00-4:30 | Sun 1:00-2:30 |
| 10 year olds | Sat 4:30-6:30 | Sun 2:30-4:30 |
Anyone wishing to be considered for the draft must submit his/her registration form and attend at least one of the sessions, but preferably both.
If you are unable to attend, need to come at a time other than that specified for your age group, or have any other questions about the Bambino Majors, please call Commissioner Joe Annese at 729-5082.
The rain dates will be October 3-4.
As announced elsewhere in this newsletter, only two 10-year olds will be drafted by each of the eight teams. This will leave more spaces available for 11- and 12-year olds than in past years.
All players not drafted for 1998 will be assigned to a AAA team before the upcoming season and, if of proper age, will be eligible for future major league draft(s).
Returning players on Major League rosters must also submit their registration forms before September 20 to hold their roster spots, although it is not necessary for them to attend the tryout.
Baseball 101 (Part 5)
Baseball and softball are team sports. Yet at any given moment only one player's skills are displayed. That player may be the one pitching the ball, hitting it, fielding it, throwing it, or catching it.
Which of the players on the field are most important? The answer has more to do with the talent of the individuals and how hard they work to get the most out of it than it does with what position they play.
Every position on the field is important. Let's cover a few of them.
Pitcher - Most experts agree that pitching is the single most important factor determining the outcome of baseball games. However, in baseball no pitcher has the capability of pitching every inning of every game - far from it. Hence several players must share the job.
Catcher - As the pitcher's battery-mate, the catcher is an integral part of the pitcher's success, helping him decide what pitches to pitch and where in the strike zone. A quality catcher serves as a deterrent to runners stealing bases and prevents wild pitches. He also shouts out how infielders should cover most plays as they unfold because he has the best view of the entire field of play.
Outfielders - successful outfielders are usually quick, have the ability to judge the trajectory of fly balls, and to make long, accurate throws. Their play can determine whether a batter reaches base or not or whether a hit is a single or an extra base hit. Because there may be several outs between opportunities for an outfielder to be involved in a play, he must have the ability to stay alert and focused on the next chance.
Infielder - successful infielders require good hands and quick reflexes and reaction times to handle ground balls, make quick, accurate throws, and cover bases. Like outfielders, their play often determines whether a batter reaches base safely or not.
Each position requires a special set of skills, a combination of speed, agility, dexterity, ability to judge fly balls, and arm strength. Some positions require more of one skill, either physical or mental, than another. The coach's challenge, in part, is to place players in positions where they have the greatest chance to succeed and improve, recognizing that at any moment only one player can play any given position and some players must be on the bench.
Annual Meeting Set, Volunteers Sought
The Sachem Youth Baseball/Softball Association will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday October 22, 1998 at 7:30 PM in the Winchester Town Hall (Waterfield Room).
All members of the community are welcome to attend. In addition to an opportunity for the community to make comments and ask questions, the primary agenda item will be the election of officers and directors.
Interested persons are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the Board.
Your efforts will be rewarded by the hundreds of happy young faces you will help create for Winchester's kids and the enjoyment they will experience not only from playing the game but also from improving at it each week.
You may refer to the list of Director positions on the back page of The Rundown to get an idea of the jobs we need to fill annually.
For further information or to volunteer, please contact Ed Interess, the chairman of the nominating committee, at 729-7101.
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