Well like every year it was that time when we start to get ready for the upcoming season.  It was our annual "Winter Meeting." Where all complaints and thoughts come together to make the upcoming season take shape. This year was no different.  Below is a breakdown of  what was discussed and voted on. So take a look at any rule changes, the schedule and start getting ready for 2010!

Speed!

Lets start from the top, Speed!  We all have been discussing what to do about the drastic increase in speed over the last few years.  We discussed moving the mound back, a radar gun, or just maybe "FOLLOW THE RULE!" 

   What we voted on was 1. Should we get a radar gun?  The results of the vote were 75%- 25% that yes we should get a radar gun.

 The speed that players have been throwing has been pushing near 50-60 over the last few seasons.  The league has always been 35-40 MPH.  So the next vote was 2. What should the speed limit be? 40 or 45 +?  The vote was 100% for 40 MPH.   So 40 MPH will be the speed limit to be followed! 

BALK RULE!

The next topic on the board was the discussion of the "Balk Rule." The rule now is:  "Balks will not be called."  As it stands you are allowed to "Balk" and try to peg  baserunners out as they lead "At there own Risk."   So we voted: 3. Should we change the Balk rule?  Its was 80% to NOT change the rule.

Along the same lines.... When can you advance to the next base?

The Baserunner has always been able to lead at there own risk without stealing.  The next vote was whether or not you should be able to advance to the next base if a pitcher ballks? Now that we voted to keep the "Balk Rule" this was next in line.  4.  Should it be when the pitcher comes off the mound? Or when the ball leaves his hands? By an 80%-20% vote it should be when the ball leaves the pitchers hand.  So if the pitcher comes off the mound the baserunner must return to his base unless he is thrown at.

Baserunning!

Out of play has always been: You get the base you are going to plus 1.  We added into the rule book that in a pick-off attempt if it goes out of play you only get 1 base.  So we asked,  5. Should we change the rule to out of  foul territory in a Pick off or keep it out of bounds to advance 1 base or at will if it doesnt go out of play?   We will be revisiting this one to get more info.

Ghost Runner Clarification....

      In the event of a ghost runner, the player must take his original base first, if no base belongs to him, than he may take any open base on the field, but cannot switch with any base runner already in the field of play. 

Fielding Stats?

6. Should we keep track of them again in 2010?  We will revisit this in the spring.

Playoff's?  How many? What Format?

7. Should we keep the same format as last year?  Best of 1, Best of 3, Best of 3? We voted to keep it the same format.

8. Next was how many decisions should you need to have?   We voted to keep it 8 decisions.

The playoff's will now have an 8 Vs 9 play in game to decide who plays the # 1 seed. That is a best of 1. This will give one more team an opportunity to try to fight for a spot in the end!

Bats....

We decided to discuss what bats should or shouldnt be used? We are keeping the same specs at this point ( 2 3/4 on the barrell, and 36' in length. ) But will see what bats will or wont be allowed this season.  This will be revisited.

Now last on the agenda was the year's schedule:

( Weather Pending )

April 3rd and 4th: Clean-up weekend.

April 10th and 11th: Finish clean-up and projects and start pre-season.

April 12th, 14th, 15th: Pre-season game days!

April 17th: 10:30 am, Opening day festivities!  Opening Day! ( Games all day)

June 26th: AS Game, Time TBA Moriarty Vs Foley Format to Visited later.

September 6th: ( Labor Day, Last day of regualr season! )

September 9th: Thurday night, Playoffs start!

Well it was a great meeting and a lot was accomplished! I look

forward to seeing all of you this April.  With a

little luck the snow will be gone soon and we will be out on the

field.

Thanks everyone!