Managers, we have already been reminded about the Florida weather and the hurricanes of last fall.  We did get through the first four tournaments this year but already have gone to one pitch twice.  On Super Bowl Sunday we went to one pitch because a storm was to come in in the early afternoon, and it did.  In the February 50's we went to one pitch on Sunday because Polk County does not have the Walker Road fields ready yet.  They are still waiting for FEMA to help them out financially.  I want to give a great big "THANK YOU" to the teams who were involved and played through the problems.  There were only a few who complained vociferously.  We explained the situation but they did not hear.  When we said the schedule was the same for everyone they did not care.  That seems very selfish to me.  The next tournament is March 3/4.  We still have a problem with Walker Road so we asked the Managers what they would like us to do.  Would they rather do one pitch on Sunday or go to another County?  The votes were overwhelmingly "move, if possible," so we did.  We had two choices but we decided on New Tampa because it is much easier to get Hotel rooms there, if needed.

 

One pitch is sometimes a necessity.  No one really likes it but it allows teams to get their games in.  We have experimented with different formats to find the best way to be fair to our teams.  We do respect your opinions on how to handle tough situations but we need ideas on how to do things better, not just complaints.  One guy came up to the table at Sanford and said "I guess you guys went to one pitch so you can get home for the Super Bowl."  That did not sit well with me and I let him know it.  As I mentioned earlier a storm came through about 1pm.  Had we stayed with the regular schedule 12-16 teams would have lost their games.  We got them all in, even though it was one pitch.

 

Please talk to your players about the language they use at the ball park.  Personally, my wife and grandchildren come to many of the tournaments.  They do not need to hear the _bombs and the G_'s.  No, we are not a Church League, which is funny to me because of the language I have heard at the Church Leagues, but we are 50 to 85 years old.  Find some other words to say.  Some of these words will bring a dismissal from the game and maybe another game.

 

Managers, please discuss the rules and regulations with your players, especially if you have a new 50 year old.  Also, some of you do a great job communicating with your team and let them know about schedules, new rules, points of emphasis, and so on.  If you do not have a computer, then appoint someone on your team to do the communication.  If you do this, your life will be easier, and your players will be happy.

 

I have to mention that one of America's greatest leaders has passed on and certainly is at our Lord's side.  I grew up listening and watching Billy Graham on radio and TV and he had a profound influence on my live.  I think I was 5 or 6 years old when I first heard him.  He has not gone, just merely moved along.

 

Mike Knowles