7th Inning Stretch

The 7th Inning Stretch is a page for everyone to ask questions of Earl or the BBSA Board, regarding policy, concerns, issues, rules, decisions, or just about anything having to do with BBSA and the town leagues.

If you have a question which you would like publicly answered, ask it here and we'll get you a response.

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Q. Dear Earl,

I was hoping you could clarify the ruling for pitching in the softball Minuteman league. Do we use the ASA rules along with a few in town rules ? It is my understanding that both feet must be in contact with the pitching rubber. Then upon delivery the front foot must move forward while the pivot foot stays in concact with the mound/ground until the front foot touches the ground. With that being said, the pivot foot is used to push off the rubber and can be dragged not picked up or crow hop upon delivery until the front foot hits the ground. So because of the continuation the pivot foot is still considered in contact with the pitching rubber. Could you please get the exact wording on this matter ? Bob

A. Dear Bob,

I went to the horses mouth (so to speak) for this one, and this is Keith Vieneau's (the Softball Commissioner's) response:

"Right from the ASA rule book:
In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length of the pitchers plate. it is not a step if the pitcher slides the pivot foot across the pitchers plate toward the batter, or if the pivot foot turns or slides the pivot foot across to push off the pitchers plate, provided contact is maintained with the pitchers plate. Raising the foot off the pitching plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.
Note: The ASA umpire makes the call on this rule - The coach should only approach the umpire about this rule and then it is up to the umpire to rule on this situation..."

There ya go! The exact wording! - Earl

According to Eddie Malatesta, GLBUA umpire and soon to be inductee into the Burlington High School Hall of Fame, the answer is a definitive.......

Is there anything in the pitching rules about if you hit 2 batters in one inning does the pitcher have to be removed from the game (in Ripken AA)?

I asked for the help of our Double A Director, Tim Horgan, for this one, and he responded -

"There is definitely no Burlington rule. I'll have to check the Ripken rule book, but I don't think it's in there either. We do have a local rule that pitchers should be pulled after 4 consecutive walks or 6 walks in the same inning. A HBP is the same as a walk for the purposes of enforcing this rule. If the umpire did remove the pitcher, I'd trust the judgment of the umpire that the pitcher wasn't in the appropriate shape to continue safely. I'll let you know if I find anything. Let me know if you get any more details."

Does that answer your question? You didn't say if the pitcher was pulled and you thought he shouldn't have been, or wasn't pulled when you thought he should have been. If you need more clarification, get back to me or Tim. - Earl

I was wondering what the rule is for bringing up Minor league players to play for the Babe Ruth Majors during playoffs. It is stated in the rules that a player can only be brought up if the team would forfeit, I have also heard that coaches have brought up an extra player even though they had enough to play. This doesn't seem fair, otherwise coaches would be bringing up better players to sit weak ones.

Under Babe Ruth rule 5.5, it says “Each Major League team will be allowed to bring up a Minor League player(s) only to avoid forfeits”. While that may seem clear enough, there is apparently enough room in that phrasing to allow a manager to subjectively decide if he is in danger of forfeiting, given the possibility of injury in the game. For example, if he knows he’s only going to have 9 players to start, a manager may feel he needs an insurance player or 2, in case one or more of his regulars is unable to finish the game. The decision to bring a player up is his, with approval of the Director of the League, as long as he is doing it under the umbrella of the forfeit rule. Furthermore, once brought up, that player MUST play; BR Rule 5.6 says “The Minor League player(s) included in the line-up and subject to the minimum playing requirements”.

There ARE similar protections for the regular rostered players. Rule 13.2 states "All properly rostered and uniformed players must play a minimum of 4 innings (12 defensive outs) in the field”. When asked to look into the rules regarding playing (and sitting) time when players are brought up, both Babe Ruth Directors were under the impression that there was a written rule that “brought up players” could not play more than any regular team player. Tony Salvucci e-mailed me and wrote “… we both thought there was a written rule that said that a Minor League player being called up could not play more then a rostered player. But we could not find the rule. We will have to get it written in, but we have verbally told the team managers this over the years.” So, while the managers have been verbally told (at least in the Babe Ruth League) that they may not play “brought up” players more than regular team players, there is no rule now which states that. Clearly an omission with potential for abuse, and which needs to be fixed.

I’m also told, by another Director, that some managers in other Leagues have been bringing up players as well, under circumstances which might be questionable, but are allowed under the forfeit rule. As this director said, "Managers are bringing up players for the wrong reasons. They are not breaking any of the rules as they are written. The rule is they can call up players. It doesn't have any real guidelines as to how and why.”

So, clearly you have some reason for concern. The written rules regarding “how many players available constitutes a potential forfeit” and “playing time for brought up players vs. regular team players” need to be clarified, and then they need to be followed by the spirit as well as the letter of the law. These issues will be brought up for review during the off season.

In the meantime, if you have an allegation you’d like to bring up, you need to step forward with a name and a team, in order for it to be looked into. You can contact me again, or more directly, Tony Salvucci or Ed Malatesta, Directors of the Babe Ruth Minor and Major leagues, respectively.

Q. Earl:
I try not to complain because I know it's a tough job running the BBSA and it's been a crazy spring with all the rainouts. But why would the playoffs for Ripken A be scheduled for the weekend of the Independence Day holiday? Especially with less than 48 hours notice. Technically, the holiday isn't until Tuesday but lots of folks will be or are already gone for the weekend. I would hate to see any team have to forfeit due to lack of players. Is it too late to change this schedule? Just wanted to vent a bit.

I sympathize with you. With all the rain this year, I can't think of anyone who isn't a bit frustrated and wanting to vent. But in response to your query; I don't think there was any real alternative to scheduling the playoffs this weekend.... unless you wanted to forget the playoffs altogether.

I "feel your pain", but with the summer already upon us, what's an organization to do?? But vent away! It's good for your health!! -Earl

Q. Hi Earl,
A couple of my players asked me.. and I didn't have the answer so... I'm asking Earl, the Baseball Guru...
In Babe Ruth Minors (even Majors) can a player pitch again , in the same game, if he is removed? Example: Player "A" pitches the 1st inning... comes out in the 2nd inning... and then gets re-inserted to pitch the 7th inning...

A. Boy, have I been lonely this year! No complaining from anybody or anything! Didn't this year's parents learn anything from a few years back, when those parents were having all sorts of fun (or not) on these pages? I mean, I'm glad everybody's happy, but now I'm feeling totally unneeded!!

Anyway, back to your question...... This Guruship had to ask the head man of the of Babe Ruth to get the answer, because not even the Commish was sure. And here's what I heard back: "If he (the pitcher) is taken out of the game (relieved) then no, but if he finishes, say, the 2nd inning, then a different pitcher shows for the 3rd, and then they bring the first pitcher back in, that's ok." So I guess he could come back in the 7th as well, to respond very specifically to your question. Methinks the issue is "substitution before the inning starts, versus taking someone out in the middle of an inning, thus "relieving" him. Is that the way you read it? Speaking of reading, the answer is in the Babe Ruth handbook. And if you need a clearer explanation, Ed Malatesta is the man to see. -Earl

Q Earl, Was there an answer to the status of the photos from A1-Photo? We still haven't received ours. - Deb

Your question prompted a phone call, and Alex at A-1 Photo assures us that the pictures will be sent out by weeks' end. That would be by Saturday, June 25. Time will tell! -Earl

I wanted to know about tryouts for the 10 year old boys. Are there 2 separate tryouts...one for Bay State and one for Cal Ripkin? Or are these for different age groups? There seems to be some confusion for parents of first time players ( those with no older siblings). Could you explain the different levels for different ages? Thanks for your time. - Jeannine D.

A. I asked Dan Brothers, Summer Baseball Commissioner, to field this question (baseball joke!), and his response is posted here:

"Earl,

In regards to the questions asked, there are two types of teams - the Cal Ripken tournament team and the Bay State baseball travel team. The Cal Ripken tournament team plays in the Ripken national tournament, starting with playoffs within our own geographical district and possibly culminating in the Cal Ripken World series in Aberdeen, MD in August. The format is two losses and you are eliminated. It could happen in your first two games or you could play 12-20 games. While Burlington has not had any teams advance to the world series, we have been pretty successful at the district, state and regional levels. The team is selected by a vote of the managers (saver for 9 year olds who have a tryout) based on their performance in the regular season.

The Bay State baseball teams are selected based on a two-day tryout. The top 10 on each team are selected and the coach is allowed to take two players of his choice from the remaining players that tried out. This league plays from approximately July 4 through August 15 and basically four times per week. In this years 10 year old division, we added a second team for the first time ever, based on the number of players that tried out and the depth of their talent. The Bay state league is a competitive high-level baseball league.

Hope this helps. If there are any other questions, please feel free to send them my way."

Q. Hi Earl:
I'm a 14 year old player in Babe Ruth majors. I would like to know how the Babe Ruth State Tournament team was chosen and how they decide who the replacements are for the kids ( I think there are 2 of them) who can't play.

It seems like the coaches never change the teams very much, but us players know who the best players are and it seems like a few of them are not there.
I would appreciate an answer and please don't print my name I wouldn't want to be blackballed. - Anonymous

A. Hi. Last piece first, for clarification...

It's the policy of this website to post any legitimate question anonymously, as long as Earl has verified the name of the questioner. It's the purpose of this forum to get information out, not to harm. If anonymity is requested, your name does not get passed on to anyone, even the person responding to the question. Ever.

With regard to your question, it's another one for Dan Brothers, Summer Baseball Commissioner. He'll be responding shortly.

UPDATE - Here's Dan's response:

"Dear Earl,

The Babe Ruth 14 and 15 year old teams were selected by a vote of the managers, based on the performances of the players during the regular season. The task was to select 15 players, 12 roster players plus 3 alternates. The alternates are NOT announced, but rather given to the summer director and the manager in case a player leaves the team. If that happens, then the manager may choose from the 3 alternates, to add to the roster. This year, the manager was only given 12 names, and was given the choice of filling in with any player, should a roster player choose not to play. With a commitment and an injury, two spots did open up, and the players were replaced by the manager, as instructed. While this may not be the practice of year's past, it is the way the manager was instructed this year. At this time, the decision remains and we will move on from here, and make sure that those who are doing these teams follow the process more stringently.

As far as your comments go in the second paragraph, there will always be some unhappy people. It's not the responsibility of the league to make decisions to appease their unhappiness, and I would hope that the people involved in the selection process wouldn't do that, but I can't see what goes on in people's minds. The group has had the same basic coaching staff in place since they were 9 years old and the changes have been minimal. I would trust that we're picking managers who have the best interests of all the players, and would make the selections based on performance and not the appeasement and comfort of keeping a team together. While the selection of these teams has never been an exact science, it is a pretty safe process that will always pick the top 9 player or so. The debate comes when selecting the final 3 or so slots.

As far as players knowing who the top players are, maybe someday we could take a poll to see what all the players think. It would be interesting to see how the player's vote would match up to the coaches' votes.

Hope this answers the questions and addresses the comments that were made in your email.

Dan Brothers

Summer Director"

I'm writing to you just to talk about the field conditions. For the last couple of days we have had games at Francis Wyman and Simonds park. Both of these fields were very dry around the bases and in short stop and second base positions. Many kids on our team have gotten raspberries and cuts on their legs from sliding. So I was wondering if there was a way that the dirt could be more like dirt rather than having it feel like concrete.

A. I really don't know much about the field conditions, but I know who to ask. As I'm getting a response, I'd be curious to know what others think of the fields this year. Incidentally, I'm sorry this is so late in posting. I received this e-mail about 4 days ago, but incoming playoff information has kept me a bit swamped. I'll get a response for you now. - Earl

Do you know when the sign ups will be for next years umpire training? How do I go about getting info and an application? Is there an age requirement? I will be 16 by next season. -RAJ

The Greater Lowell Baseball Umpires Association http://pages.zdnet.com/dbulens/glbua/ (GLBUA) clinics (classes) for umpiring usually take place in March, and the exam is in April. You are eligible at 16, so you're in luck. You can check the above website address for more information, or check here after the first of the year. You can also write Dave Megee (91 Shawsheen St., Tewksbury, MA 01876) or Bob Dicey (18 Terrell Lane, Hollis, NH 03049), to let them know of your interest, and to be put on a list for notification of upcoming clinics in your area. Of course, you can also always call our own Roger Morrison for all the information you will ever want, (and sometimes more). Next question!

UPDATE June 16 - Well, the next question has to wait. Roger Morrison has just e-mailed me that there may well be a new summer course taking place this...uh, summer! Go to the Bulletin Board page on this website for more information, or call Roger. He'd love to hear from you!

Q. Earl,
During family day last year there was a home run hitting contest for the Babe Ruth players at lower Simonds. Is there one scheduled for this year?
Thanks, Fred Olshaw

The answer is no, there isn't a Home Run Derby this year. Roger Morrison, who runs special events, was very specific about that. And now that you bring it up, I'm going to find out why.

UPDATE - Well, plans have changed "in a New York minute". As it stand now, there IS a Home Run Derby, but it's for all the 11 and 12 year olds, and it'll take place at Upper Simonds, around 4:00. Also, I believe there is a tentative plan (how vague can I be?) for a Babe Ruth Home Run Derby at the end of the season. We'll have to wait and see. - Earl

I was wondering why the softball leagues abandoned the All-Star games? The games were always fun to watch and it sure seemed like the girls enjoyed playing in them as well.

A. I'll bet it was fun! This year, the directors of the Junior and Intermediate Softball leagues decided it would be fun and appropriate to have all the girls play, so they made it a "team versus team" series of games; an exhibition of all the players. However, as you can see on the Family Day page, there's about a 2 hour empty block between the end of the Intermediate Softball games and the Triple A game.... Maybe you can persuade the directors to set up your All-Star game there. Just don't tell them I gave you the idea. - Earl

Q. Hi Earl !
Any details in regards to whether there will be "All - Star" games during Family day ? If there so, specific questions are.... how many kids will be picked from each team? times? etc.
Also, any word information on the "A1 Foto" BBSA Team / Player pictures?

A. I'll get right on it! I'll ask "Mr. Baseball" himself, when he gets on line tonight at 10, and have an answer for you tomorrow. I'm sort of curious about Family Day myself. so far, I know notthhhiing...... 'cept the date, of course (June 11th)!

Update - As you can see from the Family Day page, it looks like 3 players are chosen from each team (at least in the Ripken Majors). I imagine that's true in all leagues, unless there are an abundance of teams in a given league. Again, as you can see, the times are already posted for the A, AA, AAA and Ripken Major games, as well as softball. - Earl

The Rahanis B (adjacent to soccer fields) needs a couple of items to make it a more enjoyable experience for the Junior Softball girls. The team bench closest to the soccer fields has shrubs containing thorns growing under the bench making most of it unusable for the team. Can something be done to clean this up a little? Also, there is no home plate on this field. Can a home plate be installed for Rahanis B or should the coaches be notified that they will have to supply their own home plate during the season?

A. I'll pass this along to the appropriate parties. Hopefully, the thorns can be cleared and the bench will be usable by next week. I'll find out about home plate and respond on this page. Look for an answer in a day or two.

- Earl

Update: This field has been taken care of, thanks to Jim Grasso.

      What is the proper procedure for ensuring that fields are lined and marked for play when Babe Ruth tournament games are scheduled at Simonds park?   On Thursday, 7/08, the 14 year old tournament team had a game against Winchester at Simonds park scheduled at 5:30 p.m.   There was heavy rain in Burlington at about 3 p.m., but I called the rec department to let them know that the game had not been canceled.   I left work and arrived at Simonds about 3:30; the field had been dragged but not lined. My son and I spent considerable time draining puddles around home plate, the first base line, and in the home and visitors bench areas.   My coaches arrived a short time later and spent time tamping the pitching mound.
      The Winchester team arrived about 4:30, took infield about 5:00 p.m. and complained to the umpire-in-chief about the conditions in the batters box just before game time at 5:30.   At the direction of the umpire-in-chief, my coaches and I spent the final fifteen minutes before game time digging out the right hand batters box, replacing it with drier earth and tamping it down with implements I'd brought from home.
      I looked for drying compound in the 'block house', but there was none to be found. I was told by a board member that there was none because the recreation department did not like anyone working on the fields.
      Please help me understand the process.   It's an embarrassment to host teams from other towns at our fields and have them complain about the field conditions. Unfortunately, this is the second year in a row that my team has hosted Winchester and Simonds park was unprepared.

Joe Mullin, manager
Babe Ruth tournament team for 14s

I've posted your letter here, and see that you have also sent this to the board members who can knowledgably respond to your concerns. I'm sure someone will get back to you and /or The 7th Inning Stretch. If it comes here,

Q. Earl
I have a few questions about Summer Travel Teams. Are the players named to the Tournament Team automatically on The Bay State Team? If there is a try-out process is selection based solely on the try-out or the players play throughout the season? Who evaluates players during a try-out and are they there for the number of days that might be involved? Must players trying out attend all try-outs or be evaluated only on the ones that they made?
- Curious Baseball Parent

A. This question was sent to Dan Brothers, Summer League Director, for an answer.

    His reply -

    "Dear Curious Parent,
    The tryout process for the Bay State is different than that Tournament teams. As highlighted on the Days of Summer, the Bay state teams are selected through a tryout process of which the managers of that league do the evaluating. Players must attend one of the two tryouts. The top 10 are selected to the team and the manager is then awarded the privilege of selecting the final two spots. The managers do their best to be at both tryouts, but there have been times when they are not. It is one of the responsibilities that some managers do take more seriously than others. On the positive side, the Ripken (under 12) division seems to have a higher percentage of managers who attend tryouts. As a note, this year the 11 and 12 division had 7 managers grading (out of 8) and the 10's had 6 and 5 (out of 7) on the two tryout days.
     The tournament team is selected by the managers of that respective league based on the regular season performance.

   -Dan Brothers
    Summer League Director"
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That was an incredible game last night at Simonds Park between the A's & Cubs - It has to be right up there with the best games played at Simonds Park. The big crowd, extra innings,a great night for baseball and the coaches and umps kept all in check in what was a thriller. Congrats to both teams on a great playoff game!!!!!!!

Congratulations to the Athletics and the Cubs for a hard fought, wonderful game. Cliche' not withstanding, this is the kind of game where it's a shame somebody has to lose..... Also, congratulations to the other teams who have won their League Championship. At the time of this writing, these include the Babe Ruth Major Mariners, the Softball Intermediate Angels, and the Minuteman Class C Belmont Panthers. All the rest of the leagues will be playing their final games this week, so if anyone is looking for some great baseball and softball, the time is now! -Earl

Earl,
Now that the regular season is winding down and the playoffs are in full force I wanted to take a minute to thank you for the wonderful job you have done maintaining our website. The BBSA website is without a doubt the BEST website I have seen. We... at least I,.. missed you last year and hope you continue to give your time to keep our website NUMBER 1. You stay on top of things and keep a level head when presented with touchy issues. Thanks Earl for all you do and have done this season.
Much Thanks,
Ron Sanderson
Baseball Commissioner

A. Well shucks, I like to think I'm modest about this stuff, but I guess I'm not too modest to post such a glowing report on the website. Thanks Ron, it's very much appreciated, especially coming from you. Aside from being a mainstay of stability, common sense and integrity on the board, Ron writes the best Sports write-ups on this site. For those of you who would like to read some eloquent prose, Ron sends in the reports for his Ripken Major Pirates (go to The Sports Pages). They're wonderful to read, and show a real awareness regarding the greater purpose of this website and the BBSA. By the way, Ron, I'm putting your name up now, as an incumbent for this year's elections. And I would encourage anyone and everyone with a little time on their hands (or not) to seriously consider helping out on the board this coming year. There are over 11 hundred kids involved in the BBSA ( including yours, if you're reading this ) , and that's just the spring league. It's a massive job to pull off a successful season, but the burden is lightened dramatically when more parent volunteers sign up for board positions. There are plenty of positions to fill, and plenty of grateful board members to help you out, so don't be afraid. If you suspect your son or daughter will be taking advantage of the BBSA program over the next few years, as he or she grows up in Burlington, maybe it's time you asked yourself if you don't share some responsibility in helping the BBSA continue to be a vibrant organization. If you're not involved in Pop Warner, hockey, or some other sport ( or even if you are ), think about signing up for a board position. If you're not sure which position or if you're up to the job, e-mail the website and we'll discuss it. Like you, all the members on the board have very busy lives, but they manage to find the time for the BBSA. Maybe, if you really try, you can find the time too... Think about it. - Earl

Hey Earl,
It's been quite some time since we communicated. This is your old friend (not too old yet !), Ump Wagner. I've had a pretty busy season. I've been doing Babe Ruth level games and above all season. I had a chance to read the '7th Inning Stretch' this morning and read about the incident with the umpire a leaving a game early. I had originally heard about this
incident last week. Without further comment on this matter, this is being addressed by the league and umpire assignor.
However, what I would like to comment on is the statement you made about umpire training. A few years ago, I went thru the formal training at the GLBUA facility. Since receiving my certification, I have found umpiring both enjoyable and rewarding at all levels. From a personal viewpoint, because of the love of baseball I have, it is very satisfying to see the kids' skills improve from April til the end of the season. This is due to the tremendous amount of time the league administrators, players and coaches contribute.
Being an umpire is also a challenge. Yes, there are 'sticky' situations that do occur. This is part of being an umpire. Interpreting the rules, applying common sense and using our best 'judgment', is our job. In the end, we do the best we can. We are not perfect. As I mentioned to a coach earlier this season: 'During the course of a game, an umpire could make a error (questionable call, etc.), a coach could make a error (sending runners who become outs, etc.) and players could make an error. In the end, who's errors get tracked in the scorebox.

Only the players !!!'
Earl, you are correct in saying that the umpires association is over-taxed. I even heard a 'rumor' last week that due to the shortage in umpires and budget constraints, some of the high schools are even considering cutting back from 2 officials down to 1 per game for next spring. To back up Earl's sediments, I would recommend the training to anyone interested in becoming an umpire.

Good Luck the rest of the season...

A. Ray is referring to the letter below. Ditto about the training! 'Nuff said! - Earl

Q. Earl,

Tonight my son played at Simonds Park at 5:45. We had an umpire who obviously didn't want to be there. He was an older man, not one of the high school/college kids who umpire for the league a lot. He was making bad calls all night, calling outs when there weren't any and strikes in the dirt, but that's not my complaint. My complaint is that at 7:25 he told the coaches that the game was over because we couldn't start another inning after 7:30. We all know the 7:30 rule but the problem with his logic was that it was the beginning of the bottom half of the inning, NOT the start of a new inning. Even though the coaches tried to explain this to him he continued to walk off the field saying that he goes by his watch and no one else's. This man should not be paid for this game or be used in any future games. What a horrible example to our young people! Luckily, one of the high school/ college kids were there and he finished the bottom half of the inning for us. Please thank him for the Cubs and Pirates.

A. The BBSA is aware of the game you're referring to, and is looking into the matter.

The problem regarding the successful scheduling of umpires is an ongoing one, not only in this community, but in others, as well. Simply, there are too few certified umpires for the requisite number of games. The umpires who are hired are simply overtaxed. Most do their best under difficult situations and some... well, ... don't. Burlington Baseball tries to solve this problem, in part, by encouraging (and paying for) our own town residents to take (and pass) the Greater Lowell Baseball Umpires Association (GLBUA) test. Two months ago, seven of our own took the test (which takes place once a year), and they are now certified GLBUA umpires. Hopefully, these 7 can relieve some of the pressure in a baseball market where umpires are at a premium, and will do so with enthusiasm and patience, no matter which league they are umpiring. In the meantime, as you mentioned in your e-mail, the high school kids are doing a great job "pitching in" (pun intended), and we owe them our thanks (though I'm sure they're happy to do it, - they DO get paid pretty good money for a couple of hours work.)

If you or anyone in the community is interested in becoming a certified umpire, you can check out the GLUBA website http://pages.zdnet.com/dbulens/glbua/ and contact our own Roger Morrison (BBSA Babe Ruth Majors Director) for further information; I'm sure the BBSA will be sponsoring more applicants for next year's baseball season. - Earl

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These "rules" were from three different games. I understand the kids starting to pitch, and even three outs (in the field only) but these are 8 year olds kids and I think a basic standard is needed. I hope you can help. Thanks!!

A. This e-mail was forwarded to Jim Farley, who is the Director for the Rookie League. Jim Responded -

"Hi Earl,

The first thing that must be kept in mind is this is still an instructional level. We are forced to bend alot of the strict rules in an effort to teach the game to a group of "8 year olds". The format I have been trying to follow through our first few games as been working so far and worked with the teams we have played.
Format -
I have tried to stay w/ rules as much as possible with exceptions.
We have had the players start to pitch with a coach backing up. If the pitcher is not getting close say after 4-5 pitches the coach will step in and finish. We are not calling balls and strikes on pitches but if a player swings and misses three they are called out. If a player is hit by a pitch they will be sent to first. We have tried to have the players only advance 1 base on a hit as much as possible (Not always successful) but good for the most part. All defensive plays in the field resulting in an out are counted. We are trying to go with a 3 out format and if a team goes around the order without 3 outs end the inning. The coaches are trying to do what is best for the players where they will get the most out of it. This format will vary from game to game in cases where players need more active participation by coaches to move a game along or for instructional purposes. We also try to keep in mind at all times the age group we are dealing with and that this is the first live exposure to playing baseball with rules that most of these players have been involved in.
Hope this helps
Jim Farley
Rookie League Director"

- from concerned parents

A. That's a important question, and the answer is somewhat complicated. Even as I write this, the process is being changed to accommodate ALL the players in the Minors. Suffice it to say that there were no clear guidelines this past week, and Babe Ruth Major managers often found themselves in the difficult position of having to find extra players quickly, so that they would not forfeit games because of understaffed rosters.

Because of this, a few Babe Ruth Minor players were called up more than once, while others were not called up at all.

Roger Morrison (the Babe Ruth Major's Director), has advised me that he is in the process of making up a list of Babe Ruth Minor players for each Major's manager. Combined, these lists will include ALL the players in the Minor League. The managers must choose from their own list only, and may use a player only once, until all players on the list have been called and have played. Babe Ruth Minor players who have already played in the Majors this season are now ineligible to play in the Majors again, until all other players on their "Babe Ruth Minors Call Up List" have also played.

It will be in the manager's best interest to find out as far in advance as possible whether or not he will have a full roster for any given game. If, a few hours before game time, he finds he won't have enough players to field a team, he is allowed to call only those players he has not already used. And even if he can't get hold of these players, he is still not allowed to call the players he has already used. In this event, he will either have to forfeit the game, or call Roger Morrison BEFORE the game, for additional names of eligible players.

Roger will distribute these "Babe Ruth Minor Call Up Lists" to the Major's managers by tomorrow, Saturday, April 24th ...in time for Sunday's games. - Earl

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Where are the schedules and scores of the Lou Tompkin 13 year old team?

A. Good Question! The managers need to send this information in, if they want it posted on the BBSA web site..... Dan Brothers informed me today that "as much information as you need is available at www.ltabaseball.com. It gives schedules, standings, etc. There is also a website for Bay State baseball at
www.baystatebaseball.com. These organizations are using the web as a communication tool."

My sixth sense tells me you're better off checking these web sites for information your looking for...

If last summer is any indication, the travel teams will be sending in very little info to this site during the summer.... and this makes sense, because our Summer Travel teams are not playing in an intra-town league. Instead, they are part of larger organizations, and their standings and win/loss record are only meaningful relative to the standings of the other towns/teams they play against. -Earl

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to all of the managers, coaches and assistant coaches for the 2002 senior softball league. Your commitment and dedication allowed us to have yet another very successful season, one that was truly enjoyed by all. As League Director for Senior Softball, I attended several games and I was extremely pleased with what I observed. Specifically, I saw coaches providing instruction, motivation, and support; rotating players to allow them to gain experience at various positions on the field; demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times; and most importantly, making it an enjoyable experience for all players, coaches, parents and fans.

Special thanks to the following managers and coaches: Dave Leone, John Hennessey and Marcia Heinze from the Champion Marlins; Frank Cotone, Danny Shannon and Connie Sorenson from the runner up Pirates; Andy Barr and Phil Canniff from the Cardinals; Al Toland and Terry Cooley from the Blue Jays; Greg Mazure, Randy Burke and Diane Jefferson from the Athletics, and last but not least, Joanne Vigneau, Mike Sokolski and Mr. Costa from the Angels. Also deserving of special recognition are Keith Vienneau, Softball Commissioner, for his tireless efforts in scheduling games and umpires, and his overall coordination of Burlington Softball.

Finally, and most importantly, I want to say thank you to all of the girls who played senior softball this past season. It's always a pleasure to stop by the field and observe a competitive, yet friendly game of softball between good friends. All six Burlington teams represented our town in a first class manner, and you should all be extremely proud of your actions and results. Thanks again and have a wonderful summer!!!

I was just wondering if the BBSA has logo items such as sweatshirt, jacket, teeshirts etc. that can be ordered with a player's name. I know my daughter would love a Burlington Softball sweatshirt which I would gladly pay for if you could tell who I might contact.

Hope you don't mind my editing of your letter... In this case, discretion is the better part of....uh, something. Anyway, I'm hoping that by publishing your question here, we can find a board member who knows about these things (Hey Tommy, now just where did you get that red Championship jacket??).

There might be others out there who would like to purchase "something BBSA", and if there are, let us know! In the meantime, let's assume we'll get an answer here from a knowledgeable board member.

Earl,

I too, would like to chime in on the "Instant Classic" that finished on Wednesday night and on the overall play of the major leagues in general.

I have been involved in this program as a player, coach and a director since 1971. I have witnessed hundreds of games at the old ballyard called Simonds Park. Simonds Park has a certain aura about it. I cannot describe what it is, but it is special. I have to say that I have been part of many special moments up there and many are not the big homerun by the best player. They are plays that are made by the little people. That is what makes baseball the great game that it is.

I was not in attendance on Monday for the first 14 innings of the classic, but I received an update from my son via cell phone; from the spectators who were there after the lights went off (while standing in the lightning I may add); and from discussions that I had with people either by email or phone discussions the next day. I was particularly enlightened by the number of people who were calling people by cell phone telling them to get up to the park to watch this "Instant Classic." Little League Baseball provides the opportunity for these moments to happen. The size of the park and the action that happens contributes to this. What I took most from this was the number of people who were there at the end of the game on night one.

I did see the finish of this game and the interest it generated was second to none. It is the type of interest we should see at all games. I think it was great that the crowd gathered early and got a chance to see the AAA Reds-Cubs game finish. That shows there is quality baseball in both of the 11-12 year old leagues. But the excitement that was generated by 24 - 11 and 12 year old baseball players is truly special. With all of the problems that are going on in the world some of which have touched Burlington, this game helped up to remember what is special of the gifts we have. The plays and this games will be talked about forever. The memories that these players and the people who witnessed this are ones that will last a lifetime. The ones that people have been talking about are Eric "Home Run" Warren, the Marlins escaping 2nd and 3rd several times in extra innings and the special defensive plays made by Jason Steinbach and Kyle Pierce. I know that there were others, but those are the ones that are being talked about around town.

To all of those who participated, enjoy it. Many years from now, no one is going to care who won. They will only remember the 24 players who played in "The Game" at Simonds Park.

Congratulations and good luck in the rest of the playoffs to all,
Dan Brothers

Dear Earl

         I want to commend the Marlins and their Coaches especially Bob Conceison for their true sportsmenship and wholeheartedness in the finale of the "Instant Classic" game on Wednesday night . After playing 14 innings of baseball Monday and being deadlocked at 3 - 3 it meant that someone was going to be disappointed. It bothered me to see the tears in a lot of those little guys eyes as we passed through the line at the end of the game shaking hands. The game picked up on Wednesday where it left off from Monday night. Without skipping a beat the Marlins charged right out by putting a run up on the scoreboard and the White Sox answered back with 2 runs to win the game. The game over the course of 15 innings was filled with spectacular defensive plays. It is rare at whatever level of baseball you watch to have that much activity and so few runs scored !
        The officiating, the coaching, the parents, the kids from other teams watching and all the other onlookers all were part of a great youth baseball experience. I told my kids before that final inning on Wednesday night how proud I was of them and that we were a "team" and that we win and we lose as a "team". I already knew that a memory had been created for these kids and both teams need to be held up for a spectacular display of courage and perseverance.
        Team sports has always been a large part of my life and that of my other children. As emotionally exhausting as the game was ( I would rather have been playing than coaching ), it once again confirmed to me the fact that as parents and adults we have a wonderful opportunity to prepare our kids through sports with lessons that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
        Thanks for this Website Earl, you have done an awesome job, I will miss you next year ! Thank you Bill Hurynowicz and the rest of the BBSA organization for the great job you have done this year and all of the hours of time with very little recognition.

Paul Pierce

Earl,

I, Jack Danielson, would like to respond to the letter you received from a concerned parent about not having an Umpire, who was committed to umpire a Double A game.

This year, as you explained in your response, the BBSA paid for 6 people to be certified to become umpires for our baseball program. We also have 3 other people that also were willing to umpire games. The Single A and Double A leagues play 56 games each and 15 playoff games. That comes out to 142 games to cover with 9 umpires, almost 16 games for each umpire.

Before the season started it was explained to all of the Single A and Double A managers that there was a umpire scheduled for all of there games, however I told them with a limited number of umpires that if they had 80 percent of there week day games umpired that would be great. There are things that come up over the course of the day that the umpire cannot make his game, they do there best to have someone cover but is not always possible. When you have rain and have to reschedule make up games on Saturday and/or Sunday, parents, coaches, players and sometimes umpires have other commitments (hockey, soccer, church, work, family or just cutting the lawn) and can’t make it. In the first 58 games of the season there were 43 games umpired. This is not only a concern for the Single and Double A leagues, in the Major and Triple A leagues there has been about 18 or more games without umpires.

I would like to thank the certified umpires Joe Mullin, Don Casey, and Mike Viggiano who not only while umpiring 2-3 games a week at the Ripken level, some do 1-2 Babe Ruth games on the weekend are also are managers in our program and have 2 games to coach each week. They can be on a ball fields 6-7 nights a week. Felix Constanza and Ray Wagner, (Ray who was a coach for many years in the BBSA and last year he umpired over 25 games at the Minor League level) has not said no to any games, also do some Babe Ruth games. Those 5 men have gone above and beyond what was expected of them, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, YOU ARE OUTSTANDING. Mike Davis, a Burlington High School student has done what he can for the BBSA.

We also have 3 town residents who have come forward to help. D.J. Collins and Jojo Martin, both high school students who play sports for Burlington High. They have there own games and lots of practice time (and hopefully homework) that limits when they can umpire. Rich Donovan who started the year has had to cut back do to unforeseen circumstances. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, YOU TO HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB.

The BBSA has over ELEVEN HUNDRED girls and boys, 89 teams this year playing in our program. We need more people to become umpires. This winter the BBSA, will again be offering to sponsor people to become certified umpires in both BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL, we have a need in both leagues. All we ask in return is you umpire 10 games for the BBSA. Anyone interested in becoming an umpire can contact the BBSA at BBSA2002 @AOL.COM. Please Help

Thanks,
Jack Danielson

- Jack Danielson is director for Single A. He is also directing Triple A (which has no director) and is running for president of the board for 2002-2003.

Hi Earl,

This is your old friend again, Ump Wagner. I read the comments from Lorne P. Murphy. That was great input and what is stated by her is truly a problem everywhere (not just Burlington). Being in my 2nd year of ump-hood, there is a shortage of certified umpires in the area. It seems that baseball and softball continue to have record breaking player participations in the towns but there are NOT enough coaches and umpires. When I coached, there were plenty of times when I had to go into the stands
and ask for a parent to volunteer to umpire. I'm sure that the parents who do umpire, do not mind helping, but then again, they may not be aware of all the rules and they definitely are not in the position to get all of the calls correct, especially if they have no equipment and have to ump behind the pitchers mound. On the other hand, I can truly understand why someone would not want to volunteer. The parent may have only wanted to sit on a lawn chair and enjoy his/her child play. But, under the circumstance, they offer their time for the benefit of the players. Doing a good job in officiating any sport, requires the knowledge of the rules and positioning of ones self on the playing surface during specific situations. And just because an umpire is 'certified' does not mean he/she is error free. During
the course of any game, players, coaches and umpires will make 'errors'. However, it's only the players' errors that are officially 'tracked' in the scorebook.

As Earl mentioned in Lorne's comments, the offer of BBSA sending interested candidates to the clinic to be certified is a great offer. If there is anyone interested who would like to ask me any questions about this clinic and/or general baseball rule questions, you can email me @

rwagner@mwra.state.ma.us

Sincerely,

Ump Wagner

Earl,
I am curious as to how the jr. softball schedule is made up. I would think that each team would play each other the same amount of games. This is not the case. Two of the teams have played each other four times and my daughters team has only played one of the teams once. How can this create a True team
standings for the play offs? We have also played a team three times and others twice.
Thanks,
Chris

The Jr. Softball schedule for the year 2002 is unbalanced for several reasons. First of all, there were over 26 late sign ups for the Jr. Softball league this year, forcing the league director (me) to create a seventh team, after already distributing a schedule to all the managers a week earlier, when there was only six teams. One of my managers stated he would have difficulty playing games on Fridays because half of his team would be missing other prior commitments. I tried to accommodate his request and shuffled two of his games around. I myself had already committed to umpire several games at several levels, and help assist my sons Babe Ruth Minors Team, and needed to shuffle two of my games around so not to leave any games I had committed to umpire without one. Secondly, it was easiest for me to do it this way than to find other coaches. I had a difficult enough time finding a new coach for the additional seventh team, and because of the timing, it was impractical. I had mentioned to the coaches during the year that I had to make some schedule adjustments and the schedule was unbalanced. Thirdly, because of the numerous rainouts, many coaches (who I applaud for volunteering) had difficulties making up games on weekends, or the weather was uncooperative, so a couple of games were not made up and declared ties mutually by the managers. I do not hear any of these managers complaining about unbalanced schedules or not making up games

As for the regular season and playoffs, the regular season went down to the wire with (3) 8-3 teams battling it out up until the last day of the season, with no complaints about scheduling. The Playoffs began last night 6/17/02 and all I saw down there last night was four teams and 60+ girls having a great time, and I was glad to be a part of it.

A reminder that this is Jr. Softball. Standings, seedings, playoffs are all secondary to my primary goal this year, which is for the girls to have fun. I believe the Jr. Softball league has accomplished this goal for this year.

Earl,
With the instant classic being played on Wednesday and then the Pirates and Twins playing after that game, there will be a number of people from the board, including the newly running President and vice president, the commissioner and possibly the summer league director missing from the elections at 8:00. Will this be a problem?
Also, John Martin was at the park last Saturday and I asked him if he was going to be treasurer again and he indicated that he was. I would double check to be sure, but I believe he is staying on.
That was one of the best games I have seen in all my years of little league as well. Not the best, but up there.
Ron

The same thought occurred to me. I will check with Ed Malatesta on this. Something's got to give.

...And I'll check with John. *Something has given - the elections have been delayed a week. And John Martin is running again for treasurer.

Earl,
Last night the White Sox Played the Marlins and the game was suspended because of lightning after 14 innings . The Score was 3-3 and they will be resuming the game at 7pm on Wednesday. It was an incredible game to watch, - the defensive plays that both teams made to save runs in extra innings were
amazing, also because of the next game being delayed, and people calling friends on cell phones etc.. there must have been 400 people there watching, I have never seen a bigger crowd at Simonds.

The other Major League game ( Twins vs. Pirates ) was postponed until Wednesday at 7:30pm or whenever they finish the marathon.

I'll keep you posted but it looks like we will need to push everything back 2 days.

I'm sorry I missed it... It was all the buzz, even outside (and inside) the Marshall Simonds Middle School graduation exercises. I'll be there Wednesday night, to see the finish. I hope someone brings a camera, and E-mails this web site some pictures of this instant classic. - Earl *The elections have been postponed one week, until Wednesday, June 26.

Last evening I had the pleasure of watching two teams of 10 year olds play their hearts out in an extra inning one-run game. Unfortunately for four of these innings it was from behind the plate. There was no umpire at the game and I was asked to umpire. Having my son playing on one of the teams and in addition pitching could not have been comfortable for the parents watching on either team. I had two men's basketball games to officiate later that evening and could only work until 6:45. Then it became more complicated when the coach of the Red Sox had to finish the game. This is a no win situation for everyone involved. Please understand I am not complaining about having the coach of the other team umpiring. I find in totally unacceptable that these kids work so hard all season and gets so excited for the playoffs and the adults in charge are unable to hold up their end of the deal. When parents are trying to teach their children about making a commitment to a team, coaches are volunteering their time and energy, and the kids are working their tails off, how can this happen? Again, congratulations to the Red Sox and the Reds for a night of memories!!!

Lorne P. Murphy

The umpires, or lack thereof, has been a constant source of consternation for the BBSA during the past 2 years, at least. While the board does bring this issue to the attention of the umpire organization it works with, ultimately the town may have to field its umpires internally, to solve the problem. To this end, the BBSA will pay for the cost of the clinic and test, and the first year's membership fee to the GLBUA (Greater Lowell's Baseball Umpire's Association), if you (or any resident) would like to become an umpire, and help during the season. All that the BBSA expects is a commitment to umpire a minimum of 10 Ripken League Games (with pay).

It is a shame that some of our games go without umpires, but the sad fact is that there are a limited number of certified umpires in the greater Boston area, and almost a limitless number of little league games. That, combined with the fact that some of the umpires do not seem to take their commitment seriously, makes it difficult to guarantee we'll have umpires for all situations (even the important ones) unless we do it ourselves. I would encourage any resident who might be remotely interested to contact Ed Malatesta, Tom Kilillea or Don Casey (Don went through the clinic this year, and consequently has a fresh perspective) for more information. Don't be shy... it's worthy cause, and a way one can constructively give back to the town. Incidentally, umpires are needed for both baseball and softball.