Softball UPDATE #1 practice dates, etc.

[brewerjamie15]

I just had a manager's meeting and I've got a few things to relay to you all.

First off, let me stress one thing. If you are currently on the Milwaukee Public Recreation Dept. "Suspended List" let me know privately.

Next, when you are on the field you are to conduct yourself accordingly. If you have a problem with a call, or another player, you let -ME- know, NOT the entire field, NOT the umpires, but ME. If a player is ejected from a game or suspended, so is the manager and I am not letting someone get me in trouble. If you get kicked out of a game or suspended from softball, you will be suspended from this site as well. Sorry to be so strict, but if I get busted for someone's behavior, I won't be happy.

 

On to better things:

Our league has been filled which is good, because we now have our schedules. We are in a 6 team league the other 5 being:

 

Bay Street Pub

Landmark 1850 Inn

White House

Club Carnival

Anna's

 

First practice will be on Saturday, April 15th at 2 pm. I don't know where just yet, I need suggestions where we can practice for free.

Practices will mostly consist of hitting and fielding. You can condition on your own. We iwll practice each Saturday at 2 pm after that up untill the week of games. I'm hoping that practices go 1 1/2 hours with a brief scrimmage game at each practice.

 

At the first practice I'll need everybody to pay up for their fees.

Fees include:

Ball Fee: 20 balls @ $6.00 (10 game balls, 14 for practice) $122.00

League fee = $155.00

Player fees= $ 12.00 per player (non MKE resident $24.00)

----------------------------------------------------------

$277/19= $14.50 + 12.00 per player = 26.50 per player (MKE resident) add $12 for non-MKE folks= $38.50

 

Inclement Weather: Managers only are to call the field to see if games are playable or not. I will make the call at 4 pm and post the information here on the site, no phone calls to players; posting is much easier for me.

 

Information on softball IE rain outs, rules, weekly standings, etc can be found at www.milwaukeereaction.net

 

I decided that practicing with the same ball we use in games is the best bet, thus the extra case of balls (see above) If you have a problem or concern with that, let me know. We will be using an Optic Yellow Ball. We have to use this ball, it's what was adapted by the league.

 

If you are currently on the roster and won't be able to play, let me know please so I can adjust accordingly.

If you will be unable to attend a game or practice, please let me know. I'd request that you INBOX ME THAT INFO so I don't need to keep checking this thread hoping nobody will be a no show.

 

I'd like to supply bottled water for each game. I am asking for volunteers to bring cooled water for games. Perhaps 1 person per game? I'll volunteer as well.

 

Player Cards Players are required to fill out a registration card at the first practice.

 

At the first practice, I'll go over all the rules and stuff while we hang out after the practice.

 

Questions? Comments? Let 'em rip! See you on Saturday April 15th. Let's get some suggestions as to where we may practice for free and then vote on it.

 

For those of you not on the team that may want to come watch we will be recapping each game and announcing the second one each week.

 

I need people to bring bats, I have none at all. Bats can not be altered in any way other than two layers of tap on the handle only. no other alterations allowed to knob of bat, etc. Bat will be ejected from game, player suspension/ejection may be handed out as well.

 

a banned bat list is available at www.asasoftball.com.

What constitutes a banned bat? I have no clue, just don't buy or use one. I am going to lookinto the bats asap, I'm sure that reliable sporting good stores will have a list of banned bats. I think you can look for as ASA certified elblem on the bat.

 

Roster:

Brewerjamie15 #15 Back: JAMIE

Iron Chef Napalm #00 WOAH SOLVDD

razzzorsharp #24 Back: NJS III

Brewer Fever #23 Back: FEVER

valpocrewsader #13 Back: MATT

Ajay #2 Back: AJAY

Dougjones43 #40 Back: JORDAN

Colbyjack #9

Brian the Automator #28 BACK: AUTOMATOR

Houlie24X #8 Back: HOULE

Bball123h #31 Back: KENNY

Recte44 #44 Back: RECTE

Robin19 #14 Back: B KEN

Nullbyte #34 Back:RUSSELL

Steve11 #11 Back: CRASH

Jimbo #99 Back: JIMBO

Ajohnson104 #20 Back: AL

radman12484 #54 Back: RADDATZ

 

Roster:18 players

[valpocrewsader]

That's a lot of info, thanks for keepig track of all that, Jamie.

 

April 15th sounds like a long ways away to me ... I'm itching to practice! If anyone puts anything together in terms of an unofficial practice/warmup before then, please let me know.

[nullbyte]

Woo! Can't wait.. this'll be fun. Thanks for taking the time to put it together, Jamie.

 

Possibility for practice field... West Allis Hale HS.. They have four baseball diamonds, which always seem to be pretty empty -- this time of year, anyways. Might change in the next month or two with Hale and Central playing there. No clue whether there'd be any cost associated in using one, though.

 

I'd be down for throwing a ball around or whatever a little, myself. Probably a little rusty at this point in my "career" http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[gbpacker40]

I recently got a 2nd shift job and may not be able to play in the games, unless I can convince them to let me work 1st on Thursdays. If I cant play in the games, I would still like to go to the practices with you guys if thats ok.

[Brian the Automator]

There's a diamond around where I live (south of Carroll College) that's NEVER in use as well. It's probably not the greatest place in the world to swing for the fences, but if people want to get together to throw the ball around, it's perfect.

 

I've personally _never_ played softball, so I would need some practice gripping and throwing a softball if I ever needed get into a game.

 

Plus, after a dormant winter, I need the exercise.

[temke]

the west allis high schools play summer softball, so that wont be an issue. but im guessing once their softball leagues start that teams will be in the same boat you guys are in.

 

i think wilson park is your best bet. i think the county parks policy is that you can reserve a field to guarantee use, but otherwise it is first come first serve at no cost. dont quote me though.

 

the two fields behind the ice rink are ok. there are also many fields east of 20th street...but i think they may be used by the pee-wee little league teams.

[Iron Chef Napalm]

He's a question for people that have been in a softball league like this before.

 

What type of equipment do I really need?

 

I've got my glove, brewerfan jersey, and an ancient bat. Is their anything else that I absolutely must have?

[valpocrewsader]

That's a good question, Iron Chef. Is everyone going to be all decked out in baseball pants and cleats? I was just planning on wearing sweat pants and sneakers.

 

About getting together to warm up, if anyone's interested in getting together in the west allis/new berlin area to toss the ball around and such this SATURDAY, I'm all for it. Some time around noon ... just for a couple hours. There's a small field that's almost always free at the grade school on 104th, a couple blocks north of Greenfield. There's also a diamond or two on 98th-ish st, a few blocks south of Greenfield (you can see it from 894).

 

I've got a bunch of softballs (not the exact yellow dot regulation, I don't think) and a few crappy bats we could use to hit for fielding. I think it's supposed to be fairly warm this saturday!

[RightFieldCoder]

I would suggest cleats. The fields are not that good, and the cleats will help your grip. It's not manditory, but I would suggest it. I don't know if metal cleats are allowed. I suggest plastic cleats, since I know that's legal.

 

I will have baseball pants, but this is entirely optional. Some teams have full uniforms, some only have team T-Shirts. Wear whatever you don't mind getting dirty. Besides your bf.net shirt of course.

[brewerjamie15]

If it's ok by all of you, I'd like to have the official practices at Brian's location. I think it's a good idea because more and more teams will be looking for fields around the immediate MKE area around mid April for practices.

The only thing I'd ask as far as uniforms go is that players wear their jerseys for games. I think we'll find that the league will be full of sweatpants, shorts, baseball pants, etc. I'd personally like to do it on the cheap, so I'm not running out to get a new glove, pants, hat, magic batting glove, the clear, and socks that make me run fast.

I urge you to think about softball cleats though. I'd hate to see one of us go down to ankle injury from slipping on moist grass or something. I'm sure you can get a cheap pair somewhere for around $30-40. Like I said though, there's no mandatory uniform except the shirt. I'd appreciate if if we could all wear a brewers baseball cap, but again, no mandate.

I'm not sure if I can make an informal practice this Saturday; the wife seems to have my day spoken for.

Brian- could you give us the location of the field you are referring to? I'll copy the information and re-post just before the first practice.

Thanks everyone. I'm pumped up for the season as well. I need to get in shape; I kinda gained about 15 pounds this winter. Perhaps that makes me a power hitter?

 

EDIT: For those of you wanting to play certain positions, please not I'm pretty much letting guys play where ever they want. Keep in mind though, I have to fill all positions and we will be rotating bench/field. All players will hit but you may need to ride the pine for a few innings and rotate in.

[bball123h2]

I am still definately in, but will be in Florida from April 13-23. Can I mail you a check, or paypal you some cash?

 

For cleats, try Dunhams. I got a pair there last year for $20. I think there is still one in Brookfield off Bluemound road, but I could be wrong.

 

As far as positions, I can't pitch, and Cecil fielder may give me a challenge in a footrace. That said, I'll play anywhere (first, third, or right preferred). I'm just in it for good times, not to become softball guy.

[valpocrewsader]

Sounds like I'll be picking up some cleats this spring. No big deal, just needed to feel it out before buying. Dunham's in west allis will be my first stop. I got my bowling shoes from there ... pretty cheap.

 

Ahhhhhh, let's play ball!!!!

[Brewer Fever]

Awesome...can't wait for the first practice. I plan on making every one of them.

 

I too encourage players to get some cleats. With even the slightest bit of moisture or even evening dew, you'll be sliding around all over the place without em. I'll be bringing at least two bats, one that should probably be saved for the games if it's too cold out at our practices.

 

I'm already practicing my softball pitching so anyone else who wants to pitch, I look forward to some great competition if it comes down to a tryout. If I don't get the job, I'll gladly play wherever needed. I'm just fired up to play period.

 

Oh yeah, another cheap investment that pays off this time of year, are batting gloves. Not only to keep your hands warm, but to dull the shockwave of swinging and making contact with a cold metal bat. You should be able to get a pair for 10-20 dollars. They're worth it.

 

Oh yeah, I got my jersey, it's fantastic.

[razzzorsharp]

The first prcatice I will be there for sure. After that I don't know because it is around an hour and a half drive which is cool for games but not really for practice.

 

AI: Practice? Were talking practice here!

[Iron Chef Napalm]

Bat prices are insane. I went out at lunch today and bought a cheap ASA certified Easton Cyclone and used the instore batting cage.

 

My new bat is 1/10 the price of some of the other bats they were selling, but I did not miss any of the pitches.

 

Just across the street from my house our subdivision (just outside Mukwonago) has a huge grass field that would great for practicing and no risk of being kick out. It would also have access to unlocked bathrooms and a phone for when one of us collapses.

[brewerjamie15]

Brian- does your spot have plenty of parking?

[Brian the Automator]

There's plenty of street parking.

 

It's "Roberta Park", and it's just off S. East Ave in Waukesha:

local.yahoo.com/details?id=24461695

 

I'll see if I can snap a picture of it tonight before the sun sets.

[brewerjamie15]

^^ Brian's will be the official practice field for our practices then. ^^

[Brian the Automator]

If it turns out to be not a good site, then by all means, some of the other suggestions in this thread would work just fine for me.

 

I can bring my dog along to shag fly balls. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

[colbyjack]

Having practice on Easter Saturday will make it tough for me to be there. The following weekend is Henry's baptism, and the next weekend after that I'm out of town. So, I may just be a friendly observer come game-time, which I kind of suspected to begin with.

 

If anyone lives on or around the South side and wants to get together to toss/hit the ball around on a weekday night, let me know.

[Brian the Automator]

bad news. Roberta Park is only for kids 12 and under... we'll need an alternate location for practice.

[brewerjamie15]

Colbyjack-

Don't worry if you are not going to make practices, that's fine. We can still have you play with the team. Besides, we need your money. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

I'll have a different park picked out shortly for practice....

[AJOHNSON104]

Since we are playing on Thursday nights anyway, would it make more sense to practice on a Thursday night? Daylight savings hits this weekend, so it should be light out till about 7 or later. This may allow more people to practice as weekends are full of family events, work for some of us, etc.

[brewerjamie15]

How many of you prefer we switch practices to Thursday nights?

maybe we could alternate Thursdays and Saturdays?

Lemmie know what you think.

[DougJones43]

thursday, april 13th works better for me than saturday, april 15th.

 

after that, saturday afternoons are fine for me.