League News

April 25^th Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 6:25 pm

Teams Present: Eaton County, Fulton, St. Louis, Sidney.

Teams Absent:  Coleman

Teams Excused: Riverdale, Manistee

1.       There are six teams in the GCBL for 2010:  Eaton County, Fulton, Manistee, Riverdale, Sidney, St. Louis.

a.       Coleman has yet to pay their entry fees (150.00 for 2009, 150.00 for 2010).  If the LP has not received payment by May 7^th, they will not be allowed entry into the 2010 league

2.       Schedules were passed out

a.       These are subject to change if Coleman is kicked out of the league.  It was noted that a representative of the Coleman team has not appeared at a GCBL meeting nor contacted the LP in a number of years.  This must change going forward in order for the Phillies to be considered going forward.

3.       Ron Murdock discussed the GCBL becoming a wood bat league.

a.       After discussing this issue for the sixth consecutive year, it was determined that it would be examined on a yearly basis but without unanimous vote by the league managers, the GCBL would remain as it is.

b.      The LP advised that teams wishing to use wood may do so at any time.

4.       New Bi-Law

a.       The LP advised of the new bi-law as it pertains to umpires:

                                                               i.      If a hosting team must pay more than the GCBL maximum 100.00 for umpires, they must notify the team in which they play prior to that week’s game so the opposing coach can prepare if he so desires.  The visiting coach is under no obligation to pay more than 100.00 per week for umpires though the LP strongly suggested that if possible, the opposing coach should.  The LP also noted that in 2009, a two-umpire crew that worked a game in Alma was paid 90.00 each when the week before the same two umpires were paid 125.00 at Riverdale, therefore, there really is no reason to be paying umpires more than 100.00 per week and teams should contact the LP if they cannot secure umpires for 100.00 per week or less.

5.       Playoff format

a.       The 2010 playoff format will include the top four teams with the best record at the conclusion of the regular season in a semi-final and championship game format.

b.      Semi-final number one will consist of the #1 seed playing the #4 seed while semi-final number two will consist of the #2 seed playing the #3 seed.  The winners will play a single championship game.

c.       The semi-finals will consist of a single, 7-inning game while the finals will consist of a single, 9-inning game.

d.      The Semi-finals will be held on Saturday, August 28^th and the championship will be held on Sunday, August 29^th.

e.      The League President and the League Vice-President will be sending a letter of request to the Alma College athletic director requesting usage of the Alma College field for hosting the GCBL playoff games.  If this site is unavailable, Shepherd High School will once again be sought as in 2009.

f.        The tie-breakers assigned in the league bi-laws will be used for playoff inclusion and seeding (best record, head to head, best record against playoff teams, coin flip)

6.       GCBL All-Star game

a.       Dan Smith is planning and scheduling an all-star game for the GCBL with more details forthcoming.  Here is his intent at this point:

                                                               i.      He would like each team to commit three players to participate.  More are welcome but he will be contacting league coaches in mid-June to get player commitments.

                                                             ii.      The All-Star game is scheduled for Saturday, July 3^rd.  GCBL Board member Whitey Loomis has reserved Lumberjack Park in Riverdale as the host site with Sidney Park as a fail-over site.

                                                            iii.      Teams will be divided by positions and needs as well as equality for an overall great experience in a 9-inning game.

                                                           iv.      A homerun derby will be held with participants asked to sign up in advance so that the schedule can be communicated ahead of time.  Depending on numbers, there may be preliminary rounds that would take place prior to game time but the semi-finals and finals would take place between the sixth and seventh inning of the All-Star game.  Entry fee for the derby would be between $5-$10 per participant with a cash prize and trophy going to the winner.  Again, Dan stated this is all based on participation by players in the GCBL All-Star game, the coaches of the GCBL and interest in having a homerun derby.

                                                             v.      Other events such as a 50-50 raffle and drawings for skill contests as well as prizes will be present throughout the event.

                                                           vi.      There is also planned a post-game potluck dinner with certain costs being covered.

7.       The GCBL is beginning to plan the 2010 Labor Day Hardball Classic.

a.       LP announced that plans have begun and there is already interest in teams attending.

b.      The tournament committee will be contacted in the future as to meeting dates.

Meeting Adjourned:  8:05

April 11th meeting minutes:

1.       Deadline -  April 25^th is the deadline for teams getting into the league

2.       Season Format -  Based on 7 teams there will be 1 division, playing each team 4 times (2 DH’s) with bye weeks as needed starting on Mothers Day, and no games on Memorial Day, 4^th of July

3.       League Championship tournament – August 28^th - 29^th top four teams 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3 on the 28^th, winners play the 29^th for the championship

4.       Tournament Location – Alma college, Shepherd, neutral site

5.       League Fee – Remains $150  Forfeit fee $70  . (Coleman owes entry fee from 2009 season)

6.       Umpire Pay –  By – Law addition  Passed 4 -0 2 abstains  Any umpire fee that is more than $100 the coach of the home team needs to contact opposing coach in advance to inform them of the charge( 12pm day before scheduled game at the latest).  Failure to do so results in Home team paying the additional cost

7.       Labor Day Tournament – It’s a go for labor day at Lumberjack Park

8.       4^th of July GCBL all star game – Tabled for next meeting, contact Dan Smith for details as needed

9.       Next League meeting -  April 25^th, 2010  6 PM at the Carman Barn.  All teams should have a coach/representative present and have entry fee in hand.

Teams committed to GCBL 2010 Season:

1.       Manistee

2.       Coleman

3.       St. Louis

4.       Sidney

5.       Fulton

6.       Riverdale

7.       Eaton County