There will be a tryout from 10:00 to 12:00 at Mills Field for anyone who has registered for summer baseball.
As you know, no tryout was necessary to make a summer baseball team. This tryout will be held in order to determine which players to place on which summer team in order to keep the teams as balanced as possible.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Coach Appreciation Night!
In recognition and gratitude of the outstanding work and dedication of Single-A coaches and managers, Needham Baseball will host a coach appreciation banquet on Friday, June 15 at the VFW Post on Junction Street (right across from Roche Bros).
The banquet will feature a delightful and bountiful spread provided by New Garden Restaurant, along with a variety of cold beverages.
Come mingle with your fellow coaches and celebrate a very successful spring baseball season!
The banquet will feature a delightful and bountiful spread provided by New Garden Restaurant, along with a variety of cold beverages.
Come mingle with your fellow coaches and celebrate a very successful spring baseball season!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Saturday's Games and Practices Are Off
Please cancel your games/practices. Too much rain on the ground and in the forecast. We will make a decision about the kid-pitch games after 12:00.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
...And Again Today
Dwight and Broadmeadow are still drying out. Park and Rec has kept them closed. Please cancel your games.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Games Are Cancelled Today
Just got a report on the condition of the fields. No surprise, they are not playable.
Please cancel your games this evening. Let me know when you'd like to make them up.
Thank you.
Please cancel your games this evening. Let me know when you'd like to make them up.
Thank you.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Saturday 5/12 Player-Pitch Games Cancelled
As of yesterday evening, we did not have enough coaches/managers for our two player-pitch games this weekend. Understandable--it's a very busy time of year and Saturday is the last shopping day before Mother's Day. Many responsible fathers want to keep that day clear.
I made the decision to cancel these games with some advance notice in order to give managers time to send word out to their teams before the weekend arrived. If you have not done so already, please inform parents that this week's player-pitch games have been cancelled.
I was reluctant to cancel the games but even more reluctant to send 48 players, their parents, and a couple of umpires out to Dwight and Broadmeadow without the certainty that there would be managers/coaches prepared to lead, organize, and coach.
We have managers for next Saturday's games (May 19). Steve Brunelli and Steve Mortimer have volunteered to manage the game at Broadmeadow. Ken Thress and David Schumacher have volunteered to manage the game at Dwight.
There remain a few vacancies on the sign-up sheet. We need a manager from the Bees, Lugnuts, or Riverdogs on June 2 at Dwight. On June 9, we need a manager from the Mets, Bees, or Riverdogs at Broadmeadow, and a manager from the Lugnuts, Scrappers, and Sand Gnats at Dwight. If you haven't signed up to manage one of these games, please click here to do so.
Thank you all for your great work so far this season! I have heard very positive feedback from parents and players.
I made the decision to cancel these games with some advance notice in order to give managers time to send word out to their teams before the weekend arrived. If you have not done so already, please inform parents that this week's player-pitch games have been cancelled.
I was reluctant to cancel the games but even more reluctant to send 48 players, their parents, and a couple of umpires out to Dwight and Broadmeadow without the certainty that there would be managers/coaches prepared to lead, organize, and coach.
We have managers for next Saturday's games (May 19). Steve Brunelli and Steve Mortimer have volunteered to manage the game at Broadmeadow. Ken Thress and David Schumacher have volunteered to manage the game at Dwight.
There remain a few vacancies on the sign-up sheet. We need a manager from the Bees, Lugnuts, or Riverdogs on June 2 at Dwight. On June 9, we need a manager from the Mets, Bees, or Riverdogs at Broadmeadow, and a manager from the Lugnuts, Scrappers, and Sand Gnats at Dwight. If you haven't signed up to manage one of these games, please click here to do so.
Thank you all for your great work so far this season! I have heard very positive feedback from parents and players.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Still Some Openings for U8 Summer Baseball
I highly recommend Needham's summer baseball program for those players who enjoy the game, are hoping to continue playing into the summer, looking to benefit form top-notch coaching, and want to experience the game at a slightly higher level of competition than spring baseball in town.
There are no tryouts for the U8 teams, and all players are welcome. It is a travel program, with away games in nearby suburban towns. The season runs from the end of June through the first week in August. Families often have plans during this time--it is okay for a player to miss a couple of games and/or practices at this level.
My son played the summer after his Single-A season and he has continued since. It has been wonderful experience for him in terms of his baseball development, the friends he has met, and the pure fun of it all.
For more information click here. To register click here.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have or you can contact Greg Atkinson, Director of Summer Baseball, at needatkfam@verizon.net
There are no tryouts for the U8 teams, and all players are welcome. It is a travel program, with away games in nearby suburban towns. The season runs from the end of June through the first week in August. Families often have plans during this time--it is okay for a player to miss a couple of games and/or practices at this level.
My son played the summer after his Single-A season and he has continued since. It has been wonderful experience for him in terms of his baseball development, the friends he has met, and the pure fun of it all.
For more information click here. To register click here.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have or you can contact Greg Atkinson, Director of Summer Baseball, at needatkfam@verizon.net
Thursday, May 3, 2012
On-Field Clinics Run by TJO
This Sunday, May 6, instructors from TJO Sports will be conducting an on-field clinic at Mitchell. The purpose is two-fold: to provide practice and instruction for our players and to demonstrate effective drills and coaching techniques for managers and assistant coaches.
The success of this clinic will depend on the active participation of our coaches. All managers and all assistant coaches are encouraged to attend--all hands on deck to the extent possible. The TJO instructors will plan and coordinate the clinic, but they are expecting coaches to run stations.
9:00-10:30 at Mitchell: Ironbirds, Mets, Muckdogs, Riverdogs, Grasshoppers.
10:30-12:00 at Mitchell: Storm, Blue Claws, Lugnuts, Scrappers, Sand Gnats, Timber Rattlers.
The success of this clinic will depend on the active participation of our coaches. All managers and all assistant coaches are encouraged to attend--all hands on deck to the extent possible. The TJO instructors will plan and coordinate the clinic, but they are expecting coaches to run stations.
9:00-10:30 at Mitchell: Ironbirds, Mets, Muckdogs, Riverdogs, Grasshoppers.
10:30-12:00 at Mitchell: Storm, Blue Claws, Lugnuts, Scrappers, Sand Gnats, Timber Rattlers.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Kid-Pitch Games
We are beginning our kid-pitch games this Saturday, May 5.
At Broadmeadow we will have representatives from the Ironbirds, Muckdogs, and Mets take on representatives from the Bees, Riverdogs, and Grasshoppers. Steve Van Dam of the Mets will manage the team made up of the Ironbirds, Muckdogs, and Mets. Rob Kirschner and Keith Wilson of the Bees will manage the Bees, Riverdogs, and Grasshoppers. First pitch will be at 5:00.
Across town, at the same time, Dwight Field will play host to a combined Storm, Blue Claws, and Lugnuts squad, managed by Peter Brassard of the Lugnuts, who will face a team drawing from the Scrappers, Sand Gnats, and Timber Rattlers, managed by Dan Schwartz of the Timber Rattlers.
Please email the designated kid-pitch manager with names of the 3-4 players that your team will send, indicating who is ready to pitch, along with the name of the assistant that your team will provide.
And, if you haven't already, please sign up to manage one of the these games. Click here for the spreadsheet.
Some important guidelines for these games:
At Broadmeadow we will have representatives from the Ironbirds, Muckdogs, and Mets take on representatives from the Bees, Riverdogs, and Grasshoppers. Steve Van Dam of the Mets will manage the team made up of the Ironbirds, Muckdogs, and Mets. Rob Kirschner and Keith Wilson of the Bees will manage the Bees, Riverdogs, and Grasshoppers. First pitch will be at 5:00.
Across town, at the same time, Dwight Field will play host to a combined Storm, Blue Claws, and Lugnuts squad, managed by Peter Brassard of the Lugnuts, who will face a team drawing from the Scrappers, Sand Gnats, and Timber Rattlers, managed by Dan Schwartz of the Timber Rattlers.
Please email the designated kid-pitch manager with names of the 3-4 players that your team will send, indicating who is ready to pitch, along with the name of the assistant that your team will provide.
And, if you haven't already, please sign up to manage one of the these games. Click here for the spreadsheet.
Some important guidelines for these games:
- Games will be four innings at the start of the season, with the option to play six at the end of the season.
- The games will be played with umpires calling balls and strikes and outs on the base paths.
- Nine batter Rule (Double-A rules) will be in effect for these games.
- Players will be on a 2-inning pitch limit.
- Games will be played like “real” baseball games except for stealing (Double-A rules).
- Everyone bats in lineup (continuous batting order so free substitution) but only nine players in the field.
- Same as regular Single-A games – no player should play the same position twice in a game except if the pitcher goes two innings. Catchers can also play two innings.
- Once a pitcher is removed from the game, they cannot pitch the remainder of that game even if they stay in the game in the field (Little League rule)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Heavy Rain on the Way
While the fields have been left open by Park and Rec, please be judicious about practices today. If there is standing water, heavy rain, or lightning, call your practice off. Be conservative.
Let me know if you'd like to reschedule/add a practice.
Let me know if you'd like to reschedule/add a practice.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Opening Day and Team Pictures
We are now only two weeks away from Opening Day, April 29, 2012! The festivities will include the Little League parade, performances by the Needham High School band and dance team, ceremonial first pitches thrown out by members of the Needham High School varsity baseball team, a speech by Senator Scott Brown, and of course the Opening Day game (Majors, not Single-A--our games start the next day).
The schedule of events...
10:30 Single-A players should arrive and gather into teams at Greene's Field, where they will prepare to march in the parade.
10:50 Parade leaves Greene's Field and heads towards DeFazio. Managers and coaches should march with their teams, keep the team together and moving in the right direction. Parents should meet their players at DeFazio.
11:30 Parade arrives at DeFazio. All teams assemble at Small Field for the NHS band and dance team performances, first pitch, Scott Brown speech, National Anthem, etc.
12:30 Picnic. Free hot dogs!
1:00 Opening Day Game
1:45-2:15 Single-A team photos at the Defazio Tot Lot:
1:45 Ironbirds, Muckdogs, Mets, Bees
2:00 Riverdogs, Grasshoppers, Storm, Blue Claws
2:15 Lugnuts, Sand Gnats, Scrappers, Timber Rattlers
Order forms for the team pictures will be delivered to managers, and managers should distribute them to parents prior to Opening Day. Parents should arrive at the photo shoot with forms filled out.
The schedule of events...
10:30 Single-A players should arrive and gather into teams at Greene's Field, where they will prepare to march in the parade.
10:50 Parade leaves Greene's Field and heads towards DeFazio. Managers and coaches should march with their teams, keep the team together and moving in the right direction. Parents should meet their players at DeFazio.
11:30 Parade arrives at DeFazio. All teams assemble at Small Field for the NHS band and dance team performances, first pitch, Scott Brown speech, National Anthem, etc.
12:30 Picnic. Free hot dogs!
1:00 Opening Day Game
1:45-2:15 Single-A team photos at the Defazio Tot Lot:
1:45 Ironbirds, Muckdogs, Mets, Bees
2:00 Riverdogs, Grasshoppers, Storm, Blue Claws
2:15 Lugnuts, Sand Gnats, Scrappers, Timber Rattlers
Order forms for the team pictures will be delivered to managers, and managers should distribute them to parents prior to Opening Day. Parents should arrive at the photo shoot with forms filled out.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Please Pick Up Trash
Managers should ensure that all trash is picked up after each practice or game. Please make sure the dugouts, diamond, outfield, and all areas surrounding the field are cleaner than when you arrived. This can be a quick and efficient task if you involve the players, and it can be a great vehicle for team-building and teaching respect for the field.
Unfortunately, we have already received two complaints from neighbors about trash left at Broadmeadow. We are working on getting a trash barrel stationed at the field. In the absence of a trash barrel, it would be a good idea to bring a trash bag to the field to make it easier to dispose of any trash you gather.
Thank you for your help with this. It will make a huge difference in our relationship with Park and Rec and the Needham residents who abut the fields.
Unfortunately, we have already received two complaints from neighbors about trash left at Broadmeadow. We are working on getting a trash barrel stationed at the field. In the absence of a trash barrel, it would be a good idea to bring a trash bag to the field to make it easier to dispose of any trash you gather.
Thank you for your help with this. It will make a huge difference in our relationship with Park and Rec and the Needham residents who abut the fields.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Fields Are Open, Permits Are Active... Play Ball!
The fields are playable. We are clear to begin practices today. Have a great time!
We are supposed to get some spotty showers later in the day, and it's supposed to rain this evening, so keep an eye on the weather.
A little drizzle you can play through. The rule of thumb for fields: if there is any standing water (puddles) on the diamond or in the outfield, don't use the field.
Let me know if you have any questions.
We are supposed to get some spotty showers later in the day, and it's supposed to rain this evening, so keep an eye on the weather.
A little drizzle you can play through. The rule of thumb for fields: if there is any standing water (puddles) on the diamond or in the outfield, don't use the field.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Friday, March 30, 2012
A, AA, AAA, and Majors Coaches' Meeting Monday April 2
Just a reminder that there will be a mandatory coaches meeting on Monday, April 2 from 6:00-8:00 at the Pollard Lecture Hall for all managers and coaches at the A, AA, AAA, and Majors levels.
On the agenda will be a variety of important issues related to the upcoming Little League season. If your team has a practice scheduled on Monday evening, please send one coach or come to the meeting after the practice ends.
On the agenda will be a variety of important issues related to the upcoming Little League season. If your team has a practice scheduled on Monday evening, please send one coach or come to the meeting after the practice ends.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Do NOT Use Fields!
As tempting as it is with this beautiful baseball weather we're having, it is absolutely imperative that you do not use any Needham field for a practice (or anything that looks like a practice) until the Town opens the fields in April.
Needham Baseball's field permits begin in April. Needham Park and Rec will not think twice about revoking all of our field permits for the season if there is any evidence that any coach has used any field for anything that might be perceived as a practice. That means no optional practices, no informal practices with a few of your kid's friends... If you are a Needham Baseball coach of any kind, please stay off of all baseball diamonds in Needham until April.
If Park and Rec determines that we are in violation of our field permits, that could seriously jeopardize our ability to play baseball this spring.
Believe me, I wish it didn't have to be this way. I appreciate your understanding.
Needham Baseball's field permits begin in April. Needham Park and Rec will not think twice about revoking all of our field permits for the season if there is any evidence that any coach has used any field for anything that might be perceived as a practice. That means no optional practices, no informal practices with a few of your kid's friends... If you are a Needham Baseball coach of any kind, please stay off of all baseball diamonds in Needham until April.
If Park and Rec determines that we are in violation of our field permits, that could seriously jeopardize our ability to play baseball this spring.
Believe me, I wish it didn't have to be this way. I appreciate your understanding.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Background Check Information Due by Friday, March 23
Needham Baseball sent an email last week with instructions for proving information for background checks.
We are no longer using the CORI process. Instead, go to the Needham Baseball website registration page. You will need to re-open your player's registration, click "submit" through three or so pages, and then you will see a form for entering your birth date and social security number, as well as a link to upload an image of your driver's license or passport.
Managers, please make sure all assistant coaches register and provide the required information for a background check.
Good luck! Let me know if you have questions.
We are no longer using the CORI process. Instead, go to the Needham Baseball website registration page. You will need to re-open your player's registration, click "submit" through three or so pages, and then you will see a form for entering your birth date and social security number, as well as a link to upload an image of your driver's license or passport.
Managers, please make sure all assistant coaches register and provide the required information for a background check.
Good luck! Let me know if you have questions.
Uniforms and Equipment to be Distributed Saturday, March 31
An email from Needham Baseball just went out to all registered coaches and managers about equipment and uniforms.
They will be available for pick up between 9:00 and 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 31 at the Memorial Field House (located next to the parking lot on the Rosemary Street side of Memorial Field at the high school).
Please make every effort to collect uniforms and equipment at the appointed time. Let me know if you have any questions.
They will be available for pick up between 9:00 and 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 31 at the Memorial Field House (located next to the parking lot on the Rosemary Street side of Memorial Field at the high school).
Please make every effort to collect uniforms and equipment at the appointed time. Let me know if you have any questions.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Preseason Schedule Now Available
The preseason schedule can be accessed by following the link to the Master Schedule on the left under "Manager's Resources."
Each team will have 7 practices. Games will begin in May.
The Master Schedule will be updated frequently with all changes.
Each team will have 7 practices. Games will begin in May.
The Master Schedule will be updated frequently with all changes.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Welcome to the Needham Baseball Single-A Coaches' Blog!
The purpose of this blog is to organize and centralize resources for Single-A coaches and managers and provide a forum for sharing coaching ideas and experiences. I will make every effort to keep it up to the minute with all schedule changes, rainouts, and other Single-A baseball news.
At the top right, you can check the status of Dwight and Broadmeadow. Below that, you will find a variety of resources for coaches and managers, including links to the Single-A Master Schedule at Google Docs (which will be ready within the next two weeks). I have also included a link to updated rosters for each team along with the Coach's/Manager's Code of Conduct and the Manager's Handbook--all housed at Google Docs. There are links to other useful coaching resources at the Needham Baseball site, National Little League, Positive Coaching Alliance, TJO Sports, Frozen Ropes, etc.
In the main section of this site, I will post league news, answers to common questions and concerns, examples of excellent Single-A coaching, and anything else worth publicizing to coaches and managers.
On the right, I will keep a list of the next two or three upcoming events. Below that there is a space for you to submit your email address so that you can receive any new posts to this blog via email.
Take a look. I hope that you find it useful. Let me know what else you would like to see here.
At the top right, you can check the status of Dwight and Broadmeadow. Below that, you will find a variety of resources for coaches and managers, including links to the Single-A Master Schedule at Google Docs (which will be ready within the next two weeks). I have also included a link to updated rosters for each team along with the Coach's/Manager's Code of Conduct and the Manager's Handbook--all housed at Google Docs. There are links to other useful coaching resources at the Needham Baseball site, National Little League, Positive Coaching Alliance, TJO Sports, Frozen Ropes, etc.
In the main section of this site, I will post league news, answers to common questions and concerns, examples of excellent Single-A coaching, and anything else worth publicizing to coaches and managers.
On the right, I will keep a list of the next two or three upcoming events. Below that there is a space for you to submit your email address so that you can receive any new posts to this blog via email.
Take a look. I hope that you find it useful. Let me know what else you would like to see here.
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