Hello,
   It has been a great Spring Season for the players, parents, coaches and everybody involved with the Frederick Baseball Association!  The number of players registered for Spring 2008 was slightly more than those registered for Spring 2007.   I wish to thank all who contributed to the successful recruiting effort this year!

   The regular season ended on 6 June, 2008 and the playoffs ended 17 June 2008.  I would like to congratulate the Fort Detrick Team who won the Senior Coach Pitch Championship that is coached by Brian Connoley, the Fort Detrick Rangers Team who won the Rookie Division Championship that I coached and the J.J.'s Landscaping Marlins who won the Cal Ripken Division Championship that is coached by Joe Rizzo.  NBC 25 News covered the Cal Ripken Division Championship game.

   This year had some hiccups along the way, but nothing we couldn't overcome.  The changes in age within the divisions went smoothly.  All the games I watched showed we made the correct decision in moving the players up.  The National Tournament for 8 year olds is now kid pitch and no longer machine pitch.  This change wasn't announced until mid May and didn't give us time to adequately prepare.  I could sense it was in the works last year, but we had no confirmation.  Moving the 8 and 9 year olds to Rookie Division presented the challenge of not having players who had pitched before.  The first few weeks was rough, but everybody adjusted and we worked out the hiccups with the rules.   Several times tempers flared, but in the end everything worked out.  Fall Ball 2008 and Spring 2009 should run smoothly since we have players within the division who can pitch.   Umpiring for the Rookie Division was shifted from parents to adults and high school players who wanted to umpire.  It went smoothly and I'd like to thank John Wunderlich for that!  Fall and Spring, we will build on what John implemented. 

   Our annual picnic was a success!  We had a "Home Run Derby" for all four divisions and the winners were:

Junior Coach Pitch: Vinnie Mogavero

Senior Coach Pitch:  Michael Alfred Jr

Rookie Division:  Trey Cromwell

Cal Ripken Division:  Tyrhee Henderson

A big thank you goes to Donnie Fletcher for making this event successful!  Next year, we hope to have a dunk tank and several other events for the players.   Lots of food was at the picnic and Mrs. Freeze makes the best baked macaroni and cheese I have ever eaten!  Many people commented on how great her macaroni and cheese was.

   If you have suggestions that you think will make the league run smoother, please send them to us.   We are here for the kids and will honestly listen to your suggestions.  Several parents suggested we take photographs on other days in addition to opening day.  So...Spring 2009, we will have several days for photographs.