From the Commissioner

I want to take a few minutes to recognize some of the folks that helped make this a very successful season. First are the members of the Board of Directors (Ron Butler, Al Andrew, Russ King, Reggie Barnes, Richard Moots and Joel Freemen) for their commitment and vision that brought about the changes in league operations. 

Second are the members of the rules committee (Joe D’Herin, Ron Butler, Richard Moots, and Mike Stepp) that met for two months to review all suggested rules changes and bringing them forward to the BOD. 

Third is Gene Baker for the photographic support throughout the season and especially the team photos that were an integral part to our new sponsor recognition program. 

Fourth is Ron Butler who has done an outstanding job with the development and publishing of the web site. 

Fifth would be Bobby Reagan and Lee Baker, who come early every game day and make sure the fields and equipment are ready when you get here. 

And lastly, our managers ( John Smith, Ted Taylor, Richard Moots, Marshall Bloom, Freddie Gonzalez, Nick Matta, Larry Powell, Donnie Witmer, and Jeff Simon) for everything associated with their very tough job, especially the fantastic recaps of the games.Please take  the time to thank them when you see them at the park. The league would not be nearly as successful and enjoyable if not for them.

While not members of the league per say, our sponsors are certainly a part of the WHSSC family. Without them, many of the outstanding events that we sponsor each year would not be possible. Please show them your gratitude by supporting them and their businesses. This year’s sponsors include Amerity Financial, Merrill Lynch, Rolling Thunder, Ingram Financial Group, Estates at Carpenters, The Enjoyment Book, Jarrett-Gordon Ford Lincoln, Gessler Clinic, Lakeside Dermatology, Lewis Tax Advisory Group, Optical Outlets, Kentucky Fried Chicken, East Haven RV Park, and Small World Tour and Cruises. You can read more about them by clicking on the appropriate links on the web page.

At our short meeting before the Championship games I mentioned a couple other folks. First was the outstanding class that were inducted into the Hall of Fame (Reggie Barnes, Frank Miller, and Freddie Dampier) for their many contributions to the league, character, and love of the game. The last person was Ron Thompson, himself a HOF member, who through his sponsors and Enjoyment Book sales efforts funded over one third of our budget.

By way of thanking the members of the league, the BOD elected to issue one long sleeve micro fiber tee shirt to every member This a continuation of the program Donnie Witmer reenergized a couple years ago with the purchase of the red wind shirts. I hope everyone liked them and will get some good use out of them.

Here's a few things to make note of; the new rules that will be published in the next month or so. They include changing to ISA rules as our base document which brings us in line with the Florida Half Century, new running rules, and rules addressing use of the pitching screen. Also the BOD has elected not to send out applications this year but will require folks to download the form from the web site or pick one up before they head north.  There are a couple dates associated with the form. Get it in before the end of October and your renewal fee is only $30 (after that date it is $40}. Also it must be returned by the 29^th of November if you want to play on a team next season, as our draft is set for the 17th of December. Those received after that date will be assigned as pool players. The other crucial dates are 14 January which is the start of the season, and  22 March which is the end of season Championship playoffs and Family BBQ. Ballots will also appear on the web site and must be returned with your application. Anyone interested in running for the BOD should notify a member of the board.

In closing let me congratulate the winners of the respective leagues…Marshall Bloom of the National League and Nick Matta in the American League. Both teams are well deserving of their respective titles as they played hard all season and actually won the regular season before going on to the title.

We will now start summer play and game start times will remain the same until the BOD meets. Please be signed in no later than 0900. We ask you sign in under American or National League and indicate the position you want to play. This will greatly assist us in putting the teams together.

Again, to all the members it has been my pleasure to serve as your Commissioner this year. Thank you for your support, friendship, sportsmanship, and commitment to the spirit of the game.