PLAY BALL!!! The first Snow Ball game went so well that we are going to do it again. This time with a twist. Snow Ball II will be a fund-raiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Rensselaer County, of which I am a board member. Our goal is to hold some activities tied in with the game to raise funds. At a meeting of the full board Thursday night Jan. 20, the CDMSBL agreed to match up to $500 of what we raise.
We will promote the event in the newspapers and radio stations. Hopefully, we can get the TV stations at the game too. I've already talked to the director of the Club, and he will make members and staff available for whatever help we need.
Now the chilly details: Game day: Saturday, Feb. 19. Time: 1 p.m. Site: To be determined. I want to hold it at Rensselaer High School. Failing to get that field, we are guaranteed to have Coyne Field in Rensselaer. I will pass directions after the site is finalized. Miscellaneous: We need volunteer umps; catcher's gear; bats (aluminum or wood). We will use baseballs spray-painted in bright, light blue again.
After the game, I'd like to have all players, umps, Club staff, etc. meet at Casey's, a nice restaurant (probably the ONLY restaurant) in Rensselaer. Not expensive and the food is good. They serve everything from wings, pizza and burgers to full dinners. I will work on Jim Casey to also make a contribution. He usually does, especially when 30 people walk in the door.
In Snow Ball I, we had 18 players show up along with an umpire. This year, we'd like many more. The plan is to play a 3-inning game. With a high turnout, we could wind up playing two 3-inning games.
Bryce Cutler has offered to contact Ch. 10 and Ch. 13 sports directors. I will take care of Ch. 6, Fox and Time Warner, plus the newspapers, WROW, WGY (Read Shepard, are you listening!), PIX 106, WTRY (for us oldie freaks).
Now all we need are volunteer players. I need to know in advance who is going to play so I can pre-set the teams by virtue of positions. Please send me emails if you are planning to participate. My email is jrbtc@aaahawk.com
We'll also need vols in case we decide to cook dogs and sell hot chocolate at the game(s). Though, I think the Club staff will handle that.
If anyone has suggestions on activities, I'm all ears. We are hoping to generate donations through our media coverage since not many folks will likely come out. Last year, it was 30 degrees, which actually was quite comfortable, with 6-8 inches of snow on the field, which really made it fun.
Last year, there were no injuries, everyone dressed appropriately, and we had a blast. I'd like a volunteer to take pictures and write a brief story for Hardball Magazine.
Thanx in advance for those who step forward. I will let you know the site and other details. Jim Konstantakis
