Just for clarification: I was scheduled to umpire the SATURDAY DH between the Cubs and Tigers at "B'' diamond. I walked the field with Dan and Jim (both team managers), and we waited as long as we could before making the call. There was input from both managers as well as myself, though it is ultimately the home team manager's call. So, for the person who suggested that the Saturday games possibly start at 1 p.m., sorry, but they really couldn't have. The field was unplayable. Period. And anyone who has talked about family and commitments, trust me, that's what I was thinking of. Safety. There was no way I was going to have some dad's kid and husband's wife meet him at the hospital.
So, when Saturday's games were officially PPD., it was because there was NO chance the "B'' diamond would dry up/firm up enough to play on that day. And there was still a steady drizzle at noon. I even told Dan at the outset (10:30 a.m.) that I would stay as long as it took to play, including staying till 3 p.m. if I had to. But it was obvious that by noon, the field could not be saved for play at any point that day. Had the managers agreed to wait and try to start the game, which is their right, I would have taken them off the field after the first pitch when the game would be in the hands of the umps. I don't believe anyone there really disagreed with the decision, but I just wanted those who may not have been there to understand that there was no way to play at any time Saturday.
Guys, I served on the board three years and am ending my 4-year reign as 47 commissioner this year. I don't know many of you in the 28s anymore, but I can tell you it is ONE HUGE choir to operate this three-division, 29-team league, and we don't have enough help. Like politics, you should serve at least once. Yes, there are problems - some bigger than others. Yes, there is too much work for so few people, and the load isn't spread evenly. So, step up and help CDMSBL evolve into the best it can be. There are openings on the board. If you are not happy with the operation, then I implore you to attend the annual CDMSBL's league-wide meeting, vote guys off the board and new vote new blood in, and help even out the load. You don't have to be a board member to help. Remember, this is YOUR league. Help run it and let your voice be heard. Thanx Jim Konstantakis Giants manager 38 division
Thanks for your insight. I know most the manager's in the 28's want the best for this league and they have the right to bitch things and improving an already established league. However, some of them go about it in the wrong way. It's easy to bitch when your not the one making the decisions. I take the heat because I'm the one that is commissioner. I would love everyone to have say in the 28+ division, but nobody steps up. I want to be the guy that just shows up and plays, but for me, it's not that easy and for most of the 28's, it is!!! Good luck to the Cubs, Yankees, Orioles and Tigers in the playoffs. All of you deserve to be there!
Fitzy, The complainers are in the minority here buddy! Most of us love what you have done as commissioner. With the Poker tournament to raise money and the new website, I don't remember feeling so optimistic about the future of this league. That comes from one of the very few players that has played in this league every year since it was born back in 1990 (16 years ago). Take pride in what you have accomplished and forget about those who like to bitch when things don't go their way. The grand majority of us who are allowed to show up and play really, reall, really appreciate the efforts of you and all of the board members. Thanks guys for all that you do!!!!!!!!!
From day one when this league was started, people thought that just because there was a Board and officers, all the bases were covered (sorry for the bad pun.) But the fact is that there are never enough hands to help. I can remember too many work details when it was the same group that would come - mostly board members and a few others. And the opinion was always that people thought the Board had it covered.
Now let's be realistic - the Board is going to make mistakes - but what people have to remember is that they are DOING something all the time. It's a huge commitment of time and dedication. For years, I've seen John Reel run himself ragged - just look at him - you think he got like that being a State worker!!! Seriously, John and the others who serve do their best. At times it's a 24 hour commitment.
So let's cut some slack and applaud these guys who make it possible for schleps like me to play ball. We tend to think of the passion of the game and forget all about the administrative BS that goes on behind the scenes to make this organization into what it has grown into - 3 divisions and more than 20 teams.
So let's stand up and be counted and when something needs to get done, let's offer not only our words of encouragment but our actions to get things done... As a player, I am grateful to the league for giving me the opportunity to get my sorry ass on the field week after week to play the game I love...
Like I said earlier in the year that this league is on its way. More and more people will be coming to play here with the Twilight League on the decline.
Next year and the rest of this year I am stepping up to ensure Someone has Joe's back and that this league continues to take off and soar.
Next year I have in the works televised games! I am working with Channel 9 on televising a "Game of the Week". We will play a night game under the lights that will be televised. Not only is it fun for all but it gives the league the publicity it needs to be the best league in the area.
Fitz, I can tell you that I am there next year as well as Maychack and Novak and I have some others willing to step up and get some young guys on the board with new ideas that will improve this league by leaps and bounds.
sfgiants wrote: Like politics, you should serve at least once. Yes, there are problems - some bigger than others. Yes, there is too much work for so few people, and the load isn't spread evenly. So, step up and help CDMSBL evolve into the best it can be. There are openings on the board. If you are not happy with the operation, then I implore you to attend the annual CDMSBL's league-wide meeting, vote guys off the board and new vote new blood in, and help even out the load. You don't have to be a board member to help. Remember, this is YOUR league. Help run it and let your voice be heard. Thanx Jim Konstantakis Giants manager 38 division
This is especially poignant. It is difficult to run a league and yes, there are many things to do and not enough people to do them. the trick is to get people who actually care enough to get things done.
But, one nice thing about this forum is that this can serve as a place for players to vent - even if the venting is laced with some venom, if those in charge can keep an open mind and read into the root of the problem, this forum can be used as a tool for change - especially for the guys who don't have enough time to dedicate to the league full-time (me? I, too, have a state job so I can help with the website and other administrative details).
I realize that some folks are upset, but if you read into the problem deeper and look beyond just what happened this past weekend, things can get resolved and things can be run more efficiently.
