July Newsletter

Summer Ball is cancelled!

 

Due to the low registration turn in, we have had to cancel Summer Ball for 2008.  We did not have enough players to form 2 teams in any division. Refund checks for those of you who have registered will be sent back shortly.  Spring registrations will start sometime around November so be ready for that.  We are expecting to grow again at least 50%.  Wow.  We have some exciting ideas that will be worked on for next season and I will keep you updated when possible.

All-Star Update
I had the privilege of watching at least 2 games from each team at the State Tournaments. I believe each one of our teams should be traveling to the Regional Tournaments.  I have never seen so much heart, skill, and sportsmanship as I did from our teams. We have several positive comments from state officials, umpires, opposing coaches, opposing parents, and opposing players.  MRBA has made a name for themselves over the past few weeks and our reputation is one which we should all be proud.

 

10U team takes 3rd in State!

 

10U - This team surprised a lot of people everywhere.  They beat several teams in the tournament that many other people didn't think was possible.  On Thursday and Friday, they went 2 - 1.  The loss was a close one.  Being a double elimination tournament, they couldn't lose another.  They came back to play on Saturday and won 3 straight games.  It was in the 90's that day and they only had a 20-minute break between games.  That is a tough schedule for 10-year-olds, but they showed what they were made of.  Their game Sunday morning was against a great team and they battled back and forth.  The Kennewick Americans ended up coming out on top with a score of 11-8.  The 10U team took 3rd in State!!!!!  Great job guys!
 

 

11u's - Talk about Heart!

 

11U - If you ever want to watch a team with heart, this is the team.  The 11U team is famous for clawing, scratching, and fighting their way back to win.  Their first 2 games on Thursday both ended in tough losses.  They didn't give up.  On Friday, they came back to play a team that has beat them in warm-up tournaments.  They beat the Kennewick Americans with a score of 5 - 1.  The next game was against Kelso and it would determine whether we went to the Regional tournament.  I have to say, this was THE best youth baseball game I have ever seen.  This was a battle.  The game was tied all the way to the bottom of the 6th inning, 2 - 2.  In the end, Kelso had the bases loaded and scored the winning run.  It was a heartbreaker, but I am very proud of each of those kids and coaches.  The 11U team took 5th in State.  

 
12U - You have seen all the reports on this team so far.  This is a very skilled, well coached team.  They took 2nd in State and will be traveling to Eugene, OR to compete in the Regional tournament.  This is the first team we have sent to regionals.  I have a feeling they will do very well in this tournament.  I will keep you all informed of their progress in the tournament starting July 23rd.

 

 I want to thanks all of the managers, coaches, parents, and fans.  I have heard comments such as class act, great sportsmanship, supportive, loud, spirited, and other great comments.  You should all be proud of that.

 

2009 Season Planning has begun.
Plans and changes for next season are already underway.  As next season gets closer, more information will be available.  We do know that we will have a Poker Tournament Fundraiser in October.  Also, we were thinking of having a Silent Auction / Dinner sometime in March or April.  Last years was such a success and so much fun, it would be hard to pass it up next year.  We are also going to add the Babe Ruth 13 - 15-year-old division.  We certainly learned a lot this year and received some great ideas.  We will be implementing some rule changes and bylaw changes.  There is too much to mention.  When we have solid information it will be relayed to you. 

Thanks to all of you who gave your valuable time and completed our online survey. The response was great. Over 50% of you completed it . You have provided us with great information and ideas to continue improving our league for the kids and parents alike.

 

See you all at the Field!
 Thank You,