March 2015

1st Inning! The North Natomas Little League Newsletter

Inside this issue:

Opening Day Ceremonies 1

Volunteers: The 600 Club 2 NNLL NEEDS: Back Stops

Painters / Photos / More 2

How Do I Know if the Fields

Open Today? 3

Working Together: What if I

see Bad Behavior? 3

Win an iPad Air! 4 Play It Again - Equipment 4

Hey Blue!

“Just One Minute”!?! 5

Partnership with Sac State

Baseball 6

The NNLL Board Members 6

January 2016 Calendar 6

We are looking for your

suggestions and

comments —the BEST

way is to email us at

nnll@nnll.org

REMEMBER

Don’t Forget to Like us!

www.facebook.com/

NorthNatomasLL

… see the newly revised EQUIPMENT ADVISORY prepared for

2016. There are big changes coming in 2018 that may impact your

buying decisions today. Also be careful when buying used bats - es-

pecially if you are entering a new division!

Click HERE to view the requirements!

1st Inning The NNLL Newsletter Page 2

Are you (or someone you know) interested in sharing your (or their) talents to help improve the

newsletters, website, or social media communication for our league? We still need YOUR help!

Facebookers,

Writers, Thinkers and Doers!!

“You Oughta Be In Pictures” ….NNLL

is hoping to highlight your teams’ kids

and coaches and share the excitement with

the league in our newsletter, yearbook, etc.. What we need

are more and better quality images and pictures!

We also want to make sure everyone gets represented -

from Tee-Ball through Juniors and both baseball and softball.

Right now, several people have offered to share photos. But,

we need more help in your division. If you, or someone you

know, with some photography skills are interested helping

photograph and share images of the league’s goings-on,

please do not hesitate to contact us.

Last year, between Spring and Fall Ball, North

Natomas Little League approved 665 volunteer

applications, or one volunteer per 1.3 children

enrolled.

As of March 15, we already have 613 approved volunteers for the Spring 2016 season.

Roughly a third of these folks (208) are first-time volunteers in our league!

NNLL is fortunate to have so many parent volunteers. Whether it’s dragging fields, running the concession stands, calling

balls and strikes, keeping score, being a team parent, or coaching on the field, there is always a need for someone to pitch

in and help the youth of our community.

To become a volunteer, all do is complete a short online application (look for the “Volunteers” link on our website at

nnll.org). We’ll run a free background check and within 24-48 hours, you’ll be approved to be part of something special.

Volunteering for your child’s team is such a rewarding experience. Someday your son or daughter will look back on these

days and remember how enthusiastic and involved you were in his or her activities. Being a positive role model now will

pay big dividends when your child becomes an adult himself. Volunteering is also a great way to connect with other parents

and families in our community. We truly appreciate your time and commitment. If you have a suggestion on how to im-

prove the volunteer experience, please drop me a line at safety@nnll.org.

The 600 Club By Troy Nelson, Safety Officer

NNLL is searching for a volunteer project manager to plan

and oversee an initiative to repaint the

backstops at our Regency Park fields.

Every few years, the backstops become so

weathered and drab from the elements, they

need a fresh coat.

If you have a strong desire to lead a project of this nature, or

know someone who does, please send me an email at

safety@nnll.org. I’ll work closely with you to create a small

budget and a plan to recruit volunteer painters (this is a per-

fect opportunity for youth who are interested in receiving

volunteer hours for school). We are hoping to pain the back-

stops over the Easter break.

Photographers to Showcase the Kids By Lucas Perretti, Umpire In Chief

VOLUNTEERS

MAKE NNLL

WHAT IT IS

Project Manager for Painting Project By Troy Nelson, Safety Officer

Graphic Designers

Newsletter Designers (i.e., Publisher, Illustrator, etc)

NNLL Needs

Contact!

nnll@nnll.org

The 1st Inning 1st Inning The NNLL Newsletter Page 3

So, it’s finally raining in Sacramento. Boy

do we need it! But… is the game on?

Can you still play? How do you know?

North Natomas Little League plays its games exclusively on City of Sacramento parks. Therefore, generally, the City determines whether a

given field is available for our use. If the City determines the field is unsafe for play or likely to cause damage to the fields, they let NNLL

know. Typically, the decision is made around 3:00 in the afternoon. Weekend playing conditions are often assessed on Fridays. As soon as

the league knows, that information is sent out in an e-mail blast, posted on

the www.nnll.org website and announced on the Facebook page. You already signed up

for emails and liked us on Facebook. Right?

I know - “it’s just a little rain, right? Heck, it is bright and sunny now!” Unfortunately,

once the call is made, we are no longer allowed to use the fields for league use. Keep

in mind, the fields are typically closed for two reasons:

Safety of the kids. The safety of our kids is first priority for both the league and the City.

Potential damage to the fields. Another reason not to play on wet fields is the damage to the infield and outfield.

So, the next time it rains, be patient, check your email or visit our website. Of course, if the fields are closed and you still MUST play –

play whiffle ball (maybe) in the house!

How Do I Know if the Fields are Open Today?

Submitted by Linda Kirkpatrick, League Administrator

NNLL is a great league! We have more

than 850 kids playing baseball and softball

on fields throughout the commu-

nity. Most of the time, the kids have a

great experience.

But, once in awhile, someone loses the 'why' we are here. Some forget these are only kids playing a game learning to become good and decent citizens! Maybe a coach forgets that winning is not the first goal. Maybe a parent forgets that the coaches are volunteers. Maybe,

someone forgets that umpires are human and learning too! We strive to create the absolute best experience for the kids.

So what should you do? Sit there and do nothing? NO!! Unfortunately, many times things happen and no one reports them. Or, we hear

about the incident weeks later. At that point, there is little we can do.

So instead of that, here is what you should do:

Decide the severity of the incident. If it was relatively minor than take note and let the team’s

manager know what you witnessed.

If the issue was really bad or your manager is unresponsive. Contact a Board Member. (Every game at Regional Field and Regency Fields 1 and 2 in the Board Member ‘Green Shirts” - see page 6 for names.)

Provide the Board Member the specifics about what you saw.

Finally, follow-up with an email to nnll@nnll.org within 24 hours.

Make sure to provide “just the facts” - not opinions. What happened? Who was involved? Were there witnesses? What was the situa-

tion?

What happens next….

If your information is provided in a timely manner – the comments are forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee (DC). Usually, the DC

includes the Umpire in Chief, 1-2 Vice Presidents, and 1-2 other Board Members. Next, the DC launches an investigation.

The DC’s goal is to respond to the complaint. No one LOVES doling out discipline. But, if the DC finds a violation of the Code of Con-

duct, the rules, or other agreements, the DC makes a recommendation to the full Board for possible discipline. But, the DC is not on a

fishing trip. Sometimes the DC cannot corroborate the complaint or finds conflicting information and there is little they can do.

So, bottom line, if you see something, let us know. It’s the best way we can maintain the great experience NNLL families expect.

WORKING TOGETHER: What if I See Bad Behavior?

Submitted by Lucas Perretti, Umpire In Chief

Click to see the

CODE OF CONDUCT

1st Inning The NNLL Newsletter Page 4

REMEMBER: THERE’S A TON OF

HELPFUL INFO ON THE UMPIRE PAGE OF THE NNLL WEBSITE

Help the District celebrate all season long starting with an iPad raffle!

One iPad Air will be raffled off during Opening Ceremonies!

Buy your tickets during the Opening Day Ceremonies on March 18th!

You do not need to be present to win … Contact us if you want more tickets!

Win an iPad Air Submitted by Linda Kirkpatrick, League Administrator

$10 per ticket

Need Info?

A quick start is to go to the

www.nnll.org website and

when you get there, click on

the appropriate ‘baseball’

NNLL will begin to facilitate the exchange of gently used baseball and softball clothing and

equipment. Any usable items your child has outgrown and would like to donate

to other NNLL players may be dropped off with NNLL Board Members at snack

bar locations during the season.

Please make sure any clothing is laundered prior to donation, thank you! If you

have any questions, please contact Stan Jones at teeballvp@nnll.org

Play It Again - Equipment Swap

Submitted by Stanley Jones, VP, Tee Ball

"Hustle, Hustle, Hustle! " we tell the kids. Of course, when they

are excited - they run fast. When they are not.. well, they don't.

But did you know that during Little League games, each team has

only 60 seconds to get on the field and throw the first pitch of

the inning? That is NOT a lot of time. So.. let's explore it.

Well, by rule the pitcher is allowed 8 warm up pitches in a

total time “not to exceed 1 minute.” An inning ends when

the 3rd out is made, thus the clock

begins the INSTANT the 3rd out is

made. So we all need to hustle the

kids!

Also, all that between innings stuff (i.e.,

defensive huddles, infielders warm ups,

or a throw to 2nd) are bonuses. Not

'must-haves'. The pitcher has 60 sec-

onds to throw up to 8 warm-up

pitches. That's it!

So why is this rule in place? Mainly

for pace of play. Same as the pros,

Little League is always looking for ways

to keep the game moving along.

At your next time, look how long it

takes between innings. Sometimes 3-, 4-, even 5-minutes per

half-inning elapse. Over a 6-inning game, that means more than

30 excess minutes of 'not-playing' time. And if a time-restricted

Hey Blue! By Lucas Perretti, Umpire in Chief

1st Inning The NNLL Newsletter Page 5

game (i.e., because of divisional time limits or the setting sun), lack

of hustle increases the chance a game will not be complete or even

official!

Plus, it is simply more fun to PLAY!

So, here's some helpful tips to make sure we effectively utilize the

one minute between innings:

1. No catcher ready? Send a bench player out

with a mask and catcher's glove to warm-up the

pitcher. Never an adult!!! Or, have the pitcher

warm-up with the 3rd baseman. If no players are

ready, teach pitchers to warm up by going through

the pitching motion without the ball.

2. Catcher was on base? Help the catcher dress

by putting on shin guards, provide water, or simply

help the catcher as needed.

3. If a coach wants a defensive huddle (i.e.,

"Great job! Hold the lead out there,") send the

pitcher and catcher out alone to warm up.

4. If the pitcher has bad habit (i.e. exaggerated

pitching motion or 'taking signs' during warm ups)

have the pitcher warm up OFF the rubber with the

catcher standing.

There you go, four tips to stay within the rules and get back to far

more entertaining game play.

The Inside Pitch:

NNLL used to issue a stopwatch to

the game's umpire to monitor in-

between inning time. Maybe we

should re-issue them!

BTW - in the pros, the 2nd base um-

pire is the keeper of the time. They

have a little over 2 minutes for com-

mercials. At the next game, you might

catch him pull out a stop watch as soon

as the 3rd out is made!

Now you know.

“Just one minute” … “But, I need more time!”

You Make The Call:

Score is 5-5, bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th with 2

outs. Batter receives ball four and all runners advance. Runner

from 3rd touches home plate. Knowing a walk means the

game’s over, the batter joins the game-win celebration

without having touched 1st base. All kids then enter the

dugout.

What’s Your Call?

How did you do with the February Scenario?

Questions about a rule?

What should I write about?

umpires@nnll.org

That’s Using Your Head!!

Click to see a

funny college triple-play. Answer: The pitch hit the glove first, never hit the ground, and was

legally caught. The correct call was Strike 3. Since the ball is live during

a foul tip, the runner legally stole 3rd base.

1st Inning The NNLL Newsletter

All dates subject to change. Please visit www.nnll.org for more info or to see current events.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

FEB 28 2 - Ump Orientation 1 Mar 1 2 Ump Orientation 2

3 4 - WRLL Umpire Clinic

Day 1

5 - WRLL Umpire Clinic

Day 2

- Scorekeeper's Clinic

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 - Picture Day

(Sports Authority)

13 14 15 16 17 18 - Opening Day Ceremony

(Natomas Regional

19 - OPENING DAY!!

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 Apr 1 2

Page 6

President – Dustin Romero

VP Baseball – Mike Turner

VP Softball – Tony Perez

VP Tee Ball – Stanley Jones

Treasurer – Dave Gifford

Umpire in Chief – Lucas Perretti

Baseball Player Agent – Alana Davis

Softball Player Agent – Emily Norboe

Safety Officer – Troy Nelson

Secretary/Info Officer – Anita Lopez

League Administrator – Linda Kirkpatrick

Snack Bar Coordinator – Dave Murray

Equipment Coordinator – Misty Sanders

Fields Coordinator – Mike Graham

Sponsorship Coordinator – Mia Emmitt

Team Parent Coordinator – Cody Worrall

Coaching Coordinator – Sean Randall

Upper Division Coordinator – Jennifer Tran

Contact any of us at: nnll@nnll.org

2015-2016 NNLL

Board of Directors

It's hard to believe with all of the rain we are getting in Sacramento that the summer

is just around the corner. I am excited to announce exciting changes to our summer

baseball camps.

Now our baseball camps are coming to local little leagues in the greater Sacramento

area in an effort to make it easier for kids to have the opportunity to attend. We

have partnered with the local little leagues listed below:

North Natomas Little League

Folsom National Little League

El Dorado Hills Little League

Carmichael Little League

College Glen Little League

Arden Little League

The camp staff includes local high school and college coaches and

players along with several current and former assistant coaches

and players. I believe the changes we are making will allow us to

provide a great experience for kids looking to have fun and im-

prove their skills as baseball players.

New Camp Website: www.stingersbaseballcamps.com

Sac State’s “Stingers Baseball Camp” Partners with NNLL! Submitted by Reggie Christiansen, Sacramento State Head Baseball Coach