Hello Folks!
Here's some general guidlines for the 2023 season.
Registration for 4-12 year olds will end 4/09/23
Registration for 13-18 year olds will end 5/15/23
Draft for all 9-12 year olds that DIDN'T play in 9-12 last year will be on 4/16/23 (weather permitting) coaches will notify players usually within 48 hours after draft. 4-5 and 6-8 coaches will be given rosters by then too and be in contact and all 4-12 teams will begin practicing the following week.
THAT IS, IF WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN CURRENT PHONE NUMBERS/CONTACT INFO AT REGISTRATION! THAT'S THE ONLY INFO COACHES WILL HAVE!
Opening day will be 5/13/23 at the park.
ALL registered players will be invited to participate and ride on the league entry in the Niles Memorial Day parade. Personally, I can't think of a better way to memorialize those who have given their lives in defense of our great country! Where our girls can freely participate in one of the best games ever invented in my humble opinion. The girls will also get to show their throwing skills SOFTLY tossing sweets to the masses along the parade route. The kids, coaches, and parents usually have a great time and after all, that's what this whole program is about!
Having witnessed, administrated, and dealt with several incidents at various youth sporting events in the past, I’ve gotta throw this out there folks! There WILL BE NO TOLERANCE OF ANY VIOLENCE, THREATENING, OR UNRULY BEHAVIOR TOWARDS UMPIRES, COACHES, BOARD MEMBERS, PLAYERS, OR SPECTATORS AT ANY NBGSA GAME,PRACTICE, OR EVENT.
The ballpark is a place where EVERYBODY, especially the kids, should feel SAFE to simply be kids and enjoy themselves! It’s not a back alley, barroom, or family court! I have spoken with local law enforcement, understand the procedures, and any incidents will be dealt with by the legal system in a forthright manner. So, unless you’re dead set on finding out what Berrien County is serving for breakfast to those in jail, act right people!
The league has a disciplinary policy for it’s participants and the kids might get three strikes at the plate but anybody caring to act like an idiot will not. For the “I think you should…” folks: The annual league meeting and board elections are the 1st Thursday of September. Step up to the plate or let those that did, do the work we need to do that allows it all to happen.
Sorry about being blunt but we’re at that stage of the game folks, excuse the pun.
See you at the park!
Dave