Arkansas District Four Little League Administrator

QUOTE (legend killer @ July 16, 2008 03:29 am)

A couple of things.
first: Blytheville's aeroplex at Thunder Bayou is one in the top of the state facilities. I personally know Gail real well, he does an outstanding job every year with their set up and volunteer to run the tournaments. I'm sure in the next few years their going to get a World Series in which they deserve.
second: I never said I dont disrespect or second guess what Jeff is doing with Little League, their is so much money and time spent hopping between towns during the season. A man in his shoes seldom gets praise but alot of critisism. Obviously he fights for our side of the state to get our share of big tournaments. All I was stating that we played on a state tournament fields that several other towns in our nea takes as much or more pride in the way they look. As far as hotel rooms any where you place a state or higher tournament in Northeast Ark. the farthest you would be is less than 15 miles. Most big towns you would have to travel that anyway.
If it's up to the league presidents to take information to the district meeting, then maybe thats where the problem might be.

As far as our D.A. keep up the under appreciated job you do year around for district 4. Our league is getting stronger from it.

When a league makes a request to me to host a tournament, I try to give them one. It may not be the exact one they wanted. The important fact is that I need to know who wants to host what. Then you sign the contract spelling out what you must do and provide. Then, follow through with it and give the kids an event that will be remembered.

QUOTE (hogsfan @ July 16, 2008 03:29 am)

Pocahontas has been suffering, I mean playing, in the USSSA league for the past 2 seasons and it has been the worst move that any league can make in my opinion. Mr. Smallmon tried to help us get LL start in Pocahontas last season, but it fell through for reasons that had nothing to do with him. I was at every meeting he came to here in Pocahontas and he was extremely helpful at all times on all issues. I believe the suffering my have come to an end, the local baseball board in Pocahontas has 7 new members and they all want something other than USSSA league baseball. Again thank you Mr. Smallmon for your efforts.

ATTENTION DELTA BOARD MEMBERS!!! This might just prove my theory that we won't have anybody to play post season if we stay USSSA! Sheridan coaches say they are going back to Cal. A Lake Hamilton coach said they were going to drop out next year. Wynne has been disappointed, Newport, I believe, already has LL underway there (Correct me if I'm wrong Youth, I just heard this from Newport parents)... and the list goes on and on...

Thanks Expert, thats what I needed to know!

QUOTE (skles718 @ July 16, 2008 01:01 pm)

QUOTE (hogsfan @ July 16, 2008 03:29 am)

Pocahontas has been suffering, I mean playing, in the USSSA league for the past 2 seasons and it has been the worst move that any league can make in my opinion. Mr. Smallmon tried to help us get LL start in Pocahontas last season, but it fell through for reasons that had nothing to do with him. I was at every meeting he came to here in Pocahontas and he was extremely helpful at all times on all issues. I believe the suffering my have come to an end, the local baseball board in Pocahontas has 7 new members and they all want something other than USSSA league baseball. Again thank you Mr. Smallmon for your efforts.

ATTENTION DELTA BOARD MEMBERS!!! This might just prove my theory that we won't have anybody to play post season if we stay USSSA! Sheridan coaches say they are going back to Cal. A Lake Hamilton coach said they were going to drop out next year. Wynne has been disappointed, Newport, I believe, already has LL underway there (Correct me if I'm wrong Youth, I just heard this from Newport parents)... and the list goes on and on...

I spoke with some of the new board members in Pocahontas today. The 7 new board members were all people that were involved in the movement last season to form a new Little League. This board 10 out of 11 want to switch to something other than USSSA next season. I do not know if they will pick Little League or not. But, with those 7 folks on the board, maybe we have a chance.

I have not heard from Newport. Will call and see.

Youth, was Pocahontas previously affiliated with Cal? It seems like most of the people we have faced post season were Cal before they switched. I don't know what their reasons for changing were, but I can say that aside from Greenbrier and Beebe (which happened to be where State tournaments were held) every single team parents and/or coaches I spoke to at the tournaments were voicing the desire to change either back to Cal or something new. There is a big opportunity for LL here. As for Delta, there are some board members who like bringing home the big trophies and we swept district and brought home the championship in 4 out of 7 divisions in state this season, but, (for example) in my son's division, every post season game played, aside from the actual championship game was called in the 3rd or 4th inning for mercy ruling. You have to wonder, are these the best all-star teams out there or just the best USSSA league has to offer? I just remember more challenge in LL... maybe its just me...

QUOTE (skles718 @ July 18, 2008 03:27 pm)

Youth, was Pocahontas previously affiliated with Cal? It seems like most of the people we have faced post season were Cal before they switched. I don't know what their reasons for changing were, but I can say that aside from Greenbrier and Beebe (which happened to be where State tournaments were held) every single team parents and/or coaches I spoke to at the tournaments were voicing the desire to change either back to Cal or something new. There is a big opportunity for LL here. As for Delta, there are some board members who like bringing home the big trophies and we swept district and brought home the championship in 4 out of 7 divisions in state this season, but, (for example) in my son's division, every post season game played, aside from the actual championship game was called in the 3rd or 4th inning for mercy ruling. You have to wonder, are these the best all-star teams out there or just the best USSSA league has to offer? I just remember more challenge in LL... maybe its just me...

Yes, Pocahontas was in Cal Ripkin. Then switched to USSSA. It is ok to win big thropies in a tournament that you don't face much competition. With the amount of money Delta paid to play in those tournament they could have purchased several of those big thropies.

I heard that Trumann has decided to stay USSSA for next season to give it a chance to see if it gets better. Let me emphasize this is something "I heard", but it did come from a reliable source and someone who has no personal preference on the decision. The source also said, however, that the board has said they will go with Delta on this officially, meaning if the other towns switch then they will too. So, if there is any convincing to do it will be with Marked Tree, Harrisburg, Lepanto and Weiner. I have been open about my concerns, but I have one more thought for our boards to ponder... Most if not all of the board members in Delta have sons in the program. I would give an estimate that 85-90% of the board members' sons play USSSA weekend ball. One big concern about going back to LL or trying Cal seems to be the pitching limitations, lead off rules, etc. I guess I am saying this to make this point: All these weekend ballers are going to get that kind of action on the weekend, not to mention how many pitches these boys will throw during their travel season. What would it hurt to be a little protected during league? I realize that league ball isn't only for the board members kids, but I think that most boys that are playing league in our area are doing it on the "recreational" level and not the "competitive" level. Therefore, they could use the time spent in LL or Cal growing and developing their skills to get ready for the advanced level of play. I guess what I am trying to say is, LL or Cal rules might not be "enough" for these competitive kids, but are USSSA rules "too much" for the others??? Just a thought... Keep in mind, my kid would be one of the ones whining if he had to go back to the LL way...

QUOTE (skles718 @ July 20, 2008 12:52 am)

I heard that Trumann has decided to stay USSSA for next season to give it a chance to see if it gets better. Let me emphasize this is something "I heard", but it did come from a reliable source and someone who has no personal preference on the decision. The source also said, however, that the board has said they will go with Delta on this officially, meaning if the other towns switch then they will too. So, if there is any convincing to do it will be with Marked Tree, Harrisburg, Lepanto and Weiner. I have been open about my concerns, but I have one more thought for our boards to ponder... Most if not all of the board members in Delta have sons in the program. I would give an estimate that 85-90% of the board members' sons play USSSA weekend ball. One big concern about going back to LL or trying Cal seems to be the pitching limitations, lead off rules, etc. I guess I am saying this to make this point: All these weekend ballers are going to get that kind of action on the weekend, not to mention how many pitches these boys will throw during their travel season. What would it hurt to be a little protected during league? I realize that league ball isn't only for the board members kids, but I think that most boys that are playing league in our area are doing it on the "recreational" level and not the "competitive" level. Therefore, they could use the time spent in LL or Cal growing and developing their skills to get ready for the advanced level of play. I guess what I am trying to say is, LL or Cal rules might not be "enough" for these competitive kids, but are USSSA rules "too much" for the others??? Just a thought... Keep in mind, my kid would be one of the ones whining if he had to go back to the LL way...

I also have heard that the "Parks and Rec committee" meeting was an outlandish mess last session. The committee's City council member in attendance could not beleave that 2 of the members would not realise that Truman lost $17,000 this season. He stated that this issue most likely will be settled by the City Council, not the Parks and Rec committee.

I heard I heard I heard. If any of you want to know the truth about what goes on at the Trumann Park and Rec meetings, SHOW UP! they are open to the public. And the council member that was there stated "the council will stick with the Park and Rec decision, they will not buck you on this"
Reading all these "rumors" lies and crap makes me wanta nearsports/0c9b9f48.gif

I would question why you are reading a "discussion forum" if you don't like reading "rumors" "opinions" and "hearsay". This "hearsay" is a part of a continuing discussion we have been having. If you would like to clear up any "lies" as you put them, feel free. Otherwise, take them for what they are which is discussion and reflection. I for one have not labeled any of my posts as fact unless I was a firsthand witness to it, in which case I would state that I was. So, don't insult me. I place posts like those in order to get someone to either validate or dismiss the "hearsay" and back it up with facts because I have found that when you do so, it shuts the rumor mill down because it has no where else to go. Just getting tiffy about it and saying its all lies only seems to validate the rumor more. (In my experience). I personally could care less if Trumann plays wiffle ball in the 09 season, but whatever ya'll do could effect what kind of ball my son plays in league next year so I have a right to discuss it or question it. If ya don't like it, don't read my posts. Otherwise feel free to give out the facts that would put an end to all of the questions.

I could not have said it better skles. nearsports/clap.gif

QUOTE (skles718 @ July 21, 2008 02:54 am)

I would question why you are reading a "discussion forum" if you don't like reading "rumors" "opinions" and "hearsay". This "hearsay" is a part of a continuing discussion we have been having. If you would like to clear up any "lies" as you put them, feel free. Otherwise, take them for what they are which is discussion and reflection. I for one have not labeled any of my posts as fact unless I was a firsthand witness to it, in which case I would state that I was. So, don't insult me. I place posts like those in order to get someone to either validate or dismiss the "hearsay" and back it up with facts because I have found that when you do so, it shuts the rumor mill down because it has no where else to go. Just getting tiffy about it and saying its all lies only seems to validate the rumor more. (In my experience). I personally could care less if Trumann plays wiffle ball in the 09 season, but whatever ya'll do could effect what kind of ball my son plays in league next year so I have a right to discuss it or question it. If ya don't like it, don't read my posts. Otherwise feel free to give out the facts that would put an end to all of the questions.

Your right, I should not be reading this crap if it makes me sick. So, to your delight and Jeffs delight, I will let it go, Im not going to lower myself to the level that SOME have gone to here and constantly just keep stuff stirred up. Ill deal with the facts that I know and am faced with. I hear enough whinning and backstabbing away from here so, thanks skyles for setting me straight and making me realize that this is not the place for me. Your just one voice against Delta, Ill listen to the other 3 or 400 people involved in Delta baseball over one voice, and Jeff, you dont have any say in Delta anyway, so you can mouth all you want.

post what you want to me or about, dont matter, I wont see it.

QUOTE (Hogfantotheend @ July 21, 2008 12:33 pm)

QUOTE (skles718 @ July 21, 2008 02:54 am)

I would question why you are reading a "discussion forum" if you don't like reading "rumors" "opinions" and "hearsay". This "hearsay" is a part of a continuing discussion we have been having. If you would like to clear up any "lies" as you put them, feel free. Otherwise, take them for what they are which is discussion and reflection. I for one have not labeled any of my posts as fact unless I was a firsthand witness to it, in which case I would state that I was. So, don't insult me. I place posts like those in order to get someone to either validate or dismiss the "hearsay" and back it up with facts because I have found that when you do so, it shuts the rumor mill down because it has no where else to go. Just getting tiffy about it and saying its all lies only seems to validate the rumor more. (In my experience). I personally could care less if Trumann plays wiffle ball in the 09 season, but whatever ya'll do could effect what kind of ball my son plays in league next year so I have a right to discuss it or question it. If ya don't like it, don't read my posts. Otherwise feel free to give out the facts that would put an end to all of the questions.

Your right, I should not be reading this crap if it makes me sick. So, to your delight and Jeffs delight, I will let it go, Im not going to lower myself to the level that SOME have gone to here and constantly just keep stuff stirred up. Ill deal with the facts that I know and am faced with. I hear enough whinning and backstabbing away from here so, thanks skyles for setting me straight and making me realize that this is not the place for me. Your just one voice against Delta, Ill listen to the other 3 or 400 people involved in Delta baseball over one voice, and Jeff, you dont have any say in Delta anyway, so you can mouth all you want.

post what you want to me or about, dont matter, I wont see it.

Just as I suspected, no facts to back anything up, just name calling and misquoting. #1 I am 150% for my community's youth baseball program so you could not be more wrong about me. #2 I am 150% against people who are arrogant enough to think youth baseball is a somehow about them and not the kids #3 I am 150% against any organization who makes astronomical profits off of a youth sports program. I love the Delta league, and every little guy and girl who puts on a helmet. The difference between you and me is you somehow think this program belongs to you. I only exercise my right to an opinion, which is exactly why it so strange that you would care that I give it. And I am only one voice because I am the one with the balls to say it. I have personally heard your own fellow board members question the same things I have questioned on this board. The only difference is it was not plastered on a public forum and that it what you don't like about it. Go live in your fantasy world where you believe everybody in Delta League agrees with you 100%, but you'll find that the parents want what's best for the kids out on the field, not whats best for the board members and coaches or the city's budget. If USSSA is the proven answer to that then EVERYONE, will be behind it 100% But board members like you who don't want to hear an opinion that is different than your own should be removed. I would like to say our Harrisburg board members have shown much respect for those who have questions and concerns and have kept an open mind. They may in the end vote to keep USSSA and that will be fine. But they won't have publicly embarrassed the board by devaluing the opinions of those who pay the bills by having multiple children in the program, bringing sponsorships and putting in countless hours of volunteer work.

Oh and I didn't want you to "let it go", I would LOVE to hear from someone who has "all the facts". Tell us why we should stay USSSA since that is your position. Tell us how it will benefit the Delta League. I really do want to hear it because it helps those that are having some doubts and it would benefit the board to do so. Why be so defensive? Is there are valid reasons to stay USSSA? So far the only reason I ever hear is how much you dislike Smallmon. I would hate to think a board makes decisions on the future of a city's youth program based on personal feelings towards a DA. I'm certain ya'll have other reasons because as board members, you wouldn't be toying with taxpayers money over a personal grudge. So, instead of jumping ship on this forum, why not say: here are the good reasons we should stay USSSA. It would earn much respect and clear up any questions. I WANT what is best for our boys. NOT what would be more convenient for you or me. I think if you took time to read all of my posts in there entirety you would see I have seen pros and cons on both. Help me make my decision, state your case. OR go on telling me how my voice doesn't matter because that will help me make up my mind too.

QUOTE

But board members like you who don't want to hear an opinion that is different than your own should be removed.

Listening to all with an open mind to make the best decision for the league as a whole is so important. When you have a board that has their own agenda, grudges and personal vendettas...striving only for themselves or their children, tears a league apart.

Open meetings with open minds will go a lot further...