Bulletin Board

To submit your own message or question click here.

Information relating to schedules, rules, weather, player comments, etc will be posted here:

• Bats used for regular season and playoff games must comply with ASA rules as follows:

   

        Click here for a list of ASA banned bats that may not be used at any time for play or practice.  List used for 2010 season is the ASA list as of April 16, 2010.

• Click here for details on League meetings held Dec 12, 2008, Feb 18, 2007; Feb 26, 2006; March 16th, 2005; Feb 17, 2005; Feb 24, 2004; and August 5, 2003.

• The league will be conducting practices and playing its games on the grounds of Oliver Ames High School in Easton and Borden Colony Field and Reid Field in Raynham.  For field locations and directions click here.

• Click here for the latest weather updates.

• To assist in preventing injuries and enhance the quality of play and the enjoyment of the sport it is recommended that you do some things to get and stay in shape for the season.  Stretching exercises are especially helpful.  Here are a few sites that offer some good stretching exercises:

            http://www.spinalhealth.net/stretching.html

            http://www.cuci.nl/~kung-fu/stretch.htm

            http://www.zyworld.com/litldragon24/Stretching%20Page.htm

It's also important to exercise and warm up your throwing arm, particularly in pre-season, so get out and play some catch.  

OPEN LETTER TO THE LEAGUE:

The League and its players were paid a noteworthy compliment by Ron LaPointe, the Easton field umpire this season.  He commented to me, as we chatted nonchalantly before the start of this past Sunday's (Aug 29, 2004) games,  that this league is one of the best he has ever seen.  He noted that week in and week out all the players not only show up on time for scheduled games, but are typically early.  He was particularly impressed that at 7:45am on Sunday morning, as it was with every Sunday morning this season, there were 10+ players for both teams ready if not anxious to take the field in anticipation for what ever pitch and what ever hit would come our way.  Ron's comment made me pause and take account of something I had not really considered before.  That the group of men playing in this league are possibly and probably extraordinary.  There are certainly a variety of men who come out to play every Sunday, but we all generally show up on time if not early for games, we all play with much spirit and abandon, and we all generally get along well together both as teammates and opponents.  But what is most apparent is that the players in this league exhibit a commitment to playing every week that is at least as passionate and probably more so than players in other softball leagues.  I've played in other leagues where winning was the primary motivation for participating, and that if one did not win the experience was irreparably tarnished.  But in this league I believe that the vast majority of us value the experience of playing over the win/loss record.  And while we certainly all want to win, the vast majority of us appreciate our participation and respect our fellow players for theirs.  I must also pause further to consider that we certainly respect the winners of each game for their skills and also the luck that is garnered and exhibited by these teams and their players.  But for the players on the teams that lose, especially those that lose more games than they win, I personally feel every bit as much respect.  It is so often overlooked in our desire, our zeal, and our efforts to win, that the most important thing we all do every Sunday is show up and play our hearts out, playing through injuries and all the little and not so little inconveniences of taking time out of a day of rest.  We should all commend ourselves and pat each other on the backs for showing up in droves every Sunday to step between the lines to play this game.  And whether we win or we lose, we can all be proud of the fact that we play every game hard to the last out and then shake our opponent's hand, whether in congratulations or condolence.  What's most important is not the score or the win/loss record, it's that we show up every week just for the sake of and the experience of playing such a great game. 

 

I want to thank all the players, and in particular, the captains, our wives and girlfriends, our kids, the umpires, and the town's of Easton and Raynham for helping me make Sunday Morning Softball a huge success!!       - Mike Graff

 

Please use this area to record any questions or concerns you may have, or information or comments you would like to post to the Message Center (please note that derogatory comments or "trash talk" will not be posted):

December 12, 2008 - A meeting for team captains only held at Taunton Raynham Dog Track in in Taunton, MA.  10 of 12 team captains in attendance.  This was the only scheduled organizational meeting of the season.  The following is a recap of items discussed:

League Organizer Mike Graff opened the meeting by distributing copies of the 2007 P&L statement and making available copies of receipts and cancelled checks to back up the P&L statement.  These were available for inspection throughout the meeting.

First item discussed was the Games Schedule. 

• It was decided that the playoff format for 2008 will include a championship bracket and a consolation bracket, although no formal structure or schedule was decided upon.

• It was decided to once again play double headers this season on a similar schedule to last year.

• The first game of the season will be April 27^th with the regular season ending August 31^st.  Games will not be played on Mothers Day, Memorial Day, July 4^th, or Labor Day weekends.  Playoffs will start Sunday Sept 14^th.

• Rob Gimler and Dave Belanger volunteered to do the Games Schedule for the season.

 Agenda item 2 concerned league finances.  Due to a first time league expense of $3490 to pay for liability insurance, being required by the Town of Raynham, the league posted a lost of $3561.99 for the 2007 season.  Going forward the league must continue to carry liability insurance.  Accordingly, the following was decided in order to maintain the league’s financial solvency:

• Player dues will be raised to $100 for the 2008 season.

• Teams will be required to carry a minimum of 13 paying players.

• New jerseys for the 2008 season will be purchased for each paying player.  However, players returning for the 2009 and subsequent seasons will be required to reuse their previous season’s jersey.  For new players in any given season a $25 jersey fee will be charged in addition to the $100 league fee, or for any returning player that wants a new jersey they can order one for the same $25 jersey fee.

 The 3^rd agenda item pertained to bats and balls.

• The official league ball for 2008 will be the yellow Dudley 375/44.

• Bats banned by ASA will also not be eligible for use by our league.

 Other league decisions included:

• All games will now be 9 innings instead of the typical 7.  This was enacted to enable teams to carry more players while still providing sufficient playing time for each player.  This will help avoid forfeits and those occasional games with less than 10 players.

• Slaughter rule will be 25 run differential after 5^th inning.

• Teams must have 8 roster players present to play an official game; 7 players will be permitted with the agreement of the opposing team manager.  Failure to meet this minimum number of players will result in a forfeit.

• Sliding rule:  Slide or no contact, meaning the responsibility is on the runner to avoid contact with the defensive player.  If the defensive player is out of position or blocking the plate, the runner should still avoid contact with the defensive player then register a protest with the umpire.  If in the opinion of the umpire the defensive player was out of position then the runner will be ruled safe.  To further clarify, there will be plate blocking at any time, no take-out slides, and no decoying of runners.  Violators will be subject to ejection from games and further league disciplinary action for repeat violations.

 Meeting concluded.

February 18, 2007 - A meeting for team captains only held at Chateau Restaurant in Norton.  This was the only scheduled organizational meeting of the season.  The following is a recap of items discussed:

• League Organizer Mike Graff opened the meeting by presenting copies of receipts and cancelled checks to back up the 2006 season P&L statement.  These were available for inspection throughout the meeting.
• There was a discussion regarding the suggestion to restructure the league into a divisional format based on an A and B division, with the more competitive teams playing the A division and the teams with more losses than wins playing in the B division.  This was not adopted and it was decided to retain the present divisions based on the towns.
• There was a discussion to allow for the adding of new teams.  This was not adopted and it was decided to retain at 12 teams
• It was decided to begin the playing season on Sunday, April 29th.  Based on the anticipated poor condition of the OA High School field, it was decided to use Reid Field for the Easton division home games until after June 1st. 
• It was decided to not use the scheduling software that has been used in the previous 3 season.  David Belanger was assigned the task of putting together the schedule of games for 2007.  It was also determined to include double headers and not to make up games that might be cancelled due to rain or poor field conditions.  It was decided that the playoff schedule format will be the same as the 2006 season.
• It was decided to continue to follow the same bat restrictions as the 2006 season.  Each team will be given a $200 allowance toward the purchase of a team bat.  The league will continue to use the 44 core / 375 compression ball, except the ball color will be yellow for 2007.  Each team will be given an allowance of softballs at the start of the season and be responsible for supplying balls to the umpire at the start of each game.
• Jersey options were discussed and a style was chosen for league wide use.  No caps will be provided by the league this season.
• The league will no hire an umpire coordinator this season.  It was also decided not to join ASA.
• The player fee will continue to be $95 and teams pay be sponsored for $250.  Team captains will collect player fees and provide 1 check to league.
• Review of rules:

  - Players must slide into 2nd, 3rd, and Home if there is a play at the plate.  If they fail to slide they will be subject to be called out by the umpire.

  - Official slaughter rule is 25 runs after the 5th inning.

  - A no taunting rule was adopted.  Any player who taunts will be subject to league disciplinary action.

February 26, 2006 - An open meeting for all League participants was held at Extra Innings in West Bridgewater.  This was the 1st organizational meeting of the 2006 season.  The following is a recap of items discussed:

• The first regular season games will be played Sunday, April 30th, with the final regular season games on Sept 10th in order to have a 16 game game regular season schedule.
• Every team will make the playoffs using the same playoff format as the 2004 season, with the exception that the finals will be a best 2 out of 3 series.
• The League will purchase and begin using a double first base bag for safety purposes.
• Umpires will be asked to inspect bats prior to each game along with each Captain in order to confirm compliance with League bat regulations.
• Bat policy will remain the same as last season except that the minimum weight restriction has been lifted.
• If a player is intending to leave a game prior to its conclusion the opposing team must be informed before the start of the game.  If player does so or if a player must leave due to injury then no out will be recorded at their place in the batting order.
• No players may be added to the lineup after 1 complete rotation of the batting order. 
• No double headers will be scheduled for this season.

March 16, 2005 - An open meeting for all League participants held at Charlie Horse Restaurant, West Bridgewater.  The purpose was to follow up on items discussed at the Feb 17th meeting.  The following is a recap of items discussed:

• Suggestion that each team maintain an emergency contact person for each player in the event of an injury at a game.  This was unanimously supported.
• A plan to encourage commercial sponsorships of the league to provide additional financial support by area businesses was adopted.
• Official list of banned bats for the 2005 season was adopted.
• Discussion regarding verification of player eligibility per the minimum playing age of 30.  It was adopted that at the start of any game the captain of a team may request proof (i.e. driver's license) of a player's age on the opposing team.  If the player in question is unable or unwilling to show proof of age they will not be allowed to play until acceptable, according to the game Umpire or League Director, is presented.  Only visual verification of said proof is required; no copies will be made.  It is understood by all captains that it is their responsibility to verify player eligibility prior to inclusion on a team roster.
• The slaughter rule for the 2005 season will be 25 runs after the 5th inning is completed.
• A proposal to require every team to use identical bats was not adopted for the 2005 season, but will be re-considered next season.
• League Director Graff stated that he would be making a final decision regarding uniforms in the next week.

Feb 17, 2005 - An open meeting for all League participants held at Charlie Horse Restaurant, West Bridgewater.  The purpose was to discuss general issues regarding the upcoming season. The following is a recap of items discussed:

• Meeting was opened with general comments by League Director, Mike Graff speaking to the overall success of the league as it enters it 3rd season.
• The finance report was offered by Graff; a P&L statement for the 2004 season was reviewed with all players present.
• A question was asked regard whether we would accept commercial sponsors for teams.  It was decided that in principal we would be no official plan was suggested or finalized.  This was tabled for later consideration.
• It was suggested that we purchase a better quality of cap for the uniforms as the model from last year did not hold up well over the course of the season.  It was decided to upgrade the cap for the 2005 season.
• A question was posed regarding how fields are maintained during the course of the season.  According to Graff the league does not officially perform any field maintenance as this is supposed to be done by the towns of Raynham and Easton.  It was acknowledged, however, that from time to time players have performed various field maintenance functions, such as raking the infield, in order to improve the over condition of the fields.
• It was suggested that no reserve players should be allowed during playoffs.  It was decided that only registered and paid regular season players will be eligible for playoff rosters.
• There was discussion of organizing and all star game and a family day picnic during the season, but no official plan was decided upon.  This was tabled for later consideration.
• Ideas for raising additional revenues by way of fundraising events was discussed.  This was tabled for later consideration.
• It was decided that the league would set aside 2 afternoon dates during the season to provide times for making up rained out games.
• There was a discussion regarding the Championship Game location.  It was decided it will be played at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton as last year.  There was also a discussion about playing more of a tournament style playoff and championship series at Campanelli in order to allow more teams to experience playing there.  Graff to contact the Rox to obtain information and costs of expanding the stadium rental for the last Sunday in September.
• It was discussed and decided that all teams will make the playoffs.  The specific format of playoff games will be determined pending the availability of Campanelli as discussed in previous note.
• in order to promote greater efficiency in collecting player fees, team captains will be responsible for collecting fees from the players on their teams and turning them over to the league director.
• There was a suggestion that the league fee should be set again at $95 per player.  Discussion ensued that this might not be high enough to cover all league expenses for the season.  There was a suggestion that the league explore fundraising and team sponsorships to raise any funds needed over the $95 player fee.
• Suggestion that a list of reserve players be established for regular season games.  Captains would be able to contact players on this list if short players for a particular game.
• It was decided that the league will not provide a bat to each team this season.  It was also decided that teams could opt not to use a team supplied cap, but that all teams would use the same style jersey, approved and supplied by the league to each registered player.
• It was decided that a committee would examine the ASA list of banned bats to determine if it should be expanded to improve player safety.  It was further suggested that umpires should inspect all bats prior to games to guarantee conformity with the league's list of banned bats. 
• Decision to request more of a variety of umpires this season, having them rotate between fields.
• There was a suggestion to use double bases at 1st base; this was adopted in order to promote player safety.

Feb 24, 2004 - An open meeting to all League participants held at Sam's Sports Bar, Brockton.  The purpose was to discuss general issues regarding the upcoming season.  The following is a recap of items discussed:

• Announcement by Mike Graff that he has approached several surrounding towns to solicit interest in offering an adult men's softball program through the Sunday Morning Softball League.  The purpose is to enhance playing experience by increasing variety of teams to play and adding playing venues.  The condition on town participation is to provide a venue for play.  Several towns indicated interest, but to date Raynham is the only town to provide a field.  The consensus was that we should proceed cautiously but to allow Raynham to participate.
• It was expressed that with the addition of new teams that we need to restate the participation requirement that all players be at least 30 years old and that some type of age verification system may need to be implemented.  Those present agreed that the league should remain more recreational with an emphasis on fun and friendly competition.
• There was discussion regarding adding new fields within Easton; it was mentioned that Parkview School may offer an opportunity.  Mike Graff agreed to investigate.
• The consensus was to maintain the teams from last year.  In order to determine how many additional players would be needed to take the place of non-returning players, returning players would have until April 1st to register to secure their spot on the team they played on last season.  After this date it will be presumed that all unregistered players from last year are not returning and that efforts will be made to recruit players to complete rosters.
• The schedule will be setup as last year with the following exceptions:  make up games will be scheduled as double headers with a maximum of 2, the championship game will be a single 7 inning game, there will be no games on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends as last year, no changes can be made after start of season.
• Each team will adopt a team name.
• A question was raised regarding team captain tenure.  At this time the League does not have a policy regarding appointing captains.  Appointing/electing someone to lead a team will be left up to the team players to decide.  It was suggested that team captains should be rotated every 2 or 3 years, at the discretion of each team.
• There should be written rules for each field relating to a conditions effecting play on a particular field.  These rules should be available to each player and umpire.

The meeting adjourned with all present looking forward to a great year.

August 5, 2003 - A meeting open to all participants of the Sunday Morning Softball League held at the Charlie Horse Restaurant, West Bridgewater.  The purpose was to provide everyone an opportunity to voice ideas, concerns, and suggestions on the League's performance, improvement, and future.  The following is a recap of items discussed:

• Making up games of the 2 Sunday rainouts - It was decided to extend the season by 2 weeks.  This means that the June 1st games will be played on Sept 7th and the June 22nd games will be made up on Sept 14th.  The playoffs will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Sept 20th and 21st; the Championship Game will on Sunday, Sept 28th.
• The Championship Game will be a 9 inning game rather than the usual 7 innings.
• The playoffs will now include all 6 teams.  The 1st and 2nd place teams will earn a bi.  The 3-6 place teams will play the 1st round of playoff games on Saturday, Sept 20th, with the 2 winners playing the 1st and 2nd place teams on Sunday, Sept 21st.  The winners of these games will meet in one 9 inning game on Sunday, Sept 28th.
• It was decided that the official foul lines are the inside grass/gravel line; any ball landing on the gravel line and beyond will be a foul ball.
• There has been some talk about modifying the rule regarding when hitting a foul ball constitutes an out.  The current rule is that the 2nd foul ball after the hitter has 2 strikes is an out.  After a lengthy discussion It was decided not to change this rule.
• There was a discussion regarding the League's status as a "B" player league with the objective of maintaining competitiveness along with a fun and casual demeanor.  The League's objective is to be a place for the more casual player rather than the more serious/competitive player.  The League will strive toward maintaining a competitive balance between teams so that any team on any given Sunday will have an opportunity to win or at least be competitive.
• It was suggested that each team should adopt a team name rather than using the last name of the team captain.
• There was a lengthy discussion about the strike zone and that for the most part it has been called consistently by the umpires (with the exception of August 3rd).  In short a strike is any ball that passes over any part of the plate between the shoulders or mid point of hitter's chest (umpire's discretion) and the knees to ankles (again, umpire's discretion).  Any ball that hits off the flat part of the plat should be called a ball.  But the main thing we look for from the umpire is consistency throughout the game while staying generally within these parameters.
• There was also a lengthy discussion regarding the sliding rule and the conduct of defensive players taking throws in an attempt to tag or force a runner out.  In short, if a runner chooses not to slide he may not collide with or interfere with the defensive player; the runner is automatically out in the case of a collision or interference, assuming the defensive player is not blocking the plate.  The defensive player may straddle or stand in back or the side of the base, not block or stand in front of it, if they are taking a throw in an attempt to tag or force a runner out.  If there is no throw coming the defensive player must be sure to stand so as not to impede the progress of the runner.  Decoying is strictly prohibited. 
• Ideas for next year were discussed including expanding the numbers of teams to no more than 8, seeking opportunities to play other Sunday league teams in interleague play, obtaining team sponsors for additional fund raising, developing player/business networking opportunities, scheduling 1 or 2 double headers with a family cookout between games and possibly some afternoon and evening games, and having an official reserve player list.

The consensus was that the league is off to an excellent start with tremendous momentum and potential going forward.  Thanks for all your input and participation! 

Webmaster:  Michael Graff  508/238-9000  magraff@earthlink.net
Copyright © 2003-2008 [Sunday Morning Softball]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 04/17/10.