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Hi HPSA’ers
Welcome to our 2010 season..finally.
I will keep this short even though there is lots to tell. I’ll leave you craving more next time.
First, huge thanks to Bryan “Wally” Walderman of Team Gugger (wonder how he got that nickname?) for the excellent job he has done for the last 2 seasons on stats. The previous 2 people were unable to handle things and it got to the point where it looked like we’d never have stats until Wally stepped in and got us back on track. Thanks to Wally, the stats continue on to 2010 and beyond.
Wally has now passed the reins on to Jeff Zon of Dunder Mifflin. Jeff has volunteered to not only keep the stats going, but to try to get us to the next level. So far I am amazed by his dedication and abilities. So will you.
I know you will ALL cooperate with Jeff by doing the stats (they’re easy) properly and on time. They are due by 8pm the day following the game along with the score. We are putting a standings bonus system in for teams complying. If all teams comply, no one will get an advantage. So get your acts together. The stats are an important aspect of HPSA and it is the duty of all teams to participate. Your players will love it and it adds hits to the website so it becomes a community. We plan to add free networking of the leagues players and team sponsors once we get all our ducks in a row.
Along with your reporting, you have the option of adding a storyline or list of highlights/lowlights to your score sheet. Stephen Sweet of Kivas has offered to compile all of them into a weekly report on the website. If you want your players included, then we hope you participate. Stephen is an accomplished sports reporter so he will do you justice.
Another thank you to Neil Rochwerg of South Park Cows who has helped Brian Gerskup (also a tireless and underappreciated asset of HPSA) immeasurable with the long and difficult job of scheduling. I don’t know what we would have done without his amazing abilities, patience, logic, love of HPSA, sense of fairness, and coolness under pressure. Many thanks too to his wife Erica who, even though she is expecting soon, has been very supportive of Neil’s efforts for HPSA.
As for rules, make sure you check the website for the 2010 rules and rule changes. Also ensure your bats are legal as per the list on the website. Make sure players are on your roster or are legal subs. Ensure pitchers only pitch for your team and no other in the league. Also ensure you use a proper measuring device to ensure all games have proper measurements for bases (65’) and pitching distance (46’).
New teams, remember not to touch home plate when you are on offence and that there is a safe line and a commit line. Also there is a double bag at first base, and there is stealing and bunting if done by the rules. Ensure your catcher is good and that your pitcher knows the proper HPSA pitching rules.
Also remember that home team brings a new Grey Dot ball and away team brings a good used ball to each game. No other ball can be used as this is the safest ball sold. Home team brings all the equipment including the measuring device and puts in the bases. If the home team fails, it is the job of the away team to become the home team and use their equipment including measuring device. If neither team brings proper equipment, BOTH teams forfeit. Forfeits are serious and in the past have resulted in numerous expulsions from HPSA. We value your time and how you feel when you to get to a game and find the other team not there and/or unable to play.
Ensure the schedule you use is “revised April 30”. Any other may be incorrect.
We are also hiring people to become Softball Canada umpires. If interested in earning some money, call me at 905-764-7704 or email me at ron@hpsa.ca.
HPSA is also proud to announce that we have been asked by the OASA to host the 2011 Provincials for Modified Orthodox (our game) and Orthodox Softball. This is a big honour and will lead to a the Nationals in the future.
We also plan to start a Draft Division when time permits, this year or next.
Lastly, we need your support NOW for the 2nd annual ROD BLACK CELEBRITY SOFTBALL CLASSIC FOR PLAN CANADA. It is Sunday June 27th all day at Sesquicentennial Park in Brampton. Lots to do for the kids, and we will have Co-Ed, Men’s, Women’s , Slo-Pitch, Modified Orthodox, 3 pitch, and Fast Pitch divisions if there are 4 teams or more for that division.
Each team gets a guaranteed 3 games and the cost is only $350 per team. That’s about $10 per player per game. There will be a BBQ, a Celebrity Game starring Rod Black and his celebrity friends including professional athletes you know and love.
Please participate with us and help make HPSA a special place that cares about the community. Last year we raised over $3,000 for Plan Canada (formerly Foster Parents Plan) and this year we want to beat it. We need volunteers too, and spectators. Bring the kids! We have events for them including a replica Leaf dressing room.
Ok, I kept my promise of (clears throat) keeping this short.
Have a great season and look for my blog and keep coming to this website for your stats and news.
Ron Gerskup, Commissioner and Founder HPSA
Ron@HPSA.ca
905-764-7704
