NOJBA Times

April 2010

The 2010baseball season opening day officially has kicked off. We were unfortunate to have one of those cold windy days to start off our baseball season. NOJBA want to thank Dan Trimmer for throwing out the first pitch as our players watched and became very anxious to get started.

NOJBA PARKING:

Reminder: Obey all no parking signs at the NewOxfordMiddle School fields. Games will be stopped until all cars are moved from the no parking zones. These no parking zones are mandated by the ConewagoValleySchool District not by NOJBA. Our continued usage of the fields depend onNOJBA keeping the no parking zones free of cars. There are handicap spots available near the concession stand for those who need to park close to the fields. Thank you for your cooperation.

Keep Your Cool:

Please keep in mind during these games that close calls will go against you and more than likely before the game is over they will go for you. Lets encourage the kids to play their best and to show good sportsmanship.

Raffle Drawing:

Raffle drawing. The drawing will be on April 24th at 12:00noon at the concession stand.

League Night at York Revolution:

York Rev game is set for May 15th. We can do the parade on the field; kids need to be at the field by 6:00pmfor staging and then game starts at 7pm. Check the website for all the details.

Charity Game:

The date is May 23rd at 1:00 on B Field so mark you calendars and plan on attending. This game which always delivers a great time for the kids and benefits someone in need from our league or a local charity has been growing over the last two years. Please consider this and it is open to all age levels within our league. More information will come from your coaches. If you don’t hear anything please ask anyone from the board as well as your coach or check the website.

Pictures:

Finallypictures havenot been rained out. Thanks to all the coaches and parents that made sure their players were there.

Baseball Tips and Myths:

Every year these situations come up and now you know the ruling.

OUT OF THE BASELINE RULE MYTH

The runner MUST avoid a fielder attempting to field a BATTED ball. A runner is out for running out of the baseline, only when attempting to avoid a tag.

2 SECOND CATCH RULE MYTH

A catch is legal when the umpire judges that the fielder has COMPLETE control of the ball. The release of the ball must be voluntary and intentional.

HIT PLATE RULE MYTH:

The plate is in fair territory. There is nothing special about it. If a batted ball hits it, it is treated like any other batted ball.

THE TIE RULE MYTH:

There is no such thing in the world of umpiring. The runner is either out or safe. The umpire must judge out or safe. It is impossible to judge a tie.

PITCH HITS THE GROUND RULE:

I'm always amazed by this question. A PITCH is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. Nowhere does it say anything about how it was delivered. A pitcher can roll the ball on the ground or throw it straight up in the air. If it travels across the foul lines, it is a pitch. Any rule that makes any statement about a pitch is referring to this definition. Therefore, if a pitch touches the ground before reaching the plate, it is by definition a pitch. The batter may hit it, and the hit is legal. If he is touched by it and was trying to avoid it, he is awarded first base. If he swings and misses it, it is a strike.

All-Star tryouts:

All-Star teams are for anyone interested in trying out. These are specific age and under, for example if a 9 year old wants to try out for the 9,10, 11 or 12 year old team he can do so but he cant try out for the 7 and the 8 year old team. You can try up but you can’t try down. All star teams are much different then our rec teams as the focus on winning and expectations certainly come in to play. We go to these tournaments with the expectations of winning as these teams represent the New Oxford Junior Baseball Association. The teams that will be put together in 2009 will again be very competitive and create havoc for other teams that they face. Listed below are times and dates for tryouts for all age groups. If you have any questions you can see the coaches below.

  • 7 year olds – May 8th10:00 AME Field
  • 8 yr olds – May 8th2:00 PM C field
  • 9 yr olds – May 8th10:00 AM C field
  • 10 yr olds – May 8th2 PM B field
  • 11 yr olds - May 8th2:00 PMA Field
  • 12 yr olds – May 8that 10:00 AMB field

All-Star Coaches:

  • Joe Rickrode – 7 year olds
  • Keith Garrigan – 8 year olds
  • Jim Haymaker – 9 year Olds
  • John Nitchman – 10 year olds
  • Tom Gouker – 11 Year Olds
  • Mike Shultz – 12 Year Olds

Times have been set for all ages for voluntary work outs before the tryouts, please refer to the website for times and locations and any other information.