Batter Up!
De ce m be r 20 1 3
V o lu me 1 9 , Iss ue 1
Contents
2013 Registration Begins
1
Welcome to FYBO
1
Upcoming events
1
Open Board Positions
2
Help Wanted
2
Fundraising Events
2
On Deck For 2013
3
Twilight League
3
Play at Grade Level Option
3
Registration Announcement
4
2013 Board of Directors
4
Upcoming Events
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Online
Registration
begins January 1
Walk-in
Registration,
January 25 &
February 1
ww w .f r an k li n yo ut h ba seb a l l . co m
FYBO’s 2014 Registration Begins
The annual Franklin Youth Baseball registration and
signup sessions for the 2014 season begin January
1st on line at
http://www.sportsmanager.us/links/FranklinYouth
Baseball/OnlineRegistration.asp. Walk in
registration will be held at the Franklin Elks Lodge,
Pond Street, on January 25 from 8 to Noon and on
February 1 from 8 to 11 am. Franklin Girls Softball
will also be holding their registration at the elks on
Jan. 25. First time players, and any player not
having participated in the spring season of 2013,
must register with a copy of their birth certificate.
A $50 late fee will be applied per player for every
registration after March 1. Please see page 4 of this
newsletter for additional information regarding
registration and fees. Also note that when signing
up an 11 or 12 year old on line, you should sign up
under Triple A. All 11 and 12’s should sign up
under Triple A. Those players returning to the
Majors as a 12 year old will be placed in the Majors
before the season begins.
Dear Franklin Parents and Youth Baseball Participants,
We looked at how other towns’ in this area have
structured their leagues to deal with this issue. We
looked at towns such as Mansfield, Easton,
Bellingham and Medway.
5.
After much discussion, we have decided to make
the following changes:
1.
FYBO Casino
Night, March 21
2.
Small Diamond
Leagues Opening
Day, April 26
Bill Capen Jr. Golf
Classic, August 17
FYBO will have laptops available at walk in
registration so parents can enter
information into our database once the
birth certificate has been verified. This
will help ensure that email addresses and
phone numbers are accurately portrayed
on Sportsmanager. For further details such
as the FYBO Registration Policy and Refund
Policy, please see the links provided on
our web page: Franklinyouthbasaeball.com
This letter is to let you know about the changes that
the Franklin Youth Baseball Organization has made
for the upcoming 2014 season that we felt were
necessary to improve and strengthen Franklin Youth
Baseball. Over the last few years the number of
players playing Franklin Youth Baseball has
4.
declined. We wanted to address this issue as well as
improving the quality of play for our 10,11 and 12
year-old players.
Skill Sessions,
March 14 & 15
Big Diamond
Leagues (Ages 13
thru 15) Opening
Day, TBD
Any child born May 1 through August 31 in
the years 2005 through 2007 is eligible to
play within his/her grade level. This is a
one-time option to play at grade level in
the 7, 8 and 9 year old divisions. Please
see page 3 for complete details and note
that any parent/guardian considering this
option must come in person to one of the
registration dates.
3.
Our Majors Division will now have 8 teams. The
8 teams will ideally be made up of 12 year-old
players and 11 year-old players. Mansfield and
Easton have 8 teams in their equivalent division
to our Majors division. We will have tryout
sessions in March. Players who were 11 years
old and played in Majors for the 2013 season
are automatically on a Majors team for the
6.
2014 season.
Those 11 year-old players who played in Triple
AAA for the 2013 season must attend one of the
tryout sessions in March 2014 to be considered
for the Majors division in 2014. If you do not
attend a session, you will be playing in our new
Triple AAA division.
Those 11 year-old and 12 year-old players who
did not play for any team in the 2013 FYBO
season must attend one of the tryout
sessions in March 2014 to be considered
for the Majors division in 2014. If you do
not attend a session, you will be playing
in our new Triple AAA division.
If you are a 12 year-old player from last
year's Triple AAA division or did not play
at all last season and do not attend one
of the March 2014 tryout sessions, you
will not be allowed to pitch in the new
Triple AAA division.
We have eliminated Double AA division
and created a new Triple AAA division
which will consist of all registered 10
year-old players and those 11 year old
and 12 year old players who are not
drafted into the Majors division. Easton,
Mansfield and a number of other towns
in the area have used the same
age/division breakdown. We will send
out the new rules for this division before
online registration begins January 1st,
2014.
9 year-old players will continue to play
together in the Single A division. playing
in the Single A division.
If you have any questions, please contact us
through the FYBO email system. That email
address is [email protected]. See
you in March. Thank you.
John Fenton
FYBO Director of Baseball
Page 2 of 4
FYBO is now on
FACEOOK, search
for our page by:
Franklin Youth
Baseball
Organization
"Every day is a new
opportunity. You
can build on
yesterday's success
or put its failures
behind and start
over again. That's
the way life is, with
a new game every
day, and that's the
way baseball is." Bob Feller
"People ask me
what I do in winter
when there's no
baseball. I'll tell you
what I do. I stare
out the window and
wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby”
Batter Up
www.franklinyouthbaseball.com
Open Board Positions
The FYBO Board of Directors is looking
to fill the following positions for 2013 –
2014: Snack Stand Coordinator, and
Assistant Single A League. Anyone
interested, please contact a board
member or email to:
[email protected]
The Snack Stand Coordinator is
responsible for coordinating all
activities related to the Snack Stand at
Fletcher Field during the Spring and
Summer seasons. This includes and is
not limited to ordering supplies,
scheduling the teenage workers,
opening and closing the Snack Stand and
handling all financial duties related to
the Snack Stand. This position is
extremely vital to the success of our
program. The financial impact to FYBO
if there was no volunteer to run the
Snack Stand would be devastating and
could result in having to find alternative
ways to raise funds.
In addition to attending bi monthly
meetings, The Assistant Single A (9
year-olds) Coordinator is responsible
for "Picture Day" activities and other
duties delegated by the league
coordinator. The Assistant Single A
Coordinator will also be responsible for
scheduling umpires for that division.
Help Wanted – Coaches, Volunteers, Umpires
FYBO anticipates approximately 1,000
players in the program this year. As
such, there will be managing and
assistant coaching positions available
at all levels. Anyone interested in
coaching should sign up at the walk in
registration. Applicants must fill out a
CORI form and provide a copy of their
driver’s license.
In addition to managers and coaches,
FYBO is also in need of volunteers for
such things as field preparation, field
maintenance and equipment
maintenance. Other volunteer
opportunities may arise during the
season, such as selling soft goods at
registration and tryouts. Any person
considering volunteering should fill out
the application at registration or
contact your league coordinator.
Teenage Umpires are needed for A and
AAA. Anyone age 13 or older and
interested can sign up during the walk
in registrations January 25 from 8 am to
noon or February 1 from 8 am to 11 am
at the Franklin Elks Club.
Fundraising Events / Scholarship Program
The Bill Capen Memorial Golf Classic
will be held this year on August 17. The
money raised provides for the Bill Capen
FYBO Scholarship Fund given each year
at Franklin High School and 3 additional
scholarships available for upcoming
graduating seniors who are past players
in the program. As a matter of
convenience for those interested in
playing, the tournament will be held
again on a weekend. FYBO hopes that
holding it on a weekend will ensure a
larger group of players. Dinner and
prizes will immediately follow the golf.
We are counting on a lot of support
from baseball parents and former
players, this year.
The FYBO Scholarship Program consists
of four awards given to former players
graduating from High School who
participated in FYBO for five or more
years, two of which were at the
13 to 15 year-old level. The program is
funded solely by the Bill Capen
Memorial Golf Classic, in memory of
the former FYBO member who died from
complications with cancer. All proceeds
go to the scholarship program. Also
required is a G.P.A. of 2.5 (C average)
or
higher Umpires
and a written
essay.forA A, AA
Teenage
are needed
scholarship
committee
reviews
the
and AAA. Anyone interested can
sign up
essays
determines
who shallJanuary
be
during and
the walk
in registrations
awarded
the scholarships.
30 and February
6.
If you have questions, would like to
sponsor a hole or just wish to help
please email:
[email protected].
www.franklinyouthbaseball.com
Batter Up
Page 3 of 4
On Deck for 2014
The FYBO Board of Directors has been busy working toward providing an exciting and fulfilling program for
2014. As soon as the new board was voted on in September, we started reviewing the responses from our
survey that was sent out in the Spring of 2013 and creating committees to cover different topics and better
serve our players. The survey had a question regarding viewpoints on FYBO and what we can do to improve.
We have taken those responses and made an effort to address them. One example is that there were a few
responses regarding practice time and skills development. We will continue to address that issue as the season
goes on. For example, we will have a Skills Clinic in Single A again this year. Another example is the comments
regarding umpires and a need to increase training. That will be addressed this year. Additionally, the Board of
Directors has discussed ways to improve the communication of rainouts and cancellations. The Branding
Committee continues to look at ways of improving the FYBO brand in Franklin. You will see new apparel,
including hats, for 2013.
Twilight League for High School Students
FYBO will again be offering a Twilight League in the Spring for High School students not playing on their H.S.
Baseball team. The intent of the league is to provide an opportunity for High School students who do not make
their H.S baseball team to continue playing the game in a low-key, yet competitive league. Cost will be $85.00.
The league will consist of one game a week, with a minimum of 8 total games, to be played on Sunday
afternoons. Due to the construction of the new High School the number of Big Diamond fields in town is limited
and this league will be dependent on being able to secure a field for Sunday games. Sign ups will begin January
1st at walk in registration or on line at the following address:
http://www.sportsmanager.us/links/FranklinYouthBaseball/OnlineRegistration.asp.
Play At Grade Level / Breakdown of Years and Ages
FYBO recognizes that any child born
between May 1 and August 31 is not
playing at their respective grade level
and that playing within his/her grade
level is something that is important to
a child. As a result, any child born May
1 through August 31 is now eligible to
play within his/her grade level if
he/she so chooses. Eligible players will
be anyone born May 1 through August
31 in the years 2005 through 2007, in
addition to any new registrants in
subsequent years (i.e. 6 year-olds
wishing to play at their Grade level).
This is a one-time option to play at
grade level in the 7 (Rookie), 8
(Bantam) and 9 (Single A) year old
leagues. At the end of the 9 year old
season, the Parent/Guardian will make
a final decision to allow the player to
either advance in all following years at
grade level or repeat and stay in the 9
year-old division and advance in
following years at league age.
Any parent/guardian considering this
option must come to registration in
person, fill out a letter of intent to
play at grade level and
provide a copy of the players’ birth
certificate. FYBO Board members will
be available to answer any questions.
Important - Please note that any player/parent who has previously chosen
the play at grade level option and played in Single A (9 year-old division) in
the Spring of 2013 can make their decision to move up with their grade
level or repeat Single A by emailing: [email protected]
before to March 1st. If he/she does not inform FYBO of their decision it
will be assumed they choose to continue to play at grade level.
FYBO would also like to remind parents/players that by choosing this
option there is the possibility that the player may not be eligible to play on
a Summer All Star team, dependent on the age requirements of that
league. Summer All Star leagues have their own rules and age
requirements and FYBO cannot control those requirements.
Birth Date
Range
FYBO
Age
Level
Play
FYBO
Division
Eligible for
Option to
Play Up at
Grade
Level ?
FYBO
Division
9/1/07 – 4/30/08
5/1/07 - 8/31/07
9/1/06 – 4/30/07
5/1/06 - 8/31/06
9/1/05 – 4/30/06
5/1/05 - 8/31/05
9/1/04 – 4/30/05
5/1/04 - 8/31/04
9/1/03 – 4/30/04
9/1/02 – 4/30/03
9/1/01 – 4/30/02
9/1/98 – 4/30/01
N
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Not eligible
Not eligible
Rookie - 7
Rookie - 7
Bantam
Bantam
Single A
Single A
Double A
Majors / AAA
Majors / AAA
Big Diamond
Division
NA
Y
NA
Y
NA
Y
NA
N
N
N
N
N
NA
Rookie - 7
NA
Bantam - 8
NA
Single A
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
FYBO Apparel for
sale
FYBO will be selling
Franklin Baseball T
Shirts and
Sweatshirts during
walk in registration,
January 25th and
February 1st. Prices
will range between
$10 and $20.
MISSION
FYBO is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization
dedicated to teaching
baseball to Franklin boys
& girls while instilling the
ideals of good
sportsmanship, team play,
honesty, loyalty, courage
and respect for authority.
The FYBO will attempt to
provide a positive
environment that will also
remain sensitive to the
physical and emotional
well-being to all
participants.
Questions regarding
registration may be
directed to:
John Fenton,
Director of
Baseball:
E-mail:
FranklinYouthBaseball
@yahoo.com
Walk-In Registration Announcement
When: Saturday, January 25th 8 a.m. to Noon
Saturday, February 1st 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Franklin Elks Lodge, Pond Street, Franklin
Who: All children interested in playing FYBO baseball in the spring of 2014.
To be eligible to play, children must have attained the age of 7 but not have
exceeded the age of 15 on May 1, 2014 (unless your child falls under the age
change grandfather clause rule or the Grade Level option detailed on page 3).
Fees: An additional $10 is already included in the registration fees. In lieu of
other fundraising vehicles, FYBO adds the $10 to be used as a raffle in which all
players are automatically entered in and the drawing will be held on Opening
Day
League Ages 7 and 8
$95
League Ages 9 through 12
$120
League Ages 13 through 15
$145
Family maximum
$280
 Fees may be paid by cash or check made payable to FYBO.
 Online registration is available and encouraged for any player that
participated in the spring season of 2013:
http://www.sportsmanager.us/links/FranklinYouthBaseball/OnlineRegis
tration.asp. Please note: those choosing the Play at Grade Level option
must register in person and cannot register on line.
 What is needed: For those who played last year, payment is all that is
needed. For those who are new to the program, please bring your
payment and a copy of the player’s birth certificate. FYBO will not
retain a copy of the birth certificate, however, must review it before
authorizing the registration. For those eligible to choose to play at
grade level, you must appear at registration with a copy of the birth
certificate and payment.
 When signing up an 11 or 12 year-old on line, you should sign up
under AAA. Those players returning to the Majors as a 12 year-old
will be placed in Majors. Tryouts will be held March 14/15 for AAA
players and 11 year-olds.
 During signups you will be receiving a package that includes a copy of
the Code of Conduct, liability releases, coaching applications and CORI
forms, if applying to coach.
 Late Registration: A request to register a player after March 1, may be
allowed at the discretion of the Director of Baseball. In the event a
late registration is allowed, a $50.00 late fee, per player, will be
assessed in addition to the registration fee.
2013 - 2014 FYBO Board of Directors
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Director of Baseball
Asst. Dir. Of Baseball
Babe Ruth Coordinator
NL Asst. Coordinator
AL Asst. Coordinator
Majors Coordinator
Asst. Majors Coord.
AAA Coordinator
Asst. AAA Coordinator
Doug Dean
Mike Fradkin
Walter Mason
Scott Kay
John Fenton
Steve Cooke
Marc White
Cliff Poirier
Tim Saunders
Don Chmielinski
John Roche
Jim Donovan
John Dolan
A Coordinator
Asst. A Coordinator
Bantam Coordinator
Asst. Bantam Coord.
Rookie Coordinator
Asst. Rookie Coord.
Equipment Manager
Snack Stand Coord.
Fund Raising Manager
Summer League Rep.
Director of Umpires
Kevin Papa
Open
Paul Kane
Josh Smith
Rob Carlow
Ellen Welch
Larry Pollard
Open
Lauren Egan
Chris Quinn
Jim McGuinness