Idea: Need Help/Ideas

[5LilPlayers]

I've searched and searched...and as there are no baseball leagues here for females...kids or adults...I was wondering about ideas for starting a league (or leagues). There are boys'/mens' leagues women can join (not "true" co-ed leagues/teams), but they're few and far between, unless you're playing for your company or on a church league....neither are really "official".

Other than getting the funds/backing, the mission statement, calling the local Parks & Recreation Dept., etc. I was wondering where to start?

Actually, even with those, I was wondering where to start.

I was thinking of trying to get the funds with a combination of fund raisers as well as possibly going to established businesses owned by women who might be willing to donate (with them as sponsors, too...on the backs of the girls'/womens' shirts). Hopefully maybe like, they'd donate double (or half) of what we raise...like...if we raise $500, they'd donate $250 or $500 themselves. At the very least, maybe a smaller percentage (5 - 20%) of what we raise.

Making up a mission statement and calling the Parks Dept. isn't a problem, I just have to work on my wording and such.

But I'm most curious (right now) as to getting the word out, as well as official base paths and the like (for kids' leagues of all ages)...equipment (other than the obvious) and stuff like that.

Has anyone here ever actually started a league? If so...for what age group?

Even if you haven't started a league, but have some ideas or know the official rules & such for kids, please respond! Obviously, the adult league would play by MLB standards.

[JeepingBaseball]

Im in a similar sistuation as you. Only Im trying to start my women's league in Atlanta, Georgia... which doesnt help you. You're in Ohio, arent you?

Like previously posted, only leagues I'm aware of are:

* EAST COAST
Boston
New Jersey/NYC
Pawtucket (Rhode Island)
Philadelphia
Wash DC

* SOUTHEAST
Ocala Lightning (Florida)
Florida Orange Crush
Florida Tornados

* WEST COAST
Denver
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle

* MIDWEST
Chicago Storm
Detroit
Chicago Gems

* ORGANIZATIONS
* Women's Baseball League, Inc
* USWB
* South Bend Blue Sox
Women's Baseball, Inc.
* USA Baseball

* YOUTH/GIRLS TEAMS
* San Francisco Girls Baseball
* San Francisco Girls Baseball blog
* Pawtucket Slaterettes Girls Baseball
* Washington DC Girls Teams
* All Girls Baseball - South Bend, IN

I dont know too much about girls teams, only the women. My suggestion is to look up the above teams, see what they have displayed, learn about them as much as you can, find a contact with them and send them a general interest email. As I have recieved such help in the last few days concerning Atlanta, you'll be surprise how many people will support your idea and give you advice to get started with. There's alot to consider and is a daunting task at best. The American Women's Baseball Federation is whom I'm asking help from and are willing to work with me. They cant help you with money but can give you alot of resources. And this is also a time consuming venture. It wont happen overnight.

GOOD LUCK!

[WonderMonkey]

Are you in Ohio? If so, where? I have experience in starting leagues, etc. I am in the Dayton area.

[5LilPlayers]

I'm in Toledo, to be exact.

I have asked for help from....shoot, forget the site now....oh, right! www.womensbaseball.com Saw a thing on there about them willing to help out with starting new leagues...and I know where you got that list, Jeeping. ;) Unless there are several sites with that info? LOL

I do hope, that by going to established businesses that women own, I'll get some financial support from them with donations based on what I can come up with through various fund rasiers.

I know it's going to take a while but I am hoping to have at least a youth league by 2010 or "as soon as possible"....but I figure 3 1/2 years should be plenty of time to get the word out, get the sponsorship needed, get ads in the papers, etc.

But I'd really like to start out with a youth league...then "add" leagues later on as the girls get older. Normally it's best to have a women's league first, so the girls will have someplace to go....but for some reason, I just feel, at least at the moment, it's better to start with the youth. I'm thinking a league maybe with 5 - 11 yr. olds (divided into 3 or 4 age groups...or by grade?)...so it will be more than "just" one specific age/grade....unless I really should break it down more?

Just on our street alone, there are 3 little girls who come over all the time to play catch with the kids and I and want to play baseball. I asked them "What about softball?" just to see their reaction. All three of them: "EW! I hate softball!" "It's soooooooooo boring." "Baseball's more fun." etc. Granted, this area does have a LOT of kids, and a lot of girls (even the grade school has 5 or 6 classrooms per grade - we're not a "big" city, but this area...there's just a ton of kids), but I can't help thinking...if there's that many on our street alone, there has to be many others throughout the city who want to play and short of finding boys' teams that will accept them, they have no place to go so they're either stuck with softball or not playing at all.

Though maybe I should start with a women's league?

That's the only real part that's confusing me at the moment...where to start, as far as age requirements of the league...youth, women, youth, women....LOL I wish I could get leagues set up for all ages at the same time, but I know ONE female league will be hard enough to start.

On the bright side, we do have BCSN....Buckeye Cable Sports Network....which features all sports from youth games to college (and, for baseball, minor league games, too with an occassional MLB game) mostly from around the area. So....I would hope, if I could get things started at the youth level first...they'd air at least a few of the games each summer. Which would help with publicity especially in the early years of the league.

[sandlot]

My experience was in helping to start a softball, not baseball league, but I think a number of problems -- venues, sponsorship, paperwork, etc. -- would be similar. One thing right off the bat is to determine as best you can the real level of need and enthusiasm. It seems that you have young girls who are already interested, and from that you assume that there will also be interest among women. That might well be so, but as a general organizing principle, I think it's a good idea to begin with what you know that you have in hand, and go from there. If you start with the kids, I think very soon you'd be meeting parents and other people interested in the game who could become a resource for developing a women's league. Some of them might be women who would also love to play baseball themselves. In the meanwhile, you can follow the many other good ideas being given here. If you can also get yourself interviewed on local radio or cable TV (there's a steady need for guests), or mentioned in the paper, it can help get the ball rolling. It'll be a lot of work, and I wish you the very best. Sponsorship can be tough. I don't know what things are like where you live, but where I come from there has been a steady disappearance of sporting good stores with community roots as the Walmarts, etc., move in and drive them out of business. When they go, a major source of support for teams at all levels goes with them. On the other hand, the big companies have more resources, and if they wanted to underwrite a whole league, they could do it. Maybe when you've got a clearer picture of the numbers involved, you could do a wholesale deal before going retail, if you see what I mean. Good luck!

[NotAboutEgo]

I've searched and searched...and as there are no baseball leagues here for females...kids or adults...I was wondering about ideas for starting a league (or leagues). There are boys'/mens' leagues women can join (not "true" co-ed leagues/teams), but they're few and far between, unless you're playing for your company or on a church league....neither are really "official".

Other than getting the funds/backing, the mission statement, calling the local Parks & Recreation Dept., etc. I was wondering where to start?

Actually, even with those, I was wondering where to start.

I was thinking of trying to get the funds with a combination of fund raisers as well as possibly going to established businesses owned by women who might be willing to donate (with them as sponsors, too...on the backs of the girls'/womens' shirts). Hopefully maybe like, they'd donate double (or half) of what we raise...like...if we raise $500, they'd donate $250 or $500 themselves. At the very least, maybe a smaller percentage (5 - 20%) of what we raise.

Making up a mission statement and calling the Parks Dept. isn't a problem, I just have to work on my wording and such.

But I'm most curious (right now) as to getting the word out, as well as official base paths and the like (for kids' leagues of all ages)...equipment (other than the obvious) and stuff like that.

Has anyone here ever actually started a league? If so...for what age group?

Even if you haven't started a league, but have some ideas or know the official rules & such for kids, please respond! Obviously, the adult league would play by MLB standards.

I can help with some ideas but will have to write them later as I'm supposed to be working! ;)

I have experience with starting teams which can help with the league. I have been wanting to start a women's and a girls' baseball league here in Detroit, but need to sit down and really think about how to go about it. If you can get your local city leagues to help, that would be a great place to start. The more people you can find to help and be dedicated to it, the more it will happen. If you have orgs in your area, like kid's orgs and girls'/women's orgs... the YWCA, Girl Scouts, recreation clubs, etc.... they may be very open to helping find players and may even help support the league with coaches and stuff like that.

It would be awesome if Toledo had a women's team to play in the Great Lakes League. Many of us have wondered who we could find to start a league there, so perhaps it can happen now! Someone from Tecumseh, Ontario (near Windsor) is starting a women's team. If we can get the Great Lakes League to grow and become stronger, it would be terrific!

Will write more later!

[5LilPlayers]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

And yes, sandlot, I see what you mean. :)

I'm just trying to figure out where to start first? The mission statement, contacting people, getting the word out....it's hard to start anything from scratch. Especially something that could be so controversial.

[JeepingBaseball]

I'm just trying to figure out where to start first? The mission statement, contacting people, getting the word out..

That's a good order to start in. And that part doesnt cost a whole lot of money.

[NotAboutEgo]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

And yes, sandlot, I see what you mean. :)

I'm just trying to figure out where to start first? The mission statement, contacting people, getting the word out....it's hard to start anything from scratch. Especially something that could be so controversial.

A mission statement is good to start with, because it's like a goal that you want to reach. It helps you to keep your focus and lets others know exactly what that goal is and defines what types of players you are looking for. You have to determine exactly where you want to go with the league... recreational league for any women regardless of ability and experience, competitive local league for elite players with experience and talent, elite level regional league, etc.

The other stuff you can do simultaneously... finding players, coaches, fields, umpires, getting money for equipment, fields, insurance, etc.

More later...

[5LilPlayers]

I know there are a lot of local businesses who may not be able to help, financially, but (thanks to my husband's big mouth...gotta love him at times), a couple have said they'd let us hold fundraisers on the weekends on their sidewalks. There's a lot to do before then, but it's nice (even if they can't help with the money) that there are those who already willing to help in any way they can.

I know I should do a mission statement....but....I don't even know where to begin with it other than "Our mission is to...." LOL I may need some help with that part.....

[sandlot]

I know I should do a mission statement....but....I don't even know where to begin with it other than "Our mission is to...." LOL I may need some help with that part.....As it happens, mission statements, platforms and the like are the sort of things I get called upon from time to time to advise on professionally, so here for free is a bit of advice -- 10 easy steps -- that usually costs pretty good money :): (1) Think of no more than three words that represent your primary goals. (2) Draw a triangle and put one word at each point of the triangle. (3) Each word chosen must be able to serve as the subject of a single sentence. (4) Think up a complete sentence for each of those three words, respectively. (5) Be sure that all three sentences can be used interchangeably, i.e., in any order. (6) You now have the essence and outline of an interview or presentation, complete with power-point graphics.:atthepc

Now, (7) When you get your first group of volunteers together for a meeting (not a gab session, but to start work), explain the triangle as a tool, give each person a pencil and paper, and ask them to do the same exercise; give them about 15 minutes, no talking. (8) Ask each person to reveal the words chosen and explain why they were chosen; write every word up on a board where everyone can see it, and don't open discussion until each person's had her/his turn. (9) Open discussion on the words, ideas. (10)[a] If your group is small, then decide which three words you think best capture the group's views and agree on a sentence for each one, and these will form the core of your mission statement (along the way, other good ideas will have been generated that you can include). [b] If you have a larger group, a fun option is to break the group down into twos or threes, send each group into a corner or another room, and ask them to take the three words, form a sentence for each one, and come back to the group after 15 mins. and give a short presentation using those sentences in any order.

Steps 1-6 you can do on your own time. Steps 7-10 would require about 30-45 minutes for the group exercise, and as much time as you want to discuss. When you're done, you will have a very good outline of a mission statement in which everyone feels that she/he has a stake. In addition to a working document, you'll also have created some momentum, begun friendships, established a network, and laid the basis for a more developed notion of where you're headed. You might also want to ask for volunteers to form a drafting committee that will meet on its own and come up with a document that everyone can discuss at the next meeting. Resist suggestions that you be on the drafting committee -- you have a lot of other things to do, and you need to find out asap who's energized and dependable, and who's not.

Finally, a very practical suggestion: The first agenda item of every meeting should be setting the date and time for the next meeting. It promotes a sense of continuity and purpose. Also, there are always people who have to leave early, get called away, etc., and it helps avoid hassles if you have as many people as possible agreeing on the schedule.

What I've suggested might seem daunting, but in practice it's easy. People usually enjoy the game/team aspect, and what's more -- it works!

Have fun, and -- Play Ball! :clapping

[NotAboutEgo]

As it happens, mission statements, platforms and the like are the sort of things I get called upon from time to time to advise on professionally, so here for free is a bit of advice -- 10 easy steps -- that usually costs pretty good money :): (1) Think of no more than three words that represent your primary goals. (2) Draw a triangle and put one word at each point of the triangle. (3) Each word chosen must be able to serve as the subject of a single sentence. (4) Think up a complete sentence for each of those three words, respectively. (5) Be sure that all three sentences can be used interchangeably, i.e., in any order. (6) You now have the essence and outline of an interview or presentation, complete with power-point graphics.:atthepc

Now, (7) When you get your first group of volunteers together for a meeting (not a gab session, but to start work), explain the triangle as a tool, give each person a pencil and paper, and ask them to do the same exercise; give them about 15 minutes, no talking. (8) Ask each person to reveal the words chosen and explain why they were chosen; write every word up on a board where everyone can see it, and don't open discussion until each person's had her/his turn. (9) Open discussion on the words, ideas. (10)[a] If your group is small, then decide which three words you think best capture the group's views and agree on a sentence for each one, and these will form the core of your mission statement (along the way, other good ideas will have been generated that you can include). [b] If you have a larger group, a fun option is to break the group down into twos or threes, send each group into a corner or another room, and ask them to take the three words, form a sentence for each one, and come back to the group after 15 mins. and give a short presentation using those sentences in any order.

Steps 1-6 you can do on your own time. Steps 7-10 would require about 30-45 minutes for the group exercise, and as much time as you want to discuss. When you're done, you will have a very good outline of a mission statement in which everyone feels that she/he has a stake. In addition to a working document, you'll also have created some momentum, begun friendships, established a network, and laid the basis for a more developed notion of where you're headed. You might also want to ask for volunteers to form a drafting committee that will meet on its own and come up with a document that everyone can discuss at the next meeting. Resist suggestions that you be on the drafting committee -- you have a lot of other things to do, and you need to find out asap who's energized and dependable, and who's not.

Finally, a very practical suggestion: The first agenda item of every meeting should be setting the date and time for the next meeting. It promotes a sense of continuity and purpose. Also, there are always people who have to leave early, get called away, etc., and it helps avoid hassles if you have as many people as possible agreeing on the schedule.

What I've suggested might seem daunting, but in practice it's easy. People usually enjoy the game/team aspect, and what's more -- it works!

Have fun, and -- Play Ball! :clapping

Excellent exercise! I will have to try that myself. 5LP, your husband's big mouth (LOL) can be an asset if he's using it to support you, which it seems he is. That's great if businesses are already saying they are open to you doing fundraisers on their property. We have done some which were very successful... a comedy night, a golf outing which raised about $1,800 (it was our first time doing it and it could raise even more money the better you get at it), Tiger ticket fundraiser (a fundraiser where, out of each ticket your group sells, you give the Tigers a small portion... about $10 out of a $25 ticket... and your group keeps the rest. You can charge whatever you want for the tickets, and you give back whatever tickets you don't sell). We made about $1,100 on this one with only 3 people selling tickets, and it's very easy, especailly since they are actually winning now. I can give you contacts and numbers for this. I hope they are still doing the ticket fundraiser.

We have gotten donations from people (mostly form Tigers fantasy campers), but that's a bit harder because people aren't so open to giving money. If you give them something in return, they are more willing to help. We also did this thing way back where you buy money cards. Basically, there are a bunch of circles on each card (like lottery tickets), and under each ciricle is a very small dollar amount or even a pocket change amount. People rub off how many circles they want, and whatever dollar amount(s) they reveal, that's what they donate to your group. People have fun with this one and are very open to it. I used to take it to work and do it, and it was very successful. A lot of people would give a $20 bill or more saying they didn't want to just donate $2 or something. Sometimes people would hand us $80 or $100 at a time... very nice! At the time we did this (2001), each card was worth about $60 and the cost to buy them is very low. You can even get a logo printed on them. I will see if I can find info on them.

Eteamz and other orgs help with fundraising, but it's better to do it on your own if you can, because they take a chunk for organizing it.

Perhaps you can hook up with the Mudhens for fundraising ideas and support and also for publicity. Minor League teams seem to be more open to helping. The Kalamazoo Kings (Independent League team) held a women's baseball night a few years back honoring the pro women players from the 1940's and 1950's, current women players, and young girls who are playing baseball. We conducted a youth baseball clinic on the field before the game, and they introduced us (about 15 of us) on the field before the game. Also, we have played at Coveleski Stadium in South Bend a few times, and for the women's national championships in Ft. Myers, FL every fall, we play at City of Palms, Terry Park, and Lee County Stadiums. So, Minor League teams are a good place to start for help. Some MLB teams have been very open to helping publicize women's baseball in different ways. It helps if you know people who work for the orgs.

[5LilPlayers]

I was thinking of calling the Hens at some point. They do a LOT of work with Girl/Boy Scouts, the Boys & Girls Club of America, as well as offereing several baseball camps for kids through the summer...and kids can sign up to be "Muddy Buddies" and they randomly pick kids throughout the year to throw out the first ball, sing the National Anthem, or just plain be on the field when Muddy's out between innings and the like. Which is another point for trying to start a girls' league...we may be able to get some help/support/whatever from the Hens due to their involvement with so many kids/children's clubs and foundations.

Wonder if the Minor's do that ticket fundraiser thing? Couldn't charge as much as a Tiger's ticket, of course...but even if we could sell the normally $8 tickets for even $15...$7 a ticket is still $7 we could use for equipment/umps/ads/etc.

As for the triangle thing....I'm confused (no, it's not that hard to confuse me LOL) I mean....not really sure what 3 words to pick. The only thing I'm coming up with is "girls", "baseball" and "league".....Someone...HELP!! LOL

[NotAboutEgo]

You could contact the Hens and see what kind of fundraisers they offer. The Minors are more open to doing things for the community and getting people invovled, because they aren't about big money like the Majors are. Two of my friends who played for the Tigers do things with the West Michigan Whitecaps (fantasy camps and other things), and they have mentioned women's baseball to the org, and they are more than open about hosting a women's baseball tourney, clinic, etc. at their stadium. We just haven't gotten around to doing it yet. Maybe a bunch of us can organize something for next summer. I could ask Amy from Chicago and John from South Bend and Jim Glennie and others if they want to be involved as well. We could invite the woman from Tecumseh, Ontario to join us. Would be great for the Great Lakes league, for your league, and for women's baseball in general.

[5LilPlayers]

I've never really checked out the Hens....wonder if they have a women's clinic or anything?...that'd be cool. I'll have to check their site later. :) For that...and to see who I should contact once I get a little further in my mission statement and the like.

[NotAboutEgo]

I've never really checked out the Hens....wonder if they have a women's clinic or anything?...that'd be cool. I'll have to check their site later. :) For that...and to see who I should contact once I get a little further in my mission statement and the like.

Not sure if they have women's clinics or do anything like that. If I find out, I will post it. I will also get together some other info soon. My computer at home went down with the storm last week and I just got it running again last night, and I was out of town for the weekend.

Will see what I can find.

[NotAboutEgo]

LVS Online is a great resource for training courses. It offers online training courses for almost NOTHING. Most classes are just $25 and last for 6 weeks (they post a new lesson each week). I took one of their courses (Poser 6), and it was very good.

They have a training course for non-profit fuindraising. It's in the catalog of classes under that name. I'm going to take it to learn how to do these things effectively, because I'm not savvy with this at all! :atthepc :lookitup

http://www.lvsonline.com/schedule.shtml

[5LilPlayers]

Thanks, I'm going to check that out as soon as I finish reading the rest of the new posts.

WOW, this is an active forum! LOL

[NotAboutEgo]

Thanks, I'm going to check that out as soon as I finish reading the rest of the new posts.

WOW, this is an active forum! LOL

I have a proposition for you, 5LP. How about we work together in developing a girls' youth baseball league??? We live close to each other, and Toledo is not so far away as to have a league between it and Metro Detroit. I will anty up and start a girls' team from this area, and I will see if I can get others involved to start more teams in the Detroit area. Then, with however many teams can be created in Toldeo, we could have a good league. The more who work on this, the easier it will be and the better it will be.

I know John Kovach in South Bend has been interested in getting some Detroit girls' teams together to play against S.B. teams. Perhaps, out of this, we can form a girls' Midwest travel league/games as well. John started a girls' league in S.B. a couple of years ago.

So, what do you say, 5LP? And, if you could get together a women's team from Toledo, we can help the GLWBL grow! It's not so much to ask for, is it?:dance ;)

[NotAboutEgo]

The Women's Sports Foundation gives out grants and scholarships for things such as starting a team/league for girls and women. Check it out!

Also, check out the Go-Girl-Go kits.

http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/cgi-bin/iowa/index.html :gt

[5LilPlayers]

Sounds good to me...but right now, I'm still stuck on the mission statement. LOL I'm a perfectionist, what can I say? I get it written, pitch it because it doesn't look good enough, write another, pitch it....

I'm thinking maybe I'll just start with an ad in the papers. The Toledo Blade is kind of expensive...but it doesn't cost much for the other local papers.

A simple "I'm looking for other like-minded adults to help create a girls' baseball league...." with the age group(s) and my number...maybe a PO Box address for those who want to write instead of call. Then we could all work together on the mission statement once I have some volunteers.

I've already got most of the equipment needed....only things I'm really missing are catcher's gear and batting helmets. I've been "collecting" equipment since the kids have been born.....plenty of extra mitts in case some of the girls don't have one, lots of balls, my own bat bag (holds 12, only have 10 at the moment, but I do have several styles and lengths, mostly youth)....

Oh, what age group are the girls from South Bend?

I would like to "start small" - 7 yr. olds and up or so...since around here, boys and girls typically play t-ball from around 3 - 6 years...and some of the schools still have t-ball teams until the kids are 9. Usually it's 3 - 6 yr. olds from the YMCA & YWCA, school teams are broken down from K & 1st Graders, 2nd & 3rd Graders, 7 yr. olds (sometimes 8) still hit off the tee while the 9 yr. olds (sometimes 8) have "coach pitch" (underhand)...but they still consider it t-ball.

Do you have any info. on the dimensions of the fields the girls play on in South Bend? Base paths, pitcher's mound, etc. We do have a place here (probably have mentioned it before) that has around 7 diamonds that can be used "whenever" for practices as well as maybe games when traveling. They really don't get much use as most schools have their own diamonds and the like so we'd probably only have to call the parks dept. for setting up practice games for the Toledo League or real league games, just to make sure no one is on them...if the dimensions are right. The only problem is the pitcher's mounds are flat. But, heck, I'll dig up my own back yard to "truck in" the dirt to build a proper mound if need be! LOL

I'm going to check out that Women's Sports Foundation now....but a few teams in the area to play against Detroit's & South Bend's girls' teams would be awesome!! :)

Oh, also, what time frame do you want to shoot for? I mean....next year would be awesome, but do you think we could pull it all together in less than a year...two new leagues in two seperate areas, we'd need at least 2 teams in the league (preferably 4 or more)? Seems like a lot of work to pull it off in only around 8 months. Maybe we should start with the summer of 2008? Not that I WANT to wait that long, but thinking of all the plans that need to be laid out, people to contact, equipment that needs to be purchased, etc. I doubt it'll happen "right now". But I am the determined type, too....LOL

[NotAboutEgo]

Hey 5LP,

I have some ideas to help get this going. I often do the same thing as you do... come up with ideas and scrap them and start all over. When I wrote the Danger mission statement, however, I knew exactly what my goals were from the beginning, so it came to me very easily, and the goals remain the same now. Once you have a sound idea(s) for what purpose you want the league to serve, then it should be easier to come up with a mission statement. I was thinking, for the girls' youth league, something like... to give girls the opportunity to play baseball in a league "of their own", to provide girls with a place to learn the game and where they can polish their talents and skills and gain playing experience, to help create a grass roots base that will foster experienced players for women's baseball leagues of all levels, to help expand girls' and women's baseball, to give girls a choice they didn't have in most areas in the past to play a sport they enjoy... "

Some ideas for getting players and coaches... ads, flyers, internet, word of mouth, work, elementary, junior high, and high schools, YMCA/YWCA and similar orgs, other girls' sports leagues, youth rec. orgs, youth clubs, Girl Scouts, forums like this one, etc. There's a girls' sports mag that has been around for a few years in this area called Ponytail Sports (www.ponytailsports.com) that I will start putting ads in to spread the word around here. The editor is a friend of mine, so I will talk to her about it. I think the mag is distributed only in Michigan right now, but anyone can buy a subscription.

"I'm looking for other like-minded adults to help create a girls' baseball league...." — this is a good statement, in my opinion, to get started with ads. Also, contact people you know who may be interested. One of the Danger coaches is going to start a team in his area, and I'm pretty sure I can find more people who will be. Use as many contacts as you have. I'm sure you are already thinking of that! :D

That's great that you have collected so much equipment. I don't have anything in the way of youth equip. but do have some forest green batting helmets that could be used by older girls. Perhaps some sporting goods stores/businesses would donate equipment.

I don't remember what age groups the S.B. league has, but I can find out. I think it has a variety of ages. I was trying to figure out what ages to start with, but I guess the players we find will sort of determine that and will fall into place. Of course, the ultimate goal is to provide it for every age possible.

As far as dimensions, girls use the same little league fields as the boys do. Of course, for the younger ones, the base paths and pitching rubber can be modified if need be. There are umpteen places in the Detroit area to find fields. It's just a matter of calling and getting space and time.

I really think we should shoot for 2007, because it gives us a closer goal, and with many people working on it, it can happen. It is not too hard... just have to get enough players for each team. I will manage/coach my team if no one else is available. We can start recruiting at schools ocne they are in session. We have even thought of going into schools and giving a presentation/talk on girls playing baseball and recruiting from that. My team has done numerous clinics/events that involve girls, and there are a lot who want to play. I did an event last summer in Detroit with a fun coed adult softball game (yes, I have been known to play in these things ONLY for fun and to help groups) in which some youth boys played in. There were girls' cheer squads from different schools and age groups there performing, and most of the girls showed a huge interest in playing and seemed more interested in doing that than performing. I know it was softball, but if they are interested in that, they would be interested in baseball. I heard so many girls say, "I want to play!"

One idea I have for the fall and winter is to put on some clinics to teach the players AND coaches AND parents proper mechanics and fundamentals. My team has done this before, and we got terrific response from it. I absolutely love to teach and have done a lot of it, so we should organize clinics in both areas and start teaching. The clinics could be free perhaps to get girls involved and learning the right mechanics before the league starts playing. It will also help them feel more comfortable with playing once they get outside on the diamonds.

There are places in this area where we can hold clinics... schools, hitting facilities, people's houses, etc. I'm sure there are the same things in Toldeo. I can probably get some time and space donated for this, as it has happened for my team before.

I will write more later about where to start so we can get on the same page and get others involved. I will get the other person to write on here, or maybe we can e-mail each other to get some goals down and start working on it. :atthepc

[dhall]

5lilplayers, you need comitted people to help volunteer. you cant do this alone.
if you need any help i can send you a copy of our rules to help u get started.
our league is www.slaterettes.com
email me at springhead321@aol.com and i will set you up with the rules of our league. that might help out a bit.
David