Another successful BBA season has come and gone, next up fall ball. Oh, and we are going to have a new president.
My time at BBA started in 1998 when I signed my older daughter Alyssia up for t-ball. I was told there wouldn’t be a team if I didn’t manage so I jumped right in. It was my worst year at BBA. What a way to start. While complaining about it to my dad he said, "if you don’t like the decisions, become part of the decision makers." So the following year I became a commissioner and things got better.
After spending the last three years as president and two years previous to that as treasurer, I was fortunate to assemble and be part of a great team of decision makers that has led BBA into an era of unprecedented success. As we move ahead to 2010 and beyond, the team is still in place with one exception, and that is me. My youngest daughter Amanda is approaching her last year at BBA and I don’t want our time together to be interrupted by the issues that arise throughout the year. She has patiently and sometimes impatiently stood waiting to catch, pitch or bat while I handled complaints, issues or other impromptu surprises while up at the field. In 2010, she gets all my attention, she deserves it and I am not going to miss out on it.
So, I did not quit, I did not resign and I certainly am not leaving BBA. I am just refocusing my attention before she no longer wants it.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Opening Day
The first thing to say about Opening Day is "what fantastic weather!" It was 85 and sunny. Once you have good weather, everything else falls into place, but not without a lot of help from a lot of people. We had record sales at the concession stand which seemed like a certainty at the time because things never slowed down. The BBA Grill went full blast from morning to evening. We are blessed with so many parents who sit on our board or just volunteer their time to make sure such an event is a success.
This was the first time I walked in the parade in a couple years. My daughter Amanda is older and the girls feel above doing a banner and walking. Enter my new t-ball team. As in every year, we had a lot of people calling late about registering for t-ball. It is hard to get out information to the families of younger kids. I ordered a new team of uniforms before we even had enough kids. It worked out good as I now have a full team. Since these parents are new to Bauerstown it was nearly impossible to find a manager. I volunteered and there I was with my new t-ball team at the parade. We had a great banner and there are some great kids and families on the team. They are certainly future BBA stars and the parents are future BBA managers and participants on our board.
We had Venture Outdoors give us a wonderful deal on a climbing wall which was available all day as well as a Moonwalk, a balloon guy and tattoo artist from Mike the Balloon Guy. Also returning was the PaintChick doing custom helmets and shirts.
It is always a pleasure to have Commisioner Duss and Township Manager Tim Rodgers attend. The township is an ardent supporter of BBA and does a lot to help us. The opening of our new Newland Street Parking lot is a perfect example.
One of the many charms at Bauerstown is the BBA pride. We are proud of our organization and it is evident by watching our members take the initiative to help out and keep our complex and organization running well. When you hear "We are BBA", it really does mean something.
And now on with the 2009 season.....
This was the first time I walked in the parade in a couple years. My daughter Amanda is older and the girls feel above doing a banner and walking. Enter my new t-ball team. As in every year, we had a lot of people calling late about registering for t-ball. It is hard to get out information to the families of younger kids. I ordered a new team of uniforms before we even had enough kids. It worked out good as I now have a full team. Since these parents are new to Bauerstown it was nearly impossible to find a manager. I volunteered and there I was with my new t-ball team at the parade. We had a great banner and there are some great kids and families on the team. They are certainly future BBA stars and the parents are future BBA managers and participants on our board.
We had Venture Outdoors give us a wonderful deal on a climbing wall which was available all day as well as a Moonwalk, a balloon guy and tattoo artist from Mike the Balloon Guy. Also returning was the PaintChick doing custom helmets and shirts.
It is always a pleasure to have Commisioner Duss and Township Manager Tim Rodgers attend. The township is an ardent supporter of BBA and does a lot to help us. The opening of our new Newland Street Parking lot is a perfect example.
One of the many charms at Bauerstown is the BBA pride. We are proud of our organization and it is evident by watching our members take the initiative to help out and keep our complex and organization running well. When you hear "We are BBA", it really does mean something.
And now on with the 2009 season.....
Monday, April 20, 2009
BBA 2009 Off to a Roaring Start!
Last Saturday’s BBA Night at the Races was our first mark on the 2009 season. It was a tremendous success not only by exceeding our fundraising goal but also in just plain fun.
We began our preparations with registration in January, then drafts, ordering uniforms and a lot of planning but we are now on the fields practicing. All games have been scheduled and it is full speed ahead for our 2009 season.
Early weather forecast for Opening Day this Saturday is good! Let’s keep the prayers going for good weather. As in every year, we have a lot planned. There will be a rock climbing wall, a large moonwalk ride, a balloon guy, a face painter and temporary tattoo artist along with The PaintChick who will be there customizing helmets and t-shirts. There will also be tons of food and games not to mention our parade to kick off the day.
If you can’t have fun at Bauerstown, you just can’t have fun period!!!
We began our preparations with registration in January, then drafts, ordering uniforms and a lot of planning but we are now on the fields practicing. All games have been scheduled and it is full speed ahead for our 2009 season.
Early weather forecast for Opening Day this Saturday is good! Let’s keep the prayers going for good weather. As in every year, we have a lot planned. There will be a rock climbing wall, a large moonwalk ride, a balloon guy, a face painter and temporary tattoo artist along with The PaintChick who will be there customizing helmets and t-shirts. There will also be tons of food and games not to mention our parade to kick off the day.
If you can’t have fun at Bauerstown, you just can’t have fun period!!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Ghost Town BBA
Our 2008 spring season is officially over. BBA will look like a ghost town for the next few weeks. Sure we have fall ball coming up in September but that actually falls under a new season and new board of officers. Our new board is installed and officially takes over at the September meeting.
The September meeting in 2007 is where it all began for the 2008 season. You start with planning, more planning, executing the plans, then making adjustments to the plans, more executing, more adjusting all while adding in hope, prayers and before you know it, we’re done.
Looking back, if I had the chance to do it all over again, would I have changed things? Oh most definitely yes I would. But no one has that kind of hindsight and I am truly humbled by our success as a team and organization this year. We had groups (teams) of members stepping up in all phases of our planning and during the execution of the plans such as the Monte Carlo Night, Opening Day, BBA Day and the tournaments. At BBA, we have people who want to get involved!
Being involved means you have to go outside your own comfort zone, take a chance by taking on a responsibility, and even adding a new worry to your life that sometimes seems to have too many already. Why on earth would you want to complicate your life even more by taking on a responsibility to a whole group? Why would you put yourself in a position to fail in front of a whole group?
We have answers to those questions. When you work in groups you develop friendships and your kids meet new friends. You develop a comfortable sense of belonging and knowing the you are not alone and there are people (friends) who you can count on to ensure there is no failure. BBA is your safety net. Is making new friends for yourself and your kids worth the complications it adds to your life? Hell yeah!
Oh, and by the way, I do and will, have a chance (opportunity) to do it all over again.
The September meeting in 2007 is where it all began for the 2008 season. You start with planning, more planning, executing the plans, then making adjustments to the plans, more executing, more adjusting all while adding in hope, prayers and before you know it, we’re done.
Looking back, if I had the chance to do it all over again, would I have changed things? Oh most definitely yes I would. But no one has that kind of hindsight and I am truly humbled by our success as a team and organization this year. We had groups (teams) of members stepping up in all phases of our planning and during the execution of the plans such as the Monte Carlo Night, Opening Day, BBA Day and the tournaments. At BBA, we have people who want to get involved!
Being involved means you have to go outside your own comfort zone, take a chance by taking on a responsibility, and even adding a new worry to your life that sometimes seems to have too many already. Why on earth would you want to complicate your life even more by taking on a responsibility to a whole group? Why would you put yourself in a position to fail in front of a whole group?
We have answers to those questions. When you work in groups you develop friendships and your kids meet new friends. You develop a comfortable sense of belonging and knowing the you are not alone and there are people (friends) who you can count on to ensure there is no failure. BBA is your safety net. Is making new friends for yourself and your kids worth the complications it adds to your life? Hell yeah!
Oh, and by the way, I do and will, have a chance (opportunity) to do it all over again.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Time Flies When Your Having Fun
Well, so much for my quarter season, half a season and three quarter season blogs. How about an end of season, before tournaments blog instead?
What a season it’s been! We have had some rain but nothing really to mess up the season for anyone; hey we play in the spring you know so we’re going get some. We had two BBA teams go UNDEFEATED and all playing very good baseball and softball.
There are many memories to look back on this year. Our BBA Day was a fantastic community day filled with ball games, food and fun, particularly the adult softball game in the evening. Afterward, through the teamwork of some BBA members, we were able to bring the Pens playoff game to the concession stand pavilion and not just on a small TV set, but to a big screen and projected to about 6 foot by 8 feet and in surround sound stereo! We had another great community day with the Victoria O’Neil Picnic in the Park that included more great food, a Chinese auction and all kinds of different games for the kids like volleyball, kickball, and contests like a homerun hitting contest, closest to the pin, and hit the bucket.
Nowadays, it seems our season is split into two seasons, the regular season and tournaments. There are also some playoff games left and on July 4th we host the Girls Slow Pitch All Star game. We began the season in April, had a busy May and June and now we gear up for a crazy July filled with tournament ball.
And before anyone can catch his or her breath, sign up for Fall Ball is just around the corner!
What a season it’s been! We have had some rain but nothing really to mess up the season for anyone; hey we play in the spring you know so we’re going get some. We had two BBA teams go UNDEFEATED and all playing very good baseball and softball.
There are many memories to look back on this year. Our BBA Day was a fantastic community day filled with ball games, food and fun, particularly the adult softball game in the evening. Afterward, through the teamwork of some BBA members, we were able to bring the Pens playoff game to the concession stand pavilion and not just on a small TV set, but to a big screen and projected to about 6 foot by 8 feet and in surround sound stereo! We had another great community day with the Victoria O’Neil Picnic in the Park that included more great food, a Chinese auction and all kinds of different games for the kids like volleyball, kickball, and contests like a homerun hitting contest, closest to the pin, and hit the bucket.
Nowadays, it seems our season is split into two seasons, the regular season and tournaments. There are also some playoff games left and on July 4th we host the Girls Slow Pitch All Star game. We began the season in April, had a busy May and June and now we gear up for a crazy July filled with tournament ball.
And before anyone can catch his or her breath, sign up for Fall Ball is just around the corner!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Opening Day BBA 14 – Rain 2 – Wind 1
Weather can be like a woman. Generally unpredictable and when you try to forecast a result, you end up making an ass of yourself. Those poor weathermen, I had been cussing them out all week. As last week progressed, the chance of rain increased to the point of 70%. Friday’s forecast was not much better. Well, Friday came and we got all the preparations finished. The evening ended with a cold beer and a gaze up into a clear night’s sky. Saturday morning was beautiful. We got the parade in and all our opening ceremonies. We also got all our games in, except one. An instructional game was started but not finished.
We had two rainstorms come through the complex, one at about 1:30pm and another about 3:00pm. The first rain lasted about a half an hour, just as our juggling act was starting. After it blew through, the games were completed and the juggling act performed on the grass next to the t-ball field. The second rain lasted about as long as the first one but we got the 4:00 game on and finished. That’s the parade, opening ceremonies and 12 games. Bauerstown scores 14. It rained twice, rain scores 2.
So how did the wind score 1? At about 10:58 am, I am a little full of myself with the success of the events leading up to the beginning of the 11:00 ceremonies. I am beaming with pride as Bauerstown members made our complex look absolutely spectacular. There were people here all day Friday working and on Saturday morning, members were arriving two hours before the parade started to help get everything ready. Then, just before I am ready to turn on the microphone, I noticed a voice mail message on my cell phone. Since our representative from Senator Jane Orie’s office had yet to arrive, I decided to take a moment to listen to the message. At that moment, I believe God had the need to send me his own little message. While listening to my voice mail (Orie’s rep was lost and couldn’t find our complex) a gust of wind picked up the two tents (we use for our executive board members and dignitaries to sit under) and brought them both crashing down on me. There I was with the phone still to my ear, completely covered and wrapped in canvas and bent metal. Stunned, I remember hearing people saying “don’t worry Jim we will get you out of there”. Within seconds our board members, and others along with Township Manager Tim Rogers and Commissioner Ed Duss, had removed the mess. Thank you God for the quick humbling before I was about to start.
So was there a moral to the wind story? A sort of epiphany realized? The canvas and metal wrapped around me can be a metaphor to running a volunteer organization. You sometimes get completely inundated. Standing there under the tents, I was stunned, overwhelmed and needed help. The help came in the form of our members, my friends and our township representatives to pull everything off me. And that is what made me the luckiest man in the world this past Saturday. We have a wonderful thing going on here in this organization because we have great people involved and a township that appreciates the work we do. I am honored to be President.
Soon, it will be time to step away for others to have this opportunity. Metaphorically, I will always look back at this little comedic event to remember that any time I get myself too overwhelmed, I always have my BBA friends who volunteer to help. I also would like to thank God for keeping my wife in the concession stand during this time. If she would have be witness to this, she would still be laughing at me.
We had two rainstorms come through the complex, one at about 1:30pm and another about 3:00pm. The first rain lasted about a half an hour, just as our juggling act was starting. After it blew through, the games were completed and the juggling act performed on the grass next to the t-ball field. The second rain lasted about as long as the first one but we got the 4:00 game on and finished. That’s the parade, opening ceremonies and 12 games. Bauerstown scores 14. It rained twice, rain scores 2.
So how did the wind score 1? At about 10:58 am, I am a little full of myself with the success of the events leading up to the beginning of the 11:00 ceremonies. I am beaming with pride as Bauerstown members made our complex look absolutely spectacular. There were people here all day Friday working and on Saturday morning, members were arriving two hours before the parade started to help get everything ready. Then, just before I am ready to turn on the microphone, I noticed a voice mail message on my cell phone. Since our representative from Senator Jane Orie’s office had yet to arrive, I decided to take a moment to listen to the message. At that moment, I believe God had the need to send me his own little message. While listening to my voice mail (Orie’s rep was lost and couldn’t find our complex) a gust of wind picked up the two tents (we use for our executive board members and dignitaries to sit under) and brought them both crashing down on me. There I was with the phone still to my ear, completely covered and wrapped in canvas and bent metal. Stunned, I remember hearing people saying “don’t worry Jim we will get you out of there”. Within seconds our board members, and others along with Township Manager Tim Rogers and Commissioner Ed Duss, had removed the mess. Thank you God for the quick humbling before I was about to start.
So was there a moral to the wind story? A sort of epiphany realized? The canvas and metal wrapped around me can be a metaphor to running a volunteer organization. You sometimes get completely inundated. Standing there under the tents, I was stunned, overwhelmed and needed help. The help came in the form of our members, my friends and our township representatives to pull everything off me. And that is what made me the luckiest man in the world this past Saturday. We have a wonderful thing going on here in this organization because we have great people involved and a township that appreciates the work we do. I am honored to be President.
Soon, it will be time to step away for others to have this opportunity. Metaphorically, I will always look back at this little comedic event to remember that any time I get myself too overwhelmed, I always have my BBA friends who volunteer to help. I also would like to thank God for keeping my wife in the concession stand during this time. If she would have be witness to this, she would still be laughing at me.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
No Rain on Opening Day…Pleaseeeeeee!!!
Opening Day is four days away and the weather prediction is RAIN. I am currently on suicide watch.
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