It is with great excitement that the Livermore Girls Softball Association (LGSA) Board would like to announce some of the changes that you will notice and experience for the upcoming Spring 2012 LGSA Recreation Softball Season. We realize the majority of the participants in LGSA just want to have FUN playing softball with their friends and schoolmates in the Livermore Community. However, there are players in our softball league that want to compete at higher levels including High School, and travel ball. Thus, it is the responsibility and commitment of LGSA to develop players at all levels, and we would like to announce the following changes for the upcoming season:
Separation of Recreation and Travel Ball Programs:
• The umbrella organization for both the recreation and travel ball softball programs is called LGSA. We are looking for a “cool” name to call the recreational league. One name could be the “Livermore Heat”. Suggestions are welcome. We might have a name contest to inspire additional thought for naming our recreation league teams.
• The travel ball program is Livermore “Smoke”. Livermore Smoke activities will be kept separate from recreation league activities.
New Sponsorship Opportunities
More than ever, LGSA needs your support and we have several opportunities for individuals, families and businesses to support LGSA this season with a tax deductible donation:
1. Individual (SINGLE) – for just $50 you can help improve the fields and equipment for our girls.
2. Family (DOUBLE) – for $250 your family can join our benefactors club and be recognized on our website and at the games.
3. Business (TRIPLE, HOME RUN & GRAND SLAM) – we have several levels of sponsorship available for every business size.
New: You can make your tax deductible donation right now on the LGSA Website Sponsorship Page.
Improved Communication
• New and Improved LGSA Website: You will be able to follow LGSA activities through our new website (www.livermoregirlssoftball.org) as well as on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
• LGSA Board Member shirts. All LGSA Board members will be wearing LGSA Board member shirts for easy identification. If you need to contact one of us at an LGSA event, you should be able to find us quickly.
More Playing Time for Each Player:
• Middle School and 10U Black games will be changed to 7 innings or 2 hours with no new inning after 105 minutes.
• 11 player teams when possible. By decreasing teams to 11 players, managers will have 1 less player to substitute. Each league (8U, 10U Red, 10U Black and Middle School) will have a reserve system, so no games will be cancelled due to not having enough players.
Improved League Training Program
• LGSA proudly announces that it has renewed its LGSA training program with CA Fastpitch for 2012 recreation season.
• Weekly two team practices. CA Fastpitch will run a two team weekly practice. These practices will be used to make sure that these teams get at least one or more good practices during the season and to teach the coaches how to run a practice by professional instructors.
• Weekly pitching and catching practices run by CA Fastpitch. Every Sunday, there will be a 45 min pitching practice for 8U, 10U and MS pitchers and a 45 min catching practice for 8U, 10U and MS catchers.
• These practices will be used to teach proper pitching and catching mechanics and should lead to improved pitching and catching play for LGSA recreation teams.
• CA Fastpitch will hold a series of coaching clinics to educate and improve LGSA softball coaching.
Field Improvements
• One our members won a $20,000 Field Makeover by Major League Baseball. Joe Michell (JM) Field #2 was renovated the weekend before Thanksgiving week. JM#2 is now an ASA compliant softball diamonds with improved dirt and watering system.
• Global Sports Group (Twin Creeks) has leveled and redone JM#1 and JM#3 fields (removed grass lips and improved bases). These fields (JM#1, JM#2 and JM#3) are now all equivalent with improved leveling and drainage. These fields will be much better for playing and sliding.
Improved Equipment
• LGSA is excited to announce the Wilson / DeMarini Partnership for 2012 LGSA recreation season. LGSA is investing approximately $10,500 in new softball equipment from Wilson / DeMarini. Each team will get new catchers and coaching equipment through this partnership.
New Snack Shack:
• LGSA has invested in a new snack shack container providing a larger variety of food selections.
• The new Snack Shack will also have a big screen monitor displaying: Player of the Week, snack bar items for sale, action photos of players, upcoming events and will be a good way to communicate to all families, players and coaches information such as standings, playoffs and All Star game information.
Improved Parking at Joe Michell on Weekends:
• LVJUSD has improved parking using the West Side Court yard of the school for additional parking but only on weekends.
Interleague Softball:
• LGSA has joined SRVGAL (San Ramon Valley Girls Athletic League) and PGSL (Pleasanton Girls Softball League) for Interleague play.
• LGSA will form two Middle School teams to play against SRVGAL and PGSL 7/8 Grade Interleague teams.
• Interleague play will provide a more competitive venue for the top LGSA Middle School players, and will help prepare them for the upcoming Summer Livermore Smoke travel season.
In summary the LGSA Board has invested in improving player training, coaching education, improvements in field conditions, equipment, communication, and facilities, joined Interleague Softball and increased the total amount of playing time for each player. LGSA is excited about these changes and hope that ALL LGSA players will enjoy their softball season in 2012. Please feel free to contact any LGSA Board or Executive Board Member or me personally if you have questions or need additional information.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Sincerely,
Louie J. Arias, Jr.
2011-2012 LGSA President
LArias_4u@hotmail.com
