Current Board Members

Joe Curtin, John Dwyer, Vin DiPilla, Jeff Pingeton, Randy Olds, Bob Berry,
Jim Santiago, Jim Gillon, John Watkins, Vin Ruziak, Jeff Kerrigan

Absent Board Members

Rick Maypother, Blake Dawson, Bill Brassard, Dave Despres, Mike Glavin

Meeting called to order at 8:00pm.

Board Decisions

1. Board voted and approved to increase the number of Major league players from 11 to
12 players per team.

2. Board voted and approved a pay increase for umpires.

o 2008 Major league umpires fees; $25 plate umpire, $20 base umpire

o 2008 AAA umpire fees; $20 plate umpire, $15 base umpire

Board Open Actions

1. We have an 11 yr. old player who recently moved back to Sterling, and
    is capable of playing at the Major league level. The issue is that he missed the 2008
    Major league tryouts.   Joe, Jeff, and Vinny to discuss and resolve. Joe to
    check on the Little League Guideline/Ruling.

2. Complete CORI forms.

Meeting Summary

President’s Report – Joe C.
1. Vandalism reported at the AAA field.
2. The Lanza family has volunteered to provide “Outback Steak house tent”
  for opening day.

Rutland is sponsoring a Wachusett region challenger’s division, and would like to know if Sterling would be interested. Along with Rutland, Princeton, Holden, and Paxton have signed on. Sterling is interested in
participating, Joe to pass along additional details.

Treasurer’s Report – John D.
1. $7 per player fee field maintenance.
2. Sponsorships are starting to be received.
3. League remains in sound financial shape.

Umpire Discussion – Randy O.
1. 15 tentative umpires for the 2008 season, including
  5 new 13yr old sign-ups.
2. Umpire clinic to be held at the school, date is tbd.
3. Request is for two umpires for Major league games,
  but at times it’s difficult to get two umps for a game.
4. Randy highlighted the following items where improvements
  are needed;

i. Starting games on time, this is a manager’s responsibility.
The younger umpires are often shy about enforcing the start of the
game.

ii. Rainout notification for umpires – home team manager’s
responsibility.

iii. Managers need to ask for timeout prior to walking onto field.

Registration Update – John D., Jeff P.
1. Registrations coming in. Currently we have 260 kids signed up,
  we expect to receive additional signal signups for the T-Ball & AA divisions. Past years, on average we usually have ~300 kids signed up per season.
2. There will be a $10 late fee payment for signups after the March 15^th.
Fields Update – Rick M.
1. Met with Fence contractor last week. Quote in process.
2. Rick to fix the damaged dugout wall.
3. Field gates will be repaired.
4. Clay delivered to the field.
Major League – Vinny R.
1. Managers will draft the 12^th player for each of their respective teams.

Opening Day – Blake D.
1. Opening Day is May 3^rd.

Fundraising – Bob S.
1. Fundraising meeting expectations.
2. Plan is to offer a calendar raffle. The specific time frame for the
  raffle is under discussion.
Training – Vin D.
1. Secured the school gym on Saturdays from 9-12 in the March
  timeframe.
2. Training plan would be to focus on pitching & throwing.

Motion made to adjourn and seconded, so voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm

Respectfully submitted by Jeff Kerrigan, Secretary