Another season, our 26^th, starts in about a week, opening the weekend of 4/15 and 4/16/23. This year, we have 8 teams competing in the 55’s, 8 in the 65’s, and 6 in the inaugural season of the 70’s. The previous generation would have never considered playing baseball in their 7^th decade.

55 Division

The 8 teams in the 55’s, opening on 4/15/23, are All Star Baseball Academy, Banana Sharks, Cutters, Delco A’s, Gray Rocks, Generals, Red Sox, and Phillies.

For the first 14 weeks, all teams play each other twice. Teams are then seeded based on their record after the first 14 games. Teams 1 thru 4 compete in the Anderson Division and teams 5 thru 8 compete in the Unthank Division. Then the teams in each Division play each other one time, followed by the Semi’s and Finals. There are no rainouts built into the season, so DH’s may be scheduled to complete the playoffs.

The 55 Division will return to the Honor System for attendance. Maintain your scorebooks in case any attendance is questioned. Hopefully all realize that we play for enjoyment and the camaraderie, and no prizes are awarded. So, maintain accurate and honest records. A player must attend a game for a minimum of one inning to receive attendance credit. I will be strict if this rule is violated, and the Manager is subject to suspension. 40% attendance is required for playoff eligibility.

65 Division

The 8 teams in the 65 Division, opening on 4/16/23, are the Bucs, Cutters, Gray Rocks, MBI, Mustangs, Ott’s, Padres, and the Spikes.

For the first 14 weeks, all teams play each other twice. Teams are then seeded based on their record after the first 14 games. Teams 1 through 4 compete in the Anderson Division and teams 5 through 8 compete in the Unthank Division. Then the teams in each Division play each other one time, followed by the Semi’s and Finals. There are no rainouts built into the season, so DH’s may be scheduled to complete the playoffs.

70 Division

The 6 teams in the 70 Division, opening on 5/3/23, are the Cutters, Gray Sox, MBI, Mustangs, Padres, and the Spikes.

For the first 10 weeks, all teams play each other twice. For the next 12 weeks, the schedule is skewed so that teams 1 and 2 play each other more frequently and the same for teams 5 and 6. Games are scheduled through September with no playoffs.

New Structure

I have been concerned for over a year about the future of the JADBL. We all have an expiration date. If something were to happen to Sully or myself, I am guessing the League may fold. So, I created an Organizational Chart, distributing the responsibilities to members of our League. By doing this, ideas are not limited to Sully and myself, and we also now have a group that can continue the league. Should I become unavailable, the League can continue via the group contribution. Losing one person doing one function is much easier to replace than one person doing all functions. Plus, the effort keeps increasing as the League grows. So below is the Org Chart, which may undergo future refinement as we progress.

When Ray Croes “retired,” his contribution was painfully obvious. With an organization running the JADBL, more focus can be applied as each person will have one responsibility. I will still help with the learning curve in all aspects of the league, but now we will have a backup for each area.

I hope the season is fun and injury-free for everyone. Enjoy the camaraderie, the laughs in the dugout, the great plays, and the funny miscues.

Our Rules, Policies and Procedures, and Mission Statement are available to everyone via the website. All should be familiar with them.

A special thank you to Ray Croes for his past efforts and to John Sullivan for his current and future efforts. Another special thanks to all the Managers. I am well aware of the effort and the hassle associated with managing and your efforts are appreciated.

Quoting our founder, John DeBenedictis, “Make 2023 the best season yet!”  

I will distribute the Org Chart shortly with all names of the people responsible for each area. Please refer to it and contact the appropriate person when you have a question.

Of course, feel free to contact me when needed. Thank you.

Pat