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We had a recent situation in Little League where a player was using a brand new bat purchased by his parents. Unfortunately, after a few at bats, the umpire noticed that the bat was what is called a "big barrel" bat and told the player it was not authorized and he could not use it.

Needless to say the parents were not pleased and their main question was "How are we suppose to know what the rules are on a bat and what kind of bat we should buy?"

Very valid points and concerns. Even for the extremely knowledgeable baseball fan, purchasing a bat is a challenge. Between the varying sizes, weights and prices that can range from $20 to $300 or more, it is a difficult decision.

The key guidelines that you need to be aware of in our SJBA Rookie, Minor and Little League is that the bat can not be longer than 33" and the diameter of the barrel can not be more than 2 1/4 inches.

To help you better understand factors to consider when purchasing a bat for your child, we have added some helpful links under the "Links" section in the left hand column on this web page. These links can help you understand the rules, differences in materials that bats are made of and offers guidelines on the size bat your child should be using.

This is just a reminder to all the parents that to please park in the parking spaces only. We have had in the past a few people park along the old Jefferson Elementary Building in front of a door on the north side of the building. This entrance is used by a tenant for entrance and parking. Please restrict you parking to spaces and along South State Street.

Thanks,

SJBA Board of Directors

As most of you have probably noticed there is a new fence that runs along the north line of the ball field by the Little League Field. This fence was constructed by the schools as a request by the land owner to the north. I have received a letter once again from that land owner requesting that we stay off of his property and roadway. This has not been a problem in the last 5 years but it is worth mentioning to the new folks to the league. I feel it is ok to chase after a foul ball that may go into that property but please keep you players and kids out for general playing.

Thanks,

Jeff Bradford. SJBA Commissioner

Your new SJBA Board of Directors for the 2011-2012 Season!

Joe LoPresti - Commissioner
Mike Menke - Treasurer
Michael Tedesco - Director of Legal Affairs
Daniel VanBeek - Director of Lower Division
Nicole Coar - Director of Volunteer Services
Jeff Taylor - Director of Finance

Please know that these are volunteer positions and in order for the league to run efficiently they will need every SJBA members help. Please extend a hand and get involved.

I want to extend a big thank you to everyone that has helped me over my tenure on the Board. SJBA has been a big part of my life over the last 12 years and it will be missed greatly.

Good Luck!!!!

Jeff Bradford 2009-2011 SJBA Commissioner

Baseball and Softball Winter Clinics are being offered by Eric Danapilis again this year!

All clinics are offered for ages 7-12 (13 & 14 possible).

Clinics available:

• Hitting
• Fielding and Throwing
• Pitching and Catching

For more information click on this link: 2012 Baseball and Softball Clinics

Hurry, spots are limited and they will go fast!

It's that time of year; time to start thinking about baseball! Here are the dates for registration.

The divisions we offer are for boys and girls.

Dates:
Tuesday January 24th
Wednesday January 25th
Thursday January 26th

Time:
All days are 5:30pm to 8:00pm

Location:
St Joseph Dairy Queen
2901 Niles Ave
Saint Joseph, MI 49085

Registration forms will be available at DQ during registration if you do not have one already. There is also a form available that you can fill out on your computer and print off. You can get that form here.

We hope to see you there! Remember, DQ donates 20% of proceeds to SJBA during these times, so mention SJBA when you order and come hungry!

If you missed our signup nights it's alright, you can still register by mail. Just fill out the registration form available below and mail it along with your payment to:

SJBA Registration
PO Box 253
Saint Joseph, MI 49085

Registrations must be received before February 12, 2012. Contact Daniel Van Beek if for an extension if needed.

For those registering by mail for Rookie League and above you will receive the fundraiser coupons, which are included in the registration fee, at "Meet The Team Night" which is after the "4th Annual Spaghetti Dinner". These events will be held at the Saint Joseph High School on March 22, 2012 starting at 5:30p for the dinner and 7:00p for Meet the Team.

You can also get the other information that was handed out here:

Registration Form:
2012 Registration

Instructional League:
Fact Sheet

Rookie League and above:
Important Dates
Spaghetti Dinner Tickets

If you would like to volunteer to coach or assist in coaching please fill out this form and include it with your registration.
Volunteer Form

If you have any questions our Director of Lower Division, Daniel Van Beek, will be happy to answer them for you. He can be reached at (269) 235-9076 or by email at lower.division@sjba.us

Tonight is the last night to signup for 2012 SJBA baseball!

We hope you can make it but if you can't we will be posting late registration information here on the website very soon.

We are offering one last night to sign up for the 2012 season at the Saint Joseph Dairy Queen!

Date:
Monday February 13th

Time:
5:30pm to 7:00pm

Location:
St Joseph Dairy Queen
2901 Niles Ave
Saint Joseph, MI 49085

Registration forms will be available at DQ during registration if you do not have one already. There is also a form available that you can fill out on your computer and print off. You can get that form here.

You can view the Age Determination Chart here.

We hope to see you there!