State of Emergency

New York/New Jersey is in a

as the Weather Sucks ass right now

This is weather what killed dinosaurs and made Caveman invent fire. It's miserable and flat out dangerous out there. It's a State of Emergency. Time to shut down, batten the hatches, and think ...... Softball. Of Course.

Thanks to years and years of perpetual Recidivism like behavior The Big Apple League  faces it own State of Emergency. The irresistible and harsh force of Softball Mother Nature has unleashed it's fury in the form of dwindling membership and has forced the league to adjust. Otherwise, like the dinosaur it will face extinction.

It took a while, but give the league credit for trying to survive  and I am working with Jeff, Jimmy, Rosenmiller to help save it.

There is a plan. There is hope.

The Idea: 2 Divisions:

(1) Classic league. - The "A" division will have teams that include the A pitchers that have pitched for the past several seasons.

(2) The Modified "M" division. A ban list will be created and ONLY pitchers that meet the strictest modified pitching guidelines will be allowed to throw. This is not final. Some names will be added. Some could be removed. It will all be decided before the season starts.

Who will be deicing the pitching in the M league?

Me. 

Yep.

Deal with it.

I will make good moves.

I will make mistakes. 

Bottom Line: I am probably the only sucker that will subject himself to such petty hate and drama because I wanna play and save the league. It's worth saving.

Work with me.

I will have final say on how the modified pitching rules apply and on the ban list in the "M" league. I will have in season help in deciding new pitchers.

What is my modified criteria? See below

• Pitchers must have one foot on the plate at the start of wind-up.
• Lifting of a foot from the pitching rubber and stepping back onto the rubber is considered to be rocking, and is illegal. Your first move must be forward
• The ball must not be outside the pitcher’s wrist on the downward motion and during the complete forward delivery. Pitchers arm or wrist may not be cocked at anytime during the wind up.
• Pitcher cannot open up shoulders and hip in motion. In other words, be parallel or near parallel to the baselines.
• Pitcher's arm "cannot be wide"on release. Details to follow.
• The arm may only go as high as the head on the back swing.
• The pitcher may take the ball behind the back on the back swing.
• The shoulders and driving hip must be squared to home plate when the ball is released.
• On the forward swing of the pitching arm, the elbow must be locked at point of release.
• The release of the ball must be on the first forward swing of the pitching arm past the hip.

That's it. No more. No less. Work with me.

In addition, the league has lowered the league fee, which will now likely be at or below $1,000. Very reasonable considering the venue and length of season (24+ games). Good move

We are trying to retain core teams, recycle old teams, and recruit new teams. We are also not dumping the A "Classic" league . Many players love competing in this environment. Recruiting at this level is a challenge. The goal is to build two strong divisions.

If you know of a former team or a new squad that wants to return to either league please let us know (see below). The Meeting is Sunday, Feb. 22 from  2-6pm at  40 West 72nd St (Bancroft Bldg) 1st floor community room--check at front desk to find it. Mention Jorge Gonzalez who reserved the room.

We are not out of the Emergency, but a recovery is possible with help.


Please contact me at rickysoftball2@yahoo.com or Jeff Marcus at jeffmarcus6@hotmail.com.

Holler Back!!!!!

Let Play Two

Insider Salutes the beautiful life of Ernie Banks

He was famous for being great and saying Let's Play 2. He had the love. That's why he was loved.