Another slo-pitch season is just around the corner. Your executive has met several times during the winter months to plan for our upcoming season. Teams in our three divisions have been formed and all we need now is the weather to co-operate to get our season started in early May.

We have three divisions so that players with different athletic abilities have a chance to play against players of similar abilities. We want as many players as possible to play in our league, no matter your skill level or age. On our website, you will find a brief description of each division to help you decide which division suits your skills and the skills of your fellow players that you will be competing against. If you are in doubt as to which division is best for you, this brief write up of each division should help you decide. We value all our players and want to make sure that they are playing in the proper division with players of similar skills.

I would like to welcome not only our returning players but also the players who will be playing in our league for the first time. I have been playing in this league for over twenty years and I have thoroughly enjoyed not only playing but the friendships that I have made throughout this period.

The comradery in this league is second to none. The league is meant to be recreational in nature and emphasis is having fun playing the game we love. Winning is important but in my opinion, secondary to playing in a relaxed atmosphere where players treat one another with respect and dignity.

Each year a draft is held to form the teams. You can be a teammate one year and an opposing player the next year. This is what makes our league unique and different from other leagues.

You have a chance with having different teammates season after season. Lasting friendships may be formed as result of meeting new players as teammates rather than opponents.

In closing, I would like to remind my fellow players how very fortunate we are to be playing a sport we love as we advance in age. Even though some of our skills have diminished, we still have the health and desire to continue playing. Enjoy the time you spend on the diamonds, enjoy the comradery amongst your fellow players, look forward to each and every game, do your best and do not worry about making errors or not hitting in key situations. Display good sportsmanship during the games, be supportive of one another- realize that everyone is trying to do their best and players have different abilities and strengths.

Also, realize that our umpires are volunteers and we should appreciate their efforts on our behalf.

We are lucky to have a canteen available for us to have something to eat or drink after the game- what a great way to socialize with your fellow players, and

FINALLY,

REMEMBER IT IS JUST A GAME- ENJOY EACH and EVERY GAME- WIN or LOSE

Ron Ottogalli

President