As we move to the end of the season - August 4th - first and foremost on the league's mind is make-up games and play-offs. Following I will shed some light on both:
End of Season and Make-ups
The regular season is scheduled to end, Sunday, August 4th. As a result of the proposed 30's play-off schedule - two out of three series in all rounds - the 30's regular season will be extended one (1) week only; until Sunday, August 11th. On the other hand, the 42's and 50's season will be extended to August 25th.
Of utmost importance then is getting in the final 30's games. 42's and 50's players: As you can see I am giving you plenty of time, and the opportunity to NOT have to play double-headers.
The league will schedule all remaining postponed games that are not worked out between teams. Due to the tight time frame, and as always, the unknown weather factor, once games have been scheduled, they will not be rescheduled.
Play-offs Outlook
30's. Play-offs will begin Friday, August 16th - 18th; game #1 of preliminary rounds. The week of August 19th through August 25th will be game #2 and game #3 if needed. I am in contact with Plote Field and Peterson Field to see about the possibility of night games during the week. Weekday games is an option available to teams who agree to play game #2 during the week - Monday through Thursday, thereby leaving Friday through Sunday for their possible game #3. Preliminary round rain-outs. If we incur rain, the preliminary round may be reduced to a 1-game set. So play every game as if it were the last.
Round #2, the semi's, will run from Friday August 30th through Sunday September 15th. As you can/will see, this time period encompasses 3 weekends (Labor Day weekend included). I will work with remaining teams to determine how play will be set. You don't have to play over the Labor Day weekend, but you can if you want... which also allows three weekends for the possibility of three (3) games. Again, excessive bad weather (2 weekends of 3) could result in the semi-final round being reduced to a 1 game set.
Finally, the remaining weeks and weekends (2 of them) will be for the Championship series; best 2 of 3. Excessive bad weather policy into effect if we cannot get fields into the 1st weekend of October.
42's and 50's. Round #1: September 6th - 8th. Rain make-ups during the week. Round #2: September 13th - 15th. Rain make-ups during the week. Championship round, best 2 of 3, Begins Friday August 20th, thus allowing 2 full-weekends of play. Excessive bad weather policy into effect if we cannot get fields into the 1st weekend of October.
Touching Base with our Umpire Association
I recently had a rather long touchbase/catch-up call with the umpires association regarding the quality of officiating and what can be done to improve the officiating. The league did not go into this talk in an adversarial manner, but instead Chuck Harper of the SUA and I talked as associates who understand the symbiotic relationship of the NI-MBL and the SUA umpires. Both the umpires and players can do more to improve the quality of the game itself. Managers will have details for players on the league's talk with Chuck Harper and how we as a league/players can help improve the officiating.
Kane County Stadium
We have secured Kane County for two games on Sunday, August 25th. Because this is in the heart of the 30's play-offs, their will not be a 30's promotional game at Kane County stadium. HOWEVER.. individual players on 30's teams can request to play in the 42's promotion game. There will be a 40's and a 50's game. There will be a form posted shortly on the league website for participation requests. Those requesting to play in the Kane County game must meet all requirements in order to be considered eligible for play in the promotion game. Requirements will be a small entry fee ($25 per person) and prospect invitations. (More details later)
Fall Ball
The league now has forms on the website to guage the interest of playing some fall ball in October. The league is working on field acquisition and playing format. Umpires have already been notified of this possibility. We will keep you abreast of happenings in this area. If you are interested in playing some fall ball please click here.
