Monday, August 1, 2011

Cici's / Sandlot Family night and sign ups

Hey Sandlotters , Please mark you calendars for tomorrow evening, Tuesday August 2nd at 5:00 for another Sandlot Sign up evening and fellowship . We would love for everyone to join us whether you have signed up , are going to sign up or even if your not going to sign up .

Season is getting closer and both Shelby and I are real anxious for fall ball . I want to thank all of the sandlotters who have come out to assist me in getting the field ready. We put down Bermuda grass Saturday and know we want yall to pray for soft, steady rain.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011


Hey everyone, been an awesome summer so far but I am ready to get back to the ball field . Please note the date for our first community outreach sign up day. The next one will be Aug 2nd at Ci Ci's Pizza. Since we are a community and family building organization I wanted to support local businesses while getting the word out about The Sandlot . Please come out and join us even if your not going to sign up we would love to have you for some great family fellowship.

I have already tilled up the field and will be leveling and planting grass this week in prep for our Fall Ball. More info to come soon but for now have a wonderful summer and Shelby and I look forward to seeing you very soon.

Coach Mike

Monday, June 6, 2011

Hey Sandlotters , Been a week or two but wow have we been busy . This past Saturday was the last day of games for our first season and again it was awesome seeing the improvement of all of our athletes from the first practice . I am very proud of each and everyone of yall.

This coming Saturday is our cook out and awards day out at the Sandlot . Shelby is working as hard as usual to get everything right in line to make it a very special day . She has sent out an email to all of you for what is being brought and what we still need, so please check your emails and get back with her as soon as possible if you want to bring something .

Now that the season is almost over the work is really going to begin . I will be sending out another email along with a post here about our plans for the future with The Sandlot and also The One Project . We are hoping to be in at least Non Profit application by the start of Fall Ball ( Sept 12th ) if not already in Non Profit Status .

We are going to be redoing both fields and part of the area behind the Tee Ball Field and there is going to be a need for equipment to get this done . Also I have a 16x20 shed that we want to move to The Sandlot for our equipment shed and am in need of someone who has a roll back truck and could donate time to help us move it . If anyone knows of someone please let me know or if they are interested have them give me a call .

Along with redoing the fields we are going to be building a concessions stand and materials and assistance will be needed for this project .

We had a parent ( Cindy Walser ) who was awesome at letting us use her riding lawnmower for the season and we cannot thank her enough . I have already returned it to her and we are going to be in need for a riding mower soon . We have leased this property for the year and this includes taking care of the grounds year round . If anyone know of a riding mower that they can donate or sell pretty cheap again have them call me or I will get in contact with them .

Shelby and I cannot thank each and everyone of yall for your support of this wonderful venture and we love yall very much and hope to see everyone this fall . We had 78 athletes this spring and are praying for 150 this fall .

May God Bless your families as much as yall have blessed us ,

Michael and Shelby Isaacson

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all of the women who play such a vital role in each and everyone of our lives . Shelby and I hope your day was awesome and you were pampered to the hilt.

Shelby is sending out an email to all parents of The Sandlot but for those following us on this blog I wanted to remind everyone of our Outing on May 17th ( Tuesday ) at 5:15 at the Wake Forest Mens Baseball Game in Winston Salem . Our athletes are getting to run through the blow up tunnel the football team uses and stand with the Mens baseball team during the National Anthem . Parking and admission is free and we are trying to get as many people as we can to come out and support The Sandlot and the Wake Forest Mens Baseball program.

All of the athletes have been working very hard last week on fielding and it really showed yesterday during the games. I am extremely proud of everyone for their dedication and love of the game . At the beginning of our games the athletes line up on the baselines and we say a prayer before we play . Yesterday was a bit different and wonderful thing to see . All the athletes lined up with their mothers and grandmothers behind them. Once everyone was lined up they were asked to turn around and hug their moms and grandmothers and then a prayer was said . The Sandlot is a FAMILY league and seeing these wonderful women with thier little ones was a memory I will always remember .

Again , Happy Mothers Day and may God continue to bless you all as yall have blessed us daily.

Coach Mike

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wake Forest Basball

Hey Everyone . Have taken most of the day to think about how I wanted to start this post because Shelby and I did not want anyones feelings hurt about what is going on with The Sandlot . One of our parents contacted The Wake Forest Baseball team and found out there are opportunities for our league . May 17th ( Tuesday ) there is going to be NO PRACTICE . We are ALL going to be meeting at the Wake Forest Baseball Stadium so our athletes can run through the blow up tunnel onto the field with the Deacon mens team . It is going to be an awesome event . There is no admission for games during the week and we will either eat at the stadium or families can eat before they come .

After talking with the Deacon rep we found out that no one had taken a slot for tonight's game ( only 15 athletes ). We have made the decision to use tonight as a dry run for the 17th . I and noone else have asked families from all three leagues ( tee ball, coach pitch and Machine pitch ) and we will be meeting at the field at 5:15 . There was no favoritism in my choosing and it is also something I am not wanting to do again since I love all of the sandlotters but wanted to post something so that everyone is on the same page and no feelings are hurt. I appreciate everyone's understanding and if there is a problem please see me as soon as possible .

Making a decision like this was kind of like being on an island and a boat comes by that can only hold 15 kids - this is how deep i feel about this issue .

SO - back to the 17th . please let me know as soon as possible if yall can attend - all families , extended families, grandparents etc are invited - THERE is NO ADMISSION FEE so please all come and show our SANDLOT DEACON Pride on the 17th. If i can show Sandlot deacon pride as a State fan yall can to lol.

With deepest thought and love for you all,

COACH MIKE

Friday, April 22, 2011

Bal games Tomorrow - April 23 rd

Hey Sandloters - ALL games will be moved up one hour due to all the rain today and field conditions . Please check your schedules and add an hour to them for correct times . Play ball and look forward to seeing all of you in at The Sandlot . Coach Mike

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Make up games

Hey Sandloters, what an intense storm this weekend . First off I want to request we all keep all of those who were affected by this storm in our prayers . Three people who lost their lives were connected by family within our league and the flag will be flown at half mast this week in respect to those and the rest who passed this weekend . Also be in prayer for those first responders and volunteers headed over to assist . Stacy Rymer (mom of Tillman - tee baller and wife of Coach Eric ) has her father ( Don Hall ) who headed down to Sanford on an assesment team for several chain saw crews . Don has a heart as large as his son in law and will need our prayers once he sees the disaster and they families it has affected. There have been several newspaper article in the past two weeks that have been very well written and thanks to those reporters and photographers . The reason I am mentioning this is because Shelby and I have been getting wonderful comments from friends and strangers and we wanted to stress to all that this is a FAMILY LEAGUE and it belongs to everyone not just us . Please take the time to talk with your athletes about how they can influence others by being a vital part of The Sandlot and to shine thier individual light even when they are not on the field . Everyone of our athletes has such wonderful gifts that have already been shown during the last three weeks and I am so proud of each and everyone of them . The Make up games from Saturday will be this week during some of the regular practices . The first game will be the Machine / Kid pitch tommorow Monday at 5:45 . Please try to be at The Sandlot no later than 5:30 to warm up and stretch . Team A will play Team B - After tomorrow we are hoping to return to our normal practice hours and I wanted to mention something about team practice . It is fine if there is a conflict every now and then and it is to be expected for all families but please try to stick to your athletes practice schedule if at all possible . Also in saying this, Shelby and I will have definate teams ( Machine / Kid Pitch - teams are SET ) by Wednesday . Tee Ball teams being briken up to four teams and the Coach Pitch will have three teams and each team will play twice every other week . I know it might sound confusing but is is AWESOME having all these kids . Tuesday : Tee Ball A vs . Tee Ball B @ 5:45 Coach Pitch A vs . Coach Pitch B @ 6:45 This weeks coach pitch teams will be two teams / Saturday will start the three team schedule Thursday : Tee Ball C vs . Tee Ball D @ 5:45 Intial reports say thursday will be rain - if so this game will be Friday @ 5:45. We have a bunch of athletes involved with Awanas at thier designated churches on Wednesdays . I am going to have an optional practice for both Tee ball and Coach Pitch / Machine pitch kids who do not have meetings at 5:45 until parents need to take kids . Coaches - please let me know which practice you can assist in so that I can plan stations for the athletes. Thanks again to all families for their awesome support during this innagural season . Play Ball, Coach Mike

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Games cancelled for today !!!!

Hey Sandlot Crew - It pains me to do this but I am going to cancel all games for today due to the weather and also field conditions. I will be posting make up schedule by Sunday afternoon and am almost sure we will have make ups during scheduled practices as to NOT mess up and family scheduling . Hope you all have an absolute awesome weekend and see everyone back at the Sandlot on Monday. Also, I wanted to write and thank my family on Shelby's side - for their donation to sponsor a player . It really means alot and we all apprecite your caring for these athletes. McKenneys sewing in Greensboro - thanks to the owner Mike McKenney for his donation of $80.00 to sponsor an athlete . Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Tugman - ( My best firends parents and both are like second parents to me ) they sponsored an athlete last week with a donation of $80.00 . Thank you so much Nana and Pop and we hope to see you out at the Sandlot Soon. IF any of you know someone who would be interested in sponsoring an athlete please have them contact Shelby or myself at either our emils or cell phones. We are currently sponsoring 15 and it is AWESOME . Have a great and blessed weekend and I'll post make ups as soon as I can . Play Ball, Coach Mike

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Opening Day !!!!!

Hey everyone, I wanted to put up a new post yesterday after opening day but by the time we got home, got something to eat and cleaned up we all hit the rack for the night .

I have to say that Opening Day was wonderful to us and I hope for all of yall . The weather was a little on the chilly side but the athletes were ready to Play Ball . Big shout out to Dr. Bill Coleman for his awesome prayer !!!!!! Bill , your words were perfect for the setting and it meant alot for you to open up with those words .

For those who could not attend but are keeping up with us through this blog . After Bill prayed we presented Tony Kirkman ( the land owner ) and his son Dylan ( named the field after him ) with a certificate of appreciation . We also mentioned several people such as Adam Logan , Adams boss and his company ( Powerscreen ) for the donation of a skid steer and materials ; David Chapell for the use of his tractor ; Brian and Tina Knights Parents for coming out with his tractor and dump truck on this first work day and helping us with cutting and hauling off 9 pine trees ; and all of the other families that took valuble time to come out and make The Sandlot what it has become today.

My daughter wanted to sing the Star Spangled Banner so we all faced the flag out in center field and sang . Thanks to all for doing that since my daughter is still talking about it .

Then it was time to Play Ball - Tee Ball was the first game and I am still smiling at those lil wonderful athletes and their parents running around while in the field and the others batting. A photographer from the Kernersville News came out before opening ceremonies and mentioned the " Cute Factor " - Tee Ball is the definition of " Cute Factor ". Our number one goal in Tee Ball is to make sure the athletes have FUN . Hopefully we will have alot of the pictures downloaded and put on a blog real soon . Also everyone can friend either Shelby or myself on Facebook and see pictures there . If you are a Facebook follower please also friend us at THE ONE PROJECT.
If you have any pictures you dont mind sharing please email or place on a disk and Shelby and I will make sure we get as many on our blog as possible .
An article came out in the Winston Salem Journal this past Thursday and it can be seen on the newspapers web site . Thanks to Lisa ( author ) and Bruce ( photographer ) for a very nice article . We are hoping that pictures will also come out in this Tuesdays edition of The Kernersville News and thanks to them for taking the time to come out and cover Opening Day.
Since the article was published we have had 13 more athletes sign up - AWESOME.
After Tee Ball we moved up to the Big Field and played the Coach Pitch Game and the Machine . Kid Pitch Game. All four teams played their hearts out on both sides of the ball and it is going to be great seeing them improve over the year . We actually moved four athletes up from Coach Pitch to Machine Kid Pitch after their games when we noticed their abilities and spoke to each athletes parents individually.

I have had several people email or call me and ask about sponsorship and scholarship opportunities for The Sandlot .

We do have opportunities for both and let me start with the scholarship program. This program basically covers the entry fee for a player which is $80.00 and is being used to its fullest currently . If you or anyone you know would like to scholarship a player please contact myself or Shelby and it is as simple as writing a check for whatever amount you feel lead to The One Project .

Corporate Sponsorship is also available and all inquiries need to contact me at either my email, cell phone or stop by The Sandlot . NO CHILD WILL EVER BE TURNED AWAY due to financial hardships .

It has been an awesome journey so far and I cannot wait to see where we all go from here - Thanks to everyone for making this vision possible,

Coach Mike .

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Schedules / games / teams

Hey everyone , I am please to announce that the number one team mom of all time ( Shelby ) has been working very hard on the Schedules / Teams and Practice dates along with compiling the emails and info of all athletes . She emailed a mass email to everyone tonight so please make sure you check your email .

Hopefully the rain this weekend and project rain for part of this week will not effect our practice schedule but if it does we will adjust accordingly.

I wanted to take a quick moment and thank all of the people in The Seekers Sunday School class at Glenn View Baptist Church for there wonderful prayers and words of encouragement for The Sandlot . It really means alot to both Shelby and I.

I am hoping to get the Blue Monster built this weekend along with the benches and dugouts for both fields . Also I will be getting the top part of the back stop up for the Main field once we get some equipment to get up there .

Shelby also put a note in the email about parking and I wanted to mention it again because we feel it needs to be addressed for the benefit of the residents around the field . Please only park from the main field backstop down towards Macy Grove Road on the field side ( NOT THE OPPOSITE SIDE ) also there is parking at the end of the field behind the outfield to the right of the dirt road going through the woods .

We are now down to two weeks before Opening day and it is AWESOME !!!!! The SANDLOT is a place for everyone and to see all GOD has blessed us with out there with the fields , families and kids has been wonderful. Shelby and I would appreciate all pictures yall are taking for our blog , web site and emails . If you have the time to put them on a disc that would be great but if you want to email that would be fine also.

Moving forward we need to be getting ready for INVITE A FRIEND to practice . Shelby and I will be discussing with some of the coaches about what week would be best and will be letting everyone soon . This friend can be anyone but if some have the chance to invite a friend that would not normally be able to come out except for The Sandlot that would be cool.

We also have opportunities to scholarship some athletes and any assistance would be greatly appreciated . NO CHILD WILL EVER be turned away due to financial issues and all scholarships will be awarded anonymously. Please see Shelby or myself with any questions you might have about this and thanks .

Second week of The Sandlot start tomorrow - Lets Play Ball.

Coach Mike

Friday, March 25, 2011

WHAT AN AWESOME 1st WEEK

Hey everyone, WOW< WOW< WOW is what I have to say about this past week . First off thanks to Adam Logan and the staff at POWERSCREEN in Kville for allowing us to use their skid steer to grade down the tee ball field . That machine allowed us to get a good grade and was the key to having the tee ball field ready for our first practice.
Thanks also to my wonderful wife for all the hard work she did both on the field and off to make our practices go off without a hitch . Shelby , you are an awesome blessing to me and the children we love you very much.

Our first practices went off with a bang this past Wednesday and Thursday and I could not have had a better time with all the athletes from tee ball all the way up to the machine / kid pitch teams. I wanted to also thank the Walkertown Home School Association for allowing me to talk with their entire program ( 50 plus children and parents ) about The SANDLOT at Glenn View Baptist Church on Thursday morning . We had several parents and kids come out and practice from this group and is was great having them and I hope they feel compelled to sign up and join us for this motivationg first season.

Shelby is getting the final schedule ready to send out and I will also put it on our blog once it is done this weekend .

New Information : PARKING - We feel it is very important to make sure the residents in the area are not faced with any complications and I have designated parking as such :

From the tree behind the main field backstop down the field side along the dirt track is OK to park . Just past the right field fence on the main field is a graded driveway area leading down a field behind the outfield - please park on the right side of the grassy road going down past the tee ball field . We should be able to get at least two rows of cars all the way down. Please do not worry about getting your vehicle hit by a fly ball ( YET ) , from home plate to the closest parking space is about 155 feet and there is not any athlete who can hit it that far this season.

The opposite side of the road from the fields , the first base line ( field side ) and in front of the residents home ARE NO PARKING ALLOWED ( please ) .

First Game : The first game will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 9th. We would greatly appreciate EVERYONE being there for the opening ceremonies and also staying through the last game . We are going to have game times as follows : 9 - 10 am , 10:30 - 11:30 and 12 - 1 pm. It would be very nice if everyone can be there and cheer on all the athletes for the entire day and also we will be having recognitions during all three games .

Our Donation Box : The donations we have had as far as balls, gloves and cleates have been wonderful - so good that we have one pair of cleates left. If there is any equiptment that your athlete has outgrown or cant use anymore and you want to donate please bring to any practice and Shelby has the green tub in the back of her van so you can put it in there . THANKS !!!!

RESTROOMS : We are now very official with the delivery of port a potties Wednesday . We have been giving a great price on these and thanks to Brian Clinard for getting this deal for us. In saying this please talk over with your athlete that we must treat everything out at The Sandlot with respect and care . The restrooms have a sign of a man and a woman on them and we would like to try actually having a male and female restroom and I think everyone can understand why ?

I want to send out a special thanks to the new parents who assisted in the practices this past week . I wish I could call each of you individually but your assistance was greatly appreciated I anytime a parent wants to help out - Grab a glove and COME ON .

Our registration number of athletes as of last night was 59 and what an awesome number that is and we still have people calling to see if they can get in ( ABSOLUTELY ) . So if any of you hear of a young man or woman wanting to play a lil baseball please have them come out .

Well , this is about all for now and hopefully Shelby and I can blog again tommorow with a final schedule and rosters . WE ARE HAVING a work day out at the Sandlot tommorow ( SATURDAY ) for anyone who wants to come out. It is supposed to rain but not until the afternoon.

May you all have a blessed weekend ,

Coach Mike

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Vision is quickly becoming a REALITY !!!

Oh how sweet it is to be sitting on my truck bed after a wonderful day of construction with the Bradford Pear flowers blowing off the trees in a white whirlwind, the sun going down over the pines and the smell of fresh well water just sprayed on the infield while new grass pushed through that awesome red Carolina Clay .

Every time I look over THE SANDLOT I can see the kids running around the bases, playing in the woods while waiting to practice or play a game, the parents and grandparents setting up their lawn chairs and blankets with little coolers of refreshments for all . I can picture the picnic tables full of all familes sharing a great morning or afternoon of spring with the elderly in their hats making sure they stay outta the sun, the smell of Brian Knight's hot dogs covering the smell of the new graded dirt.

But most of all I see our families gaining new and wonderful experiences with others whether its a Tuesday evening practice, a Saturday morning game or a Sunday luncheon after church.

I thank God everyday for the blessings HE has placed on our hearts by introducing my family to all of yours . YOUR families are the reasons ( ALONG WITH GOD ) that I can sit on my truck bed every evening and smile at what each of you has worked so hard to make happen for OUR families . THANK YOU from every place in our hearts for making THE SANDLOT a REALITY.


Now with that - I am pleased to announce that our Tee Ball field has been graded down and with a few more hours of work, we are ready for PRACTICE.

We will have two teams in three divisions . Tee Ball, Coach Pitch, Machine / Kid Pitch.

The teams were chosen by Shelby and final say was MINE ( if there are any questions please feel free to ask me at anytime . ) The great thing about Sandlot is that we have the ability to move athletes around, up and down as the season goes on due to abilities. We have placed all athletes by request for coaches, other athletes and days they can or cannot play and can adjust as needed . I also took into account years played, abilities for those I know about and most of all fairness between each team . I hope each of you will be more than happy about the teams and lets PLAY BALL .

Tee Ball - Team A

Mason Sundseth
Javen Tomes
Michaela Isaacson
Will Walser
Kensi Addington
Matthew Knight
Tillman Rymer
Cayden Cole

Team B

Caleb Draper
Jonathan Shearer
Riley Logan
Joseph Roberson
Lindsay Clinard
Lucas Pope
Alex Roberson

COACH PITCH

Team A

Haleigh Pope
Zac Shearer
Tyler Quinn
Colton Godwin
Eli Godwin
Cole Rouse
Nathan Craver
Will Reaves
Madison Michavd
Lola Knight

Team B

Noah Craddock
Nicholas Thornton
Mason Russ
Jenny Lynn Roberson
Andrew Sodt
Zac Sodt
Cameron Vanchure
Ethan Dennings
Camden Dishman

Machine / Kid Pitch

Team A

Graham Tuck
Jimmy Shetzler
Kirk Roberson
Ashley Sodt
Nathan Sodt
Austin Sundseth
Jordan Isaacson
Mason Hale
Lauren Hale

Team B

Dillion Clinard
Cecil Chambers
Noah Chambers
Josiah Tomes
Ariston Tomes
Chris Walser
Hannah Craver
Matthew Joines
Christopher Joines

THIS WEEK ONLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE - Teams will have regular practice schedules by this SATURDAY ( ON BLOG )

Tee Ball - Team A Thursday 5:45 pm at tee ball field
Team B Wednesday 5:45pm at tee ball field

Coach Pitch - Team A Wednesday 5:45 at Main Field
Team B Thursday 5:45 at Main Field

Machine / Kid Pitch - Team A Thursday 6:45 at Main Field
Team B Wednesday 6:45 at Main Field

These time are for this week only because I want to get a practice in this week, next week ( i know some of you wont be able to because of spring break ) and one more the next week before Season Opener.

Also, I will be talking with all of you about Opening Game - I am going to schedule the three games in a row rather than playing two games at the same time so that we all can support all the players and because we will be having special recognitions during all three games .

Dr . Bill Coleman ( our pastor ) from Glenn View Baptist will open the season with a benediction prayer .

I look forward to seeing everyone this week at Practice and LETS PLAY BALL .

Coach Mike

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Sandlot Update

Hey everyone, It has been an awesome week out at the sandlot and it is awesome seeing everything really starting to take shape and how many wonderful blessings we have happen everyday. The Tee Ball field has been measured out and the base lines cut in ( actually tilled in ) and hope to get things leveled out before Saturday with a little dirt and some dragging . We still have a bunch to do and anyone who can come out this weekend is very much welcome .
We are having sign ups again next Saturday from 8 - 4 ( i think its 4 but I will confirm with Shelby ). The Logo is being digitized and will be ready Friday ( which means we can start on uniforms, hats, shirts and whatever else we want to stitch ) .

The Blue Monster will be being built within the next two days and I cannot wait to see the final product . Jennifer and Chris Joines came up with a donation Tub for cleates, gloves, balls or whatever can be used for the athletes and on day one we had a Grandmother show up with 8 bags of balls ( thank you so much , you know who you are and you are a blessing to us along with your family. ). God is working in this program daily and Shelby and I are humbled by everyones generosity and love for The Sandlot / The One Project .

I am putting together teams and coaches and will post all of them hopefully by Monday after our second registration . I would like to have first practices by next Thursday and again first game is changed to April 9th. Even if you dont have a loved one playing we would love for you and your friends to join us on Opening Day . Dr. Bill Coleman ( our pastor at Glenn View Baptist ) has agreed to give the opening prayer. We will also have a dedication of the field along with a couple of presentations - THEN PLAY BALL .

Please continue to follow us through this blog site and if you havent signed up as a follower please do .

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you and also seeing all of you very soon.

May God Bless your family,

Coach Mike

Saturday, March 12, 2011

First Sign up day - HUGE SUCCESS

Hey everyone , wanted to Thank all the wonderful parents and athletes who signed up today for the SANDLOT Rookie Season and also to all the families that showed up for our second work day . It was an awesome day to see all the athletes play out in the field and the parents and coaches throw and field for those who got to hit around .

WE have been blessed with a group of families who have expressed nothing but positive feedback on this upcoming season along with hours of dedication on getting our facility ready . The Sandlot is coming together because of these families who care.

Along with those athletes from past seasons I want to welcome the new comers. I dont want to leave anyone out but to Shelby, Misty, Angie, Courtney, Tina, Missy, Jennifer ( 2 ) and Patrice who have taken the time to go to restaurants, make flyer copies, work on our donation box for equipment ( which has already been filled ) , refer our organization to everyone they come into contact with and for the proof reading and assistance in the verbage on all our paperwork along with hours of behind the scenes - THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART .

To the guys - Brian K, Brian C, Grant, Chris, Ronnie, Jimmy, Jamie, Jason and Brian S for all the hours working on getting the grounds ready ( and to all the hours left - haha ) , cutting trees, hauling limbs, clearing dirt, marking out the fields, weed eating, trimming, mowing, aerating, seeding and coming up with awesome ideas on how to make The Sandlot a success - Yall are a blessing and it is a pleasure having you involved. I probably left out somethings yall have done ( oh yeah - standing on a bobcat with an extension saw , building benches ) but I will post more thanks in my next entry .

To the athletes who have already been out during our work days - it is great seeing yall take pride in assisting us ole people ( haha ) in creating a place for your families to come together in a Christian environment and play and play some baseball . For every limb you picked up, for ever scoop you shoveled and for ever pile you raked up you will be able to look back and know that you too had a large part of making The Sandlot a place of your own . Thank you all. Im am already proud of each of you and the first pitch hasn't even been thrown .

We have already made a change in the schedule - please note this on your calendars .

THE FIRST GAMES will be on April 9th, 2011 . We are changing this date to make sure everyone can be there for opening day since the 2nd falls on the last part of you spring break.

We will be dividing up teams this week and I will post teams , practice times and game times as soon as we get all of our registration in .

WE will be having another sign up next Saturday at The Sandlot from 8:30 - 2:00 . If anyone reading this who has not signed up yet you dont have to wait until Saturday . I will be out at The Sandlot everyday this week and will have paperwork on hand .

Thanks again to everyone for a wonderful day and may God Bless each and every family involved.

Coach Mike

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Sandlot League Initial Meeting


Sandlot League Initial Meeting
March 1st, 2011
5:45 pm
Glenn View Baptist Church
1. Prayer
2. Introduction of all in attendance
3. Thanks to all
4. Purpose of Sandlot –
The purpose of Sandlot is to enrich the growth of our children through a Christian Athletic Atmosphere and to strengthen family values and relationships through all activities. All children are welcome and loved no matter race, religion or ability and will be expected to treat others likewise.
Director, Assistant Director, coaches, officials, parents and family members must set the examples of leadership, support and love through their words and actions at all times.
5. Explanation of Teams – Tee ball , Coach Pitch , Machine pitch / Kid Pitch
a. Teams will be determined around ability rather than age
b. Kids can also move up if coaches and parents agree during the season
6. Coaches – All coaches are voluntary and will have General Guidelines for their teams. Each child is different – Coaches need to find ways to reach them as a team and also as individuals. The Director will be involved in every team to reach the goal of our purpose .
7. Practices – Every team will have a Team Practice one day a week . Depending on number of teams and practice schedule will determine length of practice .
There will be OPTIONAL batting practice, fielding practice and individual practices during the week. Schedule of practices will be handed out after official sign ups on March 12th . Additions of athletes and rotation of athletes will be addressed as the need arises .
All requests for practice dates will be taken at day of sign up, requests will be handled to the best of the ability of Director, Assistant Director and coaches .
Optional Practices – The Director will be Present at all Optional Practices but coaches and parents are encouraged to attend and be involved .
Equipment – Sandlot will provide Field, Bases, training stations, balls and machine . Athletes are required to have glove . ( if they do not have bat they can use one of other athletes ), Cleates are not required but MUST NOT BE METAL . ALL METAL SHOES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON FIELDS.
Fields – Main field will be Official Little league dimensions .
Other field goal – To have a tee ball field that best suits teams learning abilities and build self confidence in athlete. ( Athlete should be able to throw from third to first . Outfielders can make accurate throw to desired base and / or cut off , Infield throws to catcher can also be made. Outfield lines need to be able to have homeruns hit.
8. Uniforms – Each athlete will be provided a baseball jersey ( style still being decided – will not be plain tshirt ) and a ball cap . Teams will be divided into colors rather than Major league teams. Each team is encouraged to come up with a name / mascot. Coaches – please encourage your players to develop their name rather than you coming up with a name. This will assist in development of teamwork and pride along with compromising skills .In an event of two names being tied the COACH has final say so . If Coach does not feel comfortable the Assistant Director will decide ( this way the Director is completely blame free ) .
Baseball pants are recommended ( matching colors would be nice but not required ) Athletes will be sliding and rolling around and any added protection on knees and legs is appreciated . Athletic supporters are not required at any level ( yet ) .
Places to start for Pants / socks - Play it again Sports , Walmart .Omega Sports – Greensboro .
9. Waivers : Every Athlete will be required to have a Waiver signed by parent or guardian and will be available at the official sign ups. A lease is being signed by the Director and the land owner for use of his property and the legal documents for this league are currently being worked on. ALL individuals will be using the facilities at their own risk. Work days will be scheduled and safety and proper maintenance is our primary goal. Please let the Director , Assistant Director, or coaches know immediately if there are any areas that need attention and they will be attended to immediately . Also , any suggestions are greatly appreciated .
10. Code of Conduct – Every person involved with this organization will be asked to sign a code of conduct form outlining rules and expectations for the season. Athletes and parents / guardians are asked to review sheet and sign as a family. This is being used as another tool to strengthen family bonds and allows athletes to see there parents / guardians committed to the same set of rules and regs as they are . These rules will be determined by the Director , Assistant Director and pre selected coaches and will be subject to change at the end of a season if needed . ( this is our rookie season and things will change ).
11.Commitment to league – Athletes / parents ( guardians ) - The reason for this section is to allow families to work together and learn about committing to something and sticking to it . Another great family strengthening tool . Athletes will be expected to give their best at all times ( even if their best is on a bad day and that’s all they can give. There is a required team practice day and two non required practices per week for athletes - as a family unit – please sit down and discuss what the commitments should be as parents and also athletes before the first practice . A Form will be in your sign up package so that as a family it can be filled out and placed somewhere in the house for everyone to see and refer back to during the season . NO ATHLETE will be sat out of any game for missing practice or a game as long as a parent / guardian has notified his or her coach . We are not a Major league team and all involved understand vacations , last minute emergencies, sickness . In saying this please work closely with your athlete in making sure they are committed to the best of their ability for the season .
Director , Assistant Director , Coaches , Officials – ALL WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for commitment . Athletes perform better when they see their leaders dedicated to the task at hand and will remember those leaders for many years to come . Please show up 5 to 10 minutes early for practice , 30 minutes for games . Have equipment ready to go to start practice on time and have practice plan in place. Please have fill ins ready in case you must miss any scheduled activity. IT IS NOT the responsibility of the Director or Assistant Director to find replacements for your duties but will be on hand in case of any emergency needs . ( golf tee times are not emergencies ) .
Games : 1st game will be April 2nd . Games will start at 8:30 and be either one hour long or four innings ( this is for Tee ball and Coach pitch ) . If hour is reached in fourth inning then remaining inning will be played and game over . Time schedule WILL be relaxed as far as starting times so as that athletes are NOT rushed on and off the field and that they can enjoy the entire experience of their day .
Machine / kid pitch will be 9 innings. Schedule also relaxed so that athletes can get full enjoyment of game day.
NOTE : There is a possibility of afternoon games with other teams and the Director and Assistant Director are working to schedule this before the first game . The reason is to allow Sandlot League Athletes the opportunity to share their field and experiences with others in the community . This is one of many ways we plan to reach out to our community through this organization .
Outreach : The Sandlot League is going to be part of a larger organization “ The One Project “ and community outreach is going to be high on our priority list for the Triad . Some of the things we would like to accomplish are :
Invite your buddy to Practice day – All athletes will be allowed to invite a friend and his or her parents / guardian who is not currently involved to a day of team practice where we will have special activities incorporated with practice . This friend could be someone from school who might not have ever played or have the opportunity to play if it wasn’t for this invite .
GAME DAY for the Elderly or Handicapped – This chosen Saturday would be to go out into the community and invite elderly and or handicapped / mentally challenged to come out and enjoy a day at the ball field while our athletes play . To have everyone interact and share the joy of Spring baseball.
DASH NIGHT – invite someone to a Winston Salem Dash ball game and bring them with your family . We can all share in a night of professional baseball and allow someone less fortunate to share in that same evening .
Adopt a player : To have each of our athletes adopt a high school player of their choice baseball or softball during the season to send emails or letters of support, watch games, share each players experiences with that high school player to give back to his or her community .
There are several more ideas but that will come later .
COSTS : $80.00 per player . These cost will cover uniforms, equipment and maintenance of fields and area . Scholarships are being worked on and will be distributed as donations come in . All scholarships will be distributed anonymously as to respect those receiving them . NO CHILD WILL BE TURNED AWAY DUE TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS . EVER .
This fee is subject to change at the end of this initial season once financial report have been reviewed by Director , Assistant Director and Accountant . ANY and all questions about financials are welcomed and will be answered as soon as possible .