POSTED DECEMBER 21, 2011
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER - ROLE OF THE MANAGER
The primary mission of this league was to set up a recreational softball league for seniors 55 years and older. It is not a tournament league. The players’ abilities vary as much as their ages. We strive for competitiveness among teams, and camaraderie among players. In order, to accomplish our purpose the league has set up rules, regulations and guidelines that are written in our by-laws and other documents. The nine Board members who are elected by our members are obligated to enforce these documents, and the rules associated with them. Managers have been given the responsibility and authority to choose, manage and oversee their players.
Since the inception of our league, Managers have been given the responsibility to select their players. One of the few joys in being a manager is to choose players for his team. This occurs at the draft where managers receive written information about each and every player (ranking, missing games, injuries, etc.). Each manager based upon the order he has chosen will select players. He makes the choice and lives with the outcome. This method of drafting does not guarantee parity among teams, and in fact if you were to review past drafts, a number of our impact players may vary as much as five picks different from previous years. But no one can argue with the results. During the past 6 seasons our league has been very competitive and successful, and in fact final playoff determination required results from the last week of play. When the draft is completed, and sent out to our members, a variety of comments are made by our members. Comments such as,” How can he take John Doe as a 1st round pick” or “Why did that Manager take Jim Smith as a 10th round pick”, and a variety of other criticisms ensue. Although, many of you disagree with the managers selections, it is the managers’ job to choose his team. Managers don’t only look at players’ abilities, they take into consideration their attitude, their willingness to play hard, and their job in putting together a team chemistry. This is a team sport and not one or two superstars on one team can guarantee success.
Now let’s talk about trades. As Commissioner, I have seen approximately 50 trades during the past 12 seasons. All but one went through, or we can say that 98% of the trades were consummated. During the first 6 weeks of play, managers can initiate trades. For the same reason that managers have the authority to choose players, it follows that the managers should be able to make trades. That is their responsibility, and they should live or die with the results. I realize that a number of you have been upset with the recent trades no different than some of you were upset with the draft picks. As long as the Managers represents the league in a positive manner, and he does what he feels is best for his team, the trade should be allowed to go through. Again, results matters. Shelly, one of the managers involved in this recently hullabaloo has won two (2) softball championships in two consecutive summer seasons, a feat no other manager has achieved. Shelly initiated this trade, and he has provided me with reasonable reasons for making this trade. Who am I to argue with success.
CALENDER OF EVENTS
- CHOOSE-UP GAMES – 12/22, 12/27, 12/29
- ANNUAL ELECTIONS- THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 AT 8:30AM
- ANNUAL DINNER DANCE - THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 6PM-10PM
- ALL STAR GAME - THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 AT 9:30AM
