Letter: National League officer replies (May 26)
In response to several calls to The Red Line over the past few weeks I would like to pose a few questions to these callers.
What local children’s activity takes over 12,000 volunteer hours per year to make it a success? Out of 16 other similar programs from Reedley to Turlock, which program is priced the lowest per participant along with only four other similar programs? Which program last August compiled a list of 43 potential directors for the 2010 season, to only have 19 people agree to the commitment of time and effort it requires?
The answer to all of the above questions is the Madera National Little League.
The first caller mentioned that the vision is gone. It is true that a number of the current board members have been on the board for many years, and members of the league for many more. We have a president that has been a league volunteer for nearly 20 years. As a matter of fact, seven members of the board combine for a total of more than 80 years of volunteer service to the league. These people have made the commitment to provide a quality program for the community’s youth long after their own children have moved on. Some move on, only to return and continue their involvement in this great program.
In comparison, the eight other directors making up the balance of the board all have three or fewer years on the board, with five of them in their first season. The vision, however, continues to evolve. Just last season we began the AA Coach Pitch Division consisting of 7- and 8-year-olds. Our league has grown over 100 players, or by almost one third, in that time. That program is viewed by many as the most successful thing done in our league for many years.
I am curious if any of the callers have actually spoken with the president of the league, or the treasurer, or the vice presidents, regarding their concern for where the league money goes? Have they ever attended a monthly board meeting? Did they attend the annual membership meeting which is announced in this very newspaper for weeks prior to each September’s election of officers?
I have had no inquiries this season regarding the funding of the league. No inquiries have been sent to the league e-mail through the Web site, nor questions directed to the above individuals. In fact, the $50 fee paid per player equals out to a whopping $2.38 per game for Major Division players and slightly more for AAA and AA players. In fact a very popular league south of us in Fresno charges almost four times that much per game to play. I challenge anyone to find a local program providing the number of games this league does, at a comparable price, other than Little League baseball.
Program sales are down; 50-50 participation is down. Fund-raiser card sales are down. Carnival fund-raising is down. League sponsorship is down. In this economy, everyone has tightened their belts. We are no different. We are operating in the black. We have funds set aside to assure we can participate in post-season TOC and All Stars, still have money for next year’s charter, and possibly enough to fund some field improvements in the fall. Using the anonymity of The Red Line to make accusations and question the integrity of those involved with this program is reckless and counterproductive to a successful program.
One caller claimed, “They (the board) give no respect to the volunteers and coaches who spend countless hours working with these young players.” I do not know in what context she makes this comment. As a board we appreciate all of the time and effort of our managers and coaches. It is very difficult each season to find the type of person with enough knowledge of the game and the willingness to commit to these high responsibility positions.
Her comment seems to infer that those of us serving on the board are not volunteers, and that we don’t commit to invest the same number or more hours than many of our managers and coaches towards the success of the program. I can assure you, that we are indeed volunteers.
As a matter of fact, we are involved for 12 months of the year in the planning and execution of the Little League season. Several of us spend many more hours involved in this program year around, whereas the majority of managers and coaches are involved primarily from only February through May. All Stars continue into July, long after our regular season is complete, and we are there. It is sometimes a chore, but overall a very rewarding experience that few are willing to make the necessary commitment required for success. Even for their children.
As board members, we are responsible for the operation of the league. With that comes its share of criticism, as in no organization made up of 15 board members, 60 coaches, and 262 players, can we make everyone happy.
As is always the case, all league parents and volunteers are invited and encouraged to attend our monthly meetings. They are held on the first Wednesday of each month at Field No. 1, 7 p.m. during the season, and the first Thursday at Round Table Pizza, 7 p.m. out of season. I can assure you that this board is completely committed to a quality program for the youth of this community. Please afford us the respect that you expect from us.
Mike Gentry, vice president of the Madera National Little League
I shoot photos at different Little Leagues all around the valley, including Madera National League. The people on their board and coaches are some of the fines people I have ever met. They are out there nearly every night working for the kids of Madera.
If someone has an issue they need to address it to the coaches or the board. To hide behind the Red Line is cowardness. Put your name on your opinions and get a back bone.
If you want to make things better it takes getting involved. Anyone can hide behind a keyboard and complain in the dark. Grow a pair and get out there and work for our kids. Otherwise sit down and shut up.
I am not in the Madera National Little League, however, I can whole heartedly agree with and support Mike Gentry and the entire volunteer crew of board members, coaches and others who make the league function… without them there would be no kids baseball program! Until someone gives of their time, energy and resources… they simply won’t understand what it means and how much it takes to put yourself out there on the line. I have seen MNLL grow and mature over the last 8 years and am excited to see how they have been successful in their efforts to improve the league and invest in every kid. The AA and AAA Minors programs are a huge steps in the effort to properly teach kids how to play and love the game. Efforts such as these will ensure that every kid gets a fair chance to participate and play the game to the fullest abilities. Mike’s article mentions so many things .. and they are all right on. Is the league perfect.. no… but the board members, coaches, and other volunteers are seriously committed to providing the best possible baseball environment for the youth of Madera. Continued efforts to advance and increase each players playing time, skill development, repetitions, and knowledge should be the highest priority. Our Kids are worth it… for both MNLL and MALL, T-ball, and Babe Ruth. Please keep up the good work and for those who can’t or won’t offer their expertise… then shame on you.