MADRID LEAGUE BASEBALL- 2011

Jan 2011. Baseball is coming soon.... Be Ready.

Please go to www.madridleaguebaseball.blogspot.com for all future posts...

MLB Championship Weekend!

That's right - this weekend is the final weekend for Madrid League Baseball 2008! The weather forecast is good (for once) and it promises to be an exciting weekend. Make sure you come out to cheer on your team, then stay to watch some of Little League Baseball at its finest!

Below is the schedule for this weekend - note that the Kid Pitch Saturday Game times are changed a bit due to the doubleheader weekend we are playing.

This should be the end of a great (although very wet) season - we'll see you on the fields!


Saturday, June 14th
12:00 - 1:00 RedSox at Phillies
1:30 - 3:00 Yankees at As
3:15 - 4:45 Orioles at Reds (Game 1)
5:00 - 6:30 Cubs at Dodgers (Game 2)
6:45 - 8:15 Adults at Cadetes

Sunday, June 15th (US Fathers Day!)
1:30 - 3:00 Angels at White Sox
3:30 - 5:00 Winner Saturday Game 1 at Winner, Saturday Game 2

Last Week of the Regular Season!

The weekend is fast approaching, and with it, a VERY full weekend of Baseball! We've got a makeup game, 6 regular games, and the COED Softball Game on Sunday Evening. The weather appears to be cooperating (FINALLY!), so hopefully we'll have a great set of games. Below is the schedule.

Make sure you arrive on time for the Coed Softball Game on Sunday at 5:30 (Warm ups at 5:00 - stretching a good idea if you haven't played since last year). There are no dance recitals, the weather will be great, other sports are on hold, and you don't really want to see the Eurocopa game anyway - it's only Austria vs. Croatia

Saturday, June 7th
10:00 - 11:30 - Dodgers at Reds (Makeup Game)
12:00 - 1:00 - Red Sox at Phillies
1:30 - 3:00 - As at White Sox
3:30 - 5:00 - Orioles at Reds
5:30 - 7:00 - Adults at Cadetes

Sunday, June 8th
1:30 - 3:00 - Angels at Yankees
3:30 - 5:00 - Dodgers at Cubs
5:30 - 7:00 - Adults #1 at Adults #2

Have a great weekend!

The Power of Positive Thinking!

We said we would persevere through the weather, and we did! (well, mostly).

Last night's storms did a number on the field, and the forecast didn't look good, but we headed out to play our games anyway. Despite a brief and light shower during the game against Villabilla, we managed to finish the game (sorry, we lost 13-11), and then played T-ball, Coach Pitch, and Kid Pitch games, with only a brief pause during the Dodgers-Orioles game to let some lightning pass by.

It wasn't until the Cadete / Adult game started that it started to shower.....then rain hard....then downpour.....then hail...... It was not a fun experience for the players on the field.

Tommorrow's forecast looks better (not much better, but some), so we'll plan to have our games as long as field conditions permit (which I'll check in the morning).

Finally, a BIG thanks to the George Family, Guy Fiorita, and the rest of the parents who arrived early for our first game, and put their efforts into drying up the field, mopping water, shovelling sand, etc. It really made a big difference as the day went on, and all of your work is really appreciated. One of the things we really love about this league is the degree of participation and support from the families .

Don't forget the Mom's game on Sunday at 5:00 (weather permitting). I know some of the Moms may be hoping for rain, but let's keep thinking dry thoughts.
See you on the field!

Games on For May 31!

Our games for May 31 / June 1st are on! The weather in Pozuelo this morning is clear, with only a few clouds. Even though the forecast is not great, with predictions of rain, we are going to go through with today's games if at all possible. Unless the rain is heavy and persisent, we're going to make every attempt to play, so assume that the games are on unless you hear from one of your coaches.

Remember, the Schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Saturday, May 31st
10:00 - 11:30: Interleague Coach Pitch game (with Villalba)
12:00 - 1:00: Tball: Phillies at Red Sox
1:30 - 3:00: Coach Pitch: Yankees at As
3:30 - 5:00: Kid Pitch: Dodgers at Orioles
5:30 - 7:00: Cadetes at Adults

Sunday, June 1st
1:30 - 3:00: Coach Pitch: White Sox at Angels
3:30 - 5:00: Kid Pitch: Cubs at Reds
5:00 - 6:30: Softball: Mom's Game

Keep your eyes on the blog for news, and keep an ear out to your coaches, but hopefully, we'll see you at the field!

Games Cancelled for Sunday, May 25

After cancellations of our games on Saturday, and three batters of the first game today, the rain came down again, and we've had to cancel our games for today. This affects the Coach Pitch (Yankees / Angels), Kid Pitch (Dodgers / Cubs), and the Mom's game scheduled for today.

Look out for updates on this blog and from your coach regarging some alternative methods for playing some games later this season - we're going to try and get the players some additional playing time in these last few weeks.

Sorry about the washout (our third this year!), but keep up your hopes for the rest of the season.

See you on the field!

Weather for SUnday, May 18th

Good morning,
As of now, the weather is overcast in Pozuelo, with only the occasional sprinkle of rain. We held out yesterday, and played four games under cloudy and sunny skies, so we're going to push for it again today.

Todays' schedule includes the coach pitch game of White Sox and Yankees, and the kid pitch games of Dodgers and Reds. Let's hope for the weather to hold.

If there is a cancellation, I will notify the coaches, and they will pass the word to their teams, but I don't expect that to happen.

Let's play ball!

Let's Play Ball (Rain Willing)

OK...After two weeks with no games, I'm starting to get antsy. It's time to play ball again!

Unfortunately, the forecast is once again calling for rain on both Saturday and Sunday, so our later games each day look like they might be in trouble. I'm watching the skies, and hoping that we can get in some great games this weekend.

Here's the schedule:
Saturday
12:00 - 1:00 Phillies at Red Sox
1:30 - 3:00 As at Angels
3:30 - 5:00 Cubs at Orioles
5:30 - 7:00 Cadetes at Adults

Sunday
1:30 - 3:00 Yankees at White Sox
3:30 - 5:00 Reds at Dodgers

NEXT WEEK, we plan on having the first of our two softball games, this one featuring the Moms. We'll play at 5:00 on Sunday evening, and if you are interested in playing, send an e-mail to MadridLeagueBaseball@hotmail.com and reserve your spot today.

Keep praying for sun, and we'll see you at the field!

May 10 Games Cancelled!

Players and Parents,
Due to the rain conditions all day today, the remaining games for May 10th are cancelled. Your coaches will contact you about possibilities of make-up games for later in the year.

Sorry about the weather, but hopefully next week will be beautiful!

See you then.

10:00 Games Cancelled Today (May 10) - rest of games TBD

Due to the rain that has hit the Pozuelo area this morning, the 10:00 game between the As and the White Sox has been cancelled.

Please keep an eye on the website for updates on the games for the rest of the day. The next posting will be made at about 11:00 for the 12:00 T-ball Game.

Hopefully the weather will clear, and the afternoon games can be held as scheduled.

Hope to see you later at the fields!

Rain Rain, Go Away!

Hey, Baseball Fans!

After a very rainy weekend last Saturday and Sunday, we're looking forward to a beautiful, sunny weekend this week. The temperature may hit 26 degrees, so it's going to be more typical Madrid Baseball weather.

There's a bit of a schedule change this weekend, as the Sunday Kid-Pitch Game is going to be rescheduled. The Dodgers are almost all camping up in Normandy this weekend, so we're moving their game against the Reds to Saturday, June 7th.

As a result, here's the schedule for this weekend:

Saturday, April 26th
12:00 - 1:00: Phillies at RedSox
1:30 - 3:00: A's at Angels
3:30 - 5:00: Orioles at Cubs
5:30 - 7:00: Adults at Cadetes

Sunday, April 27th
1:30 - 3:00: Yankees at White Sox
3:30 - 5:00: NO GAME

After this, it's a weekend off, to celebrate the first days of May. We'll see everyone at the field this weekend!

Week 3 Approaches!

Our second week of games was another success, as we held our 'regular' 5 games, and also introduced the Cadete / Adult League.

It was great to see the level of play already improving on the fields, with several good defensive plays and improved hitting on many of the teams. I'm looking forward to watching these improvements continue, and some really great games throughout the season.

As for this weekend, the weather may not cooperate. As of Thursday morning, there was a lot of standing water on the field, and forecasts of rain for later Thursday and much of Friday. While it's not expected to rain on Saturday, the weather is predicted to be cold (high of 15 degrees) and with four days of rain, the field may be unplayable. We'll make some evaluations tomorrow night and again on Saturday, and let everyone know if the games need to be cancelled.

Assuming that we play, here is the lineup:

Saturday, April 12th
12:00 - 1:00 Phillies at Red Sox
1:30 - 3:00 White Sox at As
3:30 - 5:00 Reds at Dodgers
5:30 - 7:00 Cadetes at Adults

Sunday, April 13th
1:30 - 3:00 Angels at Yankees
3:30 - 5:00 Orioles at Cubs

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please e-mail to madridleaguebaseball@hotmail.com

See you on the field!

Opening Day a Success!

Thanks to all of the players, parents, and fans who came out to this past weekend's opening day. Despite some bad weather late on Sunday, we held all five scheduled games, and it looked like our kids had a great time. The talent on the field looks really great again this year, and I know that it's only going to get better as we move through the season. In addition, the enthusiasm of the fans in the bleachers was also great, and we look forward to having everyone cheering this year.

For this week's games (April 5/6), the schedule is as follows:

Saturday, April 5th
12:00 - 1:00 Red Sox at Phillies
1:30 - 3:00 Yankees at White Sox
3:30 - 5:00 Reds at Cubs
5:30 - 7:00 Cadetes vs. Adults (time to be confirmed)

Sunday, April 6th
1:30 - 3:00 Angels at As
3:30 - 5:00 Dodgers at Orioles

The weather outlook is great, and I expect another great week of baseball. See you on the field!

Opening Day!

It's finally here - Opening day is just a few days away, as the 2008 season of Madrid League Baseball begins. The field is ready, the teams have practiced, and the parents are all ready to hear "Play Ball" for the new year.

Here's the lineup for this week:

Saturday, March 29th:
1200: Phillies at Red Sox
1:30: As at Yankees
3:30: Cubs at Dodgers

Sunday, March 30th:
1:30: White Sox at Angels
3:30: Orioles at Reds

Come on out and cheer on your team (or someone else's team for that matter).

See you on the field!

Practices this weekend - March 8th / 9th

We're ready for baseball to begin!

By now, you should have heard from your coaches about your team for this season. This coming weekend, we'll have our first team practices to get our players ready for Opening Day in just three short weeks. Below is the practice schedule for the weekend:

Saturday
12:00 - 1:00 Red Sox and Phillies
1:30 - 3:00 Angels and White Sox
3:30 - 5:00 Cubs and Dodgers
5:00 - 6:30 Reds

Sunday
12:00 - 1:30 Orioles
1:30 - 3:00 Yankees and As

This is subject to change, and if it does change, your coach will notify you directly. We're hoping to have the uniforms for distribution at this practice as well (if the shirts come in on Friday as expected) and as always, hope for good weather.

See you on the field!

Baseball Clinic A Success

Thanks to everyone for coming out to the Madrid Baseball Clinic this past weekend. Based on the feedback I've gotten, we've got an enthusiastic set of players, and they're ready to play ball.

Here's what's next:
The coaches are working out the team rosters, and will send notes out to all of the players welcoming them to their teams (likely next week). They'll also let you know about the practice schedule, and the game schedule

On March 8th / 9th, we'll have a first team practice on the fields, and we'll hopefully distribute uniforms as well. Your coach will contact you for your specific practice time for this weekend's date.

We'll then take two weeks off for SemanaSanta, and get ready for opening day. March 29th is our opening day, and the first set of games for the season. We'll have many more updates before then, though, so watch this space for the latest news!

Clinic is ON!

Good morning,
As I write this, the weather in Pozuelo is bright and sunny, and we're ready for a day of baseball. The forecast calls for clouds and some rain late in the day, but hopefully we'll be done with all of our clinic drills well before then.

If conditions change materially, I'll put out another post here by about 1:30, but if you don't see anything, assume that we will have the clinic all day as schedule (and even if it rains, come out for a pizza party, as they'll deliver it now whether we want it or not :-)

See you on the fields!

Baseball Clinic This Saturday!

After a great practice last week, we're ready to hold our baseball clinic this coming weekend at ASM. This is mandatory for all players so that we can place everyone in a league and on a team properly. Here's the schedule:

12:00 – 12:30 Volunteers arrive (set-up)
12:30 – 13:00 Sign-up for T-ball and Coach Pitch players
Volunteer Meeting in Stands to Review program
13:00 – 13:15 T-ball and Coach Pitch players gather in stands
13:15 – 14:35 T-ball and Coach Pitch Clinic (20 minutes / station)
14:45 – 15:15 Pizza for T-ballers / Coach Pitch

14:00 – 14:30 Jr. & Sr. Kid Pitch registration and pizza (ASM Cafeteria)
14:30 – 14:40 Jr. & Sr. Kid Pitch players gather in stands
14:40 – 16:30 Jr. & Sr. Kid Pitch Clinic (20 minutes / station)

The weather forecast includes the potential for rain both Saturday and Sunday this week, which may make the clinic timing more difficult. Please check back on the blog on Saturday morning for confirmation of the event, and the rain dates if we need to move the clinic. I will post an entry in any case, as rain in the city doesn't necessarily mean rain on the fields.

Registration is still open - if you know of anyone who's not yet signed up, please tell them about the clinic, and get them to the fields on Saturday.

See you then!

First Practice this Week!

This Saturday, February 16th, we'll have our first baseball practice of the year. This is an open practice intended to get our players out on the field for the first time of the year. Our returning players will be able to refresh their skills, while our newer players may get their first chance to hit and field the ball.

The schedule is
12:00 Volunteers arrive and registration opens; Players Aged 4-10 arrive
12:30- 2:00 Practice Sessions for kids aged 4-10: Hitting, Fielding, Throwing / Catching
2:00: Players Aged 10+ Arrive
2:30 - 4:00: Kid Pitch Players Practice Sessions
4:00 Coaches Wrap-Up / Discussion

Next week (February 23rd), we'll have our baseball clinic, where we assess the players to help determine in which league they'll play, and we'll use this input to make up the teams for the year. We'll also have registration on the 23rd if you can't make the 16th

The clinic on the 23rd is mandatory. If your child cannot attend this clinic, please ensure that they attend on the 16th, and let me know that they won't be able to attend later, so that we can use their work on the 16th to determine their league placement.

After the 23rd, we'll have team practices and after Semana Santa, we'll get our season started. I hope your kids are as excited as mine (and me!). The season's almost here - just a few weeks left....

See you Saturday

Registration Opens!

Registration for Madrid League Baseball is now OPEN!

In case you didn't see (or don't get) the ASM newsflash each week, the registration forms are now out; if you didn't get one, please send a note to madridleaguebaseball@hotmail.com, and I'll send one right out.

These forms can be brought to the registration tables at ASM this week, Monday - Wednesday, from 3:30 until about 5:00. If you can't make it to ASM during those times, you can also register at our practice session on February 16th, or at the Baseball Clinic on February 23rd, both at the American School. If you will register on the 16th or 23rd, please let me know if your child is playing, and their age, so we can get an accurate early count.

Finally, we've got a lot of dedicated parents who are coming out as coaches this year (Thank you all!), but are still looking for some additional volunteers for the season, to coach, help out with Snack Shack, or help out with the events of the year. If you are interested (or know someone who might be), please let me know.

Thanks for your support - let's have a great Season!

January's Almost over - The New Season is coming

Hi Everyone - Just to let you know:
Preparations for the season are continuing - the uniforms have arrived, and will be sent to the printers shortly. We've got a number of coaches lined up, but need more, so if you're interested (or know anyone who is), please send me a note at madridleaguebaseball@hotmail.com

We're scheduling registration and our first practices now, and I'll send out an update to everyone early next week when we've got the calendars locked down. Check the ASM newsletter for our registration form, which I'll also send out via e-mail

More information here soon - keep checking in!

The 2008 Season is Coming!

It's December, and while Baseball may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, we're preparing for a great season again this year.

We had our organizational meeting in probably the worst weather I've seen in Madrid in a long time, so while attendence was a bit low, I saw lots of support come through in the e-mails after the meeting.

Our next plans begin in January with a meeting of all of the potential coaches, followed by registration in early February. In Late February, we'll have a return practice for anyone who's interested, and the assessments during the weekend of February 22nd-23rd. Holidays then play a role, so we'll have one week of official team practices, and get started with games right after Semana Santa.

We're still looking for a number of coaches, and we'll need some volunteers for the assessments- thanks to all those who have volunteered so far - please find a friend who is interested in baseball and bring them to coaches table.

I'll send out an e-mail about the coaches meeting as well as post the information here once we get back from the Christmas break. Until then, keep practicing with your children, and we'll see everyone soon!

2008 Season Organizational Meeting

We're getting ready for the 2008 Baseball Season Already (and you're invited to help)!

On November 20th, at 7:00 p.m., we're holding an organizational meeting to prepare for the upcoming season. At this meeting, I'd like to take everyone through the basic plans for this season, and also ask for volunteers to help out in a number of areas, especially coaching the kids this season. We lost a number of coaches this past year, and if all goes well, we'll have a lot of teams that need good coaches, as well as help with the Snack Shack, equipment, and the many special events we'd like to run during the year.

Please pass the word to anyone who might be interested in joining us this season, and please join me at the ASM Cafeteria on the 20th.

Note that this is not registration for the 2008 season - that will happen in February

See you then!

Russ

Madrid League Baseball 2008

Madrid League Baseball Continues in 2008!

This is Russ Porter, the new Commissioner of Madrid League Baseball, and I'm glad to announce that we will have a 2008 season, something I'm very much looking forward to (and I hope you are too!). I will serve as Larry Greenberger's successor in this role, but not his replacement (as no one could truly replace Larry).

That said, as I've learned all that Larry has done, it's clear that I'm going to need some (lots) of help this year, and this year starts right now. I'll be looking for volunteers to help in a variety of roles, including help with equipment and uniforms, the Snack Shack, and, of course, the important job of coaching all of our kids and helping them to learn the joys of American baseball.

Thanks to all of those who have already volunteered - I will contact each of you shortly, and thanks to all those who will become volunteers in the near future.

As Larry did, I'll try to keep this blog updated with the latest information regarding season preparation, registration and clinics, and updated information on schedules and special events. I look forward to a great season working with everyone, and creating a great environment for the children.

If you need to get in touch with me (perhaps to volunteer as a coach or events coordinator?), please send me an e-mail at madridleaguebaseball@hotmail.com and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

I'll have information shortly on our first organizational meeting, and I look forward to a great year working with you all. See you on the field!

2007 MADRID LEAGUE BASEBALL- DONE.

End of season requires a long list of thank you’s

- Thanks to all the parents for their support and commitment to having the kids at the games and practices over the course of the long season. I appreciate you all giving up a portion of your weekends for baseball.
- A special thanks to the non ASM families. In our efforts to make Madrid League Baseball a community event, you all have helped in our outreach to bring more kids from other schools into the league.
- Thanks to all the kids that helped out in the snack shack. Your help is much appreciated, brought the level of participation to new heights, and added to the social atmosphere at the games.
- Thanks to our sponsors. I hope you all will continue to support AC Delco, Burger King, Coca Cola, KLM, and Price Waterhouse.
- Thanks to Irene. Without her help and support none of this would have been anywhere near as well organized as it was.
- Thanks to all the coaches. The time and dedication you all have given over the months has been great. We’ve seen the payoff week after week in the improved play of the kids on and off the field.
- Lastly to all the kids I’d like to say I’m really really really proud of each and every one of you. You all have improved your baseball skills, concentration, and sportsmanship immensely over the season. You all have proved that its not about getting hits every time, but rather not giving up, and trying our best. I hope you all can take a little bit of this aspect of the baseball and carry it with you as you get older and wherever your travels take you to. In my eyes you're all pros- Thanks for the fun and don’t forget- KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL……………

I wish you all a great summer ahead and safe travels. To those families that are moving on best of luck in your new locations and don't forget to check in once in a while. To those are staying I hope to see you all around.

SCHEDULE JUNE 9/10

This is it- the last weekend of baseball for this season. Its been really impressive the progress the kids have made over the course of the season.

Saturday June 9
11:00 Tee Ball: Mets vs Orioles
13:00 Coach Pitch: Mariners vs Rockies
14:30 Junior Kid: Diamondbacks vs Rangers

Sunday June 10
13:00 Coach Pitch: Cubs vs Red Sox
14:30 Junior Kid: Cardinals vs Nationals

Following the games most of the teams will be celebrating the end of the season with trophy and certificate presentations.

ASM LOWER SCHOOL SPORTS AWARDS DAY

Dont forget that Tuesday June 5 is the Sports awards day for the lower school kids at ASM. Baseball kids in grades K through 5 can wear their uniforms to school that day if they like. Baseball kids will be asked to stand and be recognized by team rather than individually.

Most of the teams will be handing out trophies and certificates after their last game this coming weekend (June 9/10).

SCHEDULE JUNE 2/3

Heres the schedule for June 2 and 3. Please scroll down and have a look at the previous 2 posts re end of season and the basketball camp.

Saturday
11:00 Tee Ball: Mets vs Orioles
13:00 Coach Pitch: Mariners vs Red Sox
14:30 Junior Kid: Nationals vs Diamondbacks
16:30 Senior/Cadete: Yankees vs Reds

Sunday
13:00 Coach Pitch: Rockies vs Cubs
14:30 Junior Kid: Rangers vs Cards
16:30 Parents Coed Game

BASKETBALL

Anyone out there interested in attending a basketball clinic/camp ?

When: Jun 25-29
Hours: 17:00-19:00
Where: Las Rosas Poldeportivo de las Matas or Pozuelo Colegio Infante Elena
Who: Boys or Girls aged 8 to 16
Cost: €25
Sponsored by Young Life an organization Jim McNamee coach of the Yankees works closely with.

Anyone interested please contact Jacobo 661 366 162

WITH 2 WEEKS TO GO.......

Here a couple things to keep in mind:

- For kids that go to ASM and are in lower school (grades K through 5) the sports awards ceremony will be Tuesday June 5 at 14:45. Baseball kids should wear there uniforms to school that day and will be asked to stand as a team in recognition of their participation.

- Teams should feel free to plan their own events to mark the end of the season. In past years this is mostly done after the last game at ASM but teams can do as they wish. Baseball trophies and certificates will be handed out by the individual coaches at the teams end of season gatherings

- Junior Kid Pitch playoffs will start this weekend Jun 2/3 with the winners of this weekends games playing each other on Sunday Jun 10. The other 2 teams will play the consolation game Sat Jun 9. Both at normal Junior Kid Pitch times.

- Coach pitch has a normal schedule this weekend Jun 2/3. Sat Jun 9 the Mariners will play the Rockies for the Coach Pitch League Championship. Sunday Jun 10 the Cubs will play the Red Sox in the consolation game.

- The parents games we've had so far have been pretty fun. We have one more scheduled for Sunday Jun 3 at 16:30. Moms or Dads that want to play please come on out as its the coed game this time around.

I'll post the full schedules later this week......................

Sunday Games 27thMay 07

Larry is at school now. The field is amazingly dry. So both games (coach pitch and junior kid pitch) are on today.

Moms - don't forget your game is on today also at 4:30pm. Should be lots of fun.

SAT MAY 26 2ND UPDATE

Too much rain. Junior and Senior/Cadete games also cancelled for Saturday.

Sunday games we'll have to see how much rain we get the rest of today and how wet the field is on Sunday............stay tuned.

UPDATE FOR SAT MAY 26 GAMES

Tee Ball- CANCELLED

Coach Pitch- CANCELLED

Junior Kid- PLAY 14:30

Senior/Cadete- PLAY 16:30