It seems the “good ole boy” network is not just within our town’s government. It is also in our children’s sports leagues. Several comments were made on this site regarding the Lebanon Little League, and parents not being satisfied with how the league was being run. Well, it gets worse in the Babe Ruth league.
I am aware that this post may come off as a mom upset that her son doesn’t get a lot of playing time, but it is more than that. On the registration form, it clearly states that if the player is not picked up by the team, the $75.00 registration fee will be returned. No mention of try-outs, or anything. I mailed the form to Mike Burke, along with a $75.00 check. No word on if my son “made the team”, but when my check cleared my bank, I figured he did.
It seems that there were not enough players to make two teams, so all 18 players that signed up were put onto one team. Yep, 18 players on one team. At that point, we knew the players would not get much time on the field. What we later found out, was that only the best 9 players would be played, the whole game, every game. The remaining players would, at times, be put in for the token 2 innings. At other times, they would sit on the bench, the entire game, never played.
I contacted the commissioner, John Fortin, on June 16 and explained the situation to him. He explained why the team was so large. When I questioned him on why not hold try-outs then, to avoid such a large team. He stated that they did not “like to turn anybody away that wanted to play”. I explained him that many of these boys were NOT playing, they were simply sitting in uniform, on the bench, for entire games, and played the token inning or two. The same boys were played every game, the whole game.
Mr. Fortin explained that in the Babe Ruth league, it is very competitive, and no rules state that a player must be played. I pointed out again that this only gives strength to my argument that they should have tryouts, rather than simply sign everyone up. Yes, it is disappointing to be cut from a team, but the boys can recover quickly, and look into other activities. Instead, the league takes their $75.00, gives them a t-shirt and a hat, with no intention of playing them. So, game after game, they sit on the bench, not feeling a part of the team. How is this better?
I asked Mr. Fortin for a refund of my $75.00 registration fee. For my family budget, that is a lot of money. My intention was to use that moeny to involve my son in another activity, one in which he can actually participate. Mr. Fortin said he would “look into it” and wasn’t certain a refund was possible, as the money was used to purchase insurance and team hats. I was told he would call me in a few days.
On Monday, June 22, I still had not heard from him, so I left a message on his voice mail to call me. Today, Thursday, June 25, I have still not heard from him, so I have left another message for him.
My frustration comes from the league taking my money, along with many other players, with no intention of playing these boys. My son has quit, instead spending his time with a church softball league. He has a better chance of playing as a substitute with adults, then on a team of his peers. Several other boys have quit as well. Sad.
17 responses so far ↓
1 Corinna // Jun 25, 2009 at 11:41 am
Go higher and good luck.
http://www.baberuthleague.org/staff.html
2 Glen Stadig // Jun 25, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Pat… Congrats!
First off… Congratulations!!
You are “OurVoice’s” first self author!!!
I have published things for many people but you are the first to break the mold and post your own article…
I think if your child isn’t participating in the activity at a reasonable level, you should be refunded the fee. The point of try-outs is a good one and if your child was an alternate or an extra and they wish to participate at that level you know going in.
Unfortunately the starters may not actually even be better players, just have better connected parents or connect better with the coach. Regardless it shouldn’t matter.
I understand the “competitive nature” of teams, but if the focus is only on winning and not on player development, sportsmanship, and teamwork then it’s probably best you move on as you did. Hopefully you will get your refund properly..
3 Pat Allard // Jun 25, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Thank you for the website, Miss Corinna! I will go higher. I am beginning to feel like I’ve been blown off by Mr. Fortin. He continued to talk about “next year” my son would have more playing time as the current 9th graders would move on. I told him I was not foolish enough to sign him up again next year, and give the league more of my hard earned money. I just can’t help by feel scammed by these people, taking my money, and then having my son sit for entire games. Shame on them.
4 chris gilpatrick // Jun 25, 2009 at 5:36 pm
This is what happens when someone gets a title ! Why not play everybody ? These youngsters are our future , firefighters,police , doctors ,etc. .This practice happens at all levels whether it is grade school up to high school. Wouldn’t want to piss off a friend or neighbor so others keep the bench warm. Pat try calling the Fosters and channel 13 news. A friend had an issue and contacted channel 13 and after publicity the problem was resolved within a day . With residents complaining about police presence in town you would think organizations would want to keep kids involved and out of trouble. What happens with all the money they collect ? There are sponsors and a hat and t-shirt couldn’t cost more than $10.00 . My 2cents.
5 woody // Jun 25, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Seems like we need an overhaul of our baseball leagues from little league up – they are poorly managed and rip our kids of what they deserve, built up self esteem and fun with other kids. Sitting on a bench makes them feel worthless and not as good as others. Look at the names of the people that run the different baseball leagues and you will see common issues.
I hope you get results from the baseball league
6 striveforchange // Jun 27, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Welcome to Lebanon Pat. Your right it’s not just in town government. Just look around you will see……………………..
7 get INVOLVED // Jun 28, 2009 at 10:13 pm
It is nice to read posts from differing points of view. I was happy to see another way at being more involved in the community, with this website…Making sure that ALL the voices in Lebanon are heard.
Has anyone that is fast to put down our sports programs spent any time volunteering? Is this sideline speculation turned into immediate action? Our end of season celebrations were just held. During the event, a question was posed to the group…for anyone to raise their hands, if they had any ideas about improvements that they may have, or changes that may need to be put in the bylaws to make the events more enjoyable for the kids. I applaud such a request. I was the Mom to the child that played the minimum, sat the bench, his coach had the perception that he wasn’t ever going to be a good sports enthusiast. I watched him sit the bench, I sputtered about the “powers that be” always thinking automatically that he would never make the perfect play, never be focused enough to be playing on the infield. He didn’t make the cut for school ball in 7th grade, was overlooked for All Stars during his 3rd year of LLeague, overlooked for Babe Ruth All Stars last year- told he was’nt considered because he couldn’t pitch. It’s a fact of life, you try, you fail. You brush yourself off and try again. Much as life will teach our youth, you don’t always get what you want. The more they learn that now, the better off they will be later on. The instant gratification that we live with today, will make a tough road ahead for all our kids. What ever happened to hard work and sticking with things? You know, instead of bellyaching about the injustice, my husband and I worked with him in the yard every chance we had. We made the best of a poor coaches perception, instead of him thinking he “stunk” or was a geek or a nerd in a bad way, we had him work on his skills and improve on his self esteem at home. To sit back and throw pot shots at an establishment such as Babe Ruth or Little League without stepping forward and getting involved is unfair to those of us who do. Is it perfect, no. Are all the board members, managers and coaches perfect? NO! What is there is the best that can be done, unless others step in and help make a difference. I’d like to think I have done that. Being involved, attending all the OPEN monthly meetings that start in January, make all the difference. When the people that raised their hands at our end of season celebration were given volunteer applications, many of them laughed at the proposition. That is where the problem lies. If you don’t like how something is being run, GET INVOLVED. I started out by attending the meetings, working in the concession stand, coaching minor leaguers, and staying with it. Am I perfect? NO. Do I make mistakes, you bet…but I am there…as much as I can be, for ALL the kids…I agree that having such a large Babe Ruth team was a bad decision, sad to think 18 kids being on one team, and by the end of the season, barely having 9 to make a game not turn into a forfeit. Some went to camp, some went on vacation and others decided to quit after only 2-3 games. What most in Lebanon don’t know is that another team was formed that took some of the eligible players out of town to play ASA level travel ball. It took kids that would have made up a two team set up for Babe Ruth. There is always two sides to every story, every event. Did the kids that sat the bench make every practice? Did they work hard at practice when they did show up? Did they work to improve their level of play at home? More importantly, did their parents do things that were effective in a positive manner to help their children improve, or was it just “us” against “them” meaining game over? I say to those who think it is a good ole boy society, fill out a volunteer application and see how it truly is not. Put actions into your complaining. The volunteers that I work with are at the field 5-7 days a week, making it happen. If you don’t like what is happening, spend some of your time making a difference. I did. I would do it all over again. Get INVOLVED and make your mark. Just as town government has the need for community invovlement, our children need the community. Complaining about anything you feel is an injustice and not doing something to make a difference is just as bad as thinking our town will improve if we all just sit here and type into a web post. It won’t. Typing into a web post AND doing something about your issues, simply putting your actions where your words are, is what will bring us all to action. Attend a board meeting. GET INVOLVED!
8 Pat Allard // Jun 29, 2009 at 2:05 am
get INVOLVED’s post only reinforces what I and Mr. Stadig have stated. A quote from Mr. Stadig’s post – “Unfortunately the starters may not actually even be better players, just have better connected parents or connect better with the coach. Regardless it shouldn’t matter.” get INVOLVED, are you saying my son’s playing time should have a direct relation to how much time I can spend on the ballfield? That’s nonsense. Why punish the kid for my work schedule or lack of athletic ability? Again, the league CHOSE not to have try-outs, and decided who played and didn’t play, all while collecting $75.00 from EACH player, not just the ones with perfect parents and excellent ball skills. I am not taking “potshots” at the league. Everything that was in my post is fact. It happened and the conversations occurred. How is that taking “potshots”? Because you don’t like what I said? I’ll be honest-I’ve never attended a Babe Ruth OPEN meeting, because I have no idea when/where they are. Is this information shared on the town’s website? In the newspaper? Does the coach/commissioner provide this information to parents? Honestly, when are the meetings for Babe Ruth? I simply asked for my money back, since the league did not do what was stated on the sign-up form. Almost 2 weeks later, and I am still waiting on a return phone call from the league commissioner, even after leaving 2 more messages for him. This is what you want our children to learn? The adults in charge of their league take their money, and then don’t bother to assist you with a problem? That is what the Babe Ruth league in Lebanon has taught my 14 year old. The adult, Church Softball League he now plays for teaches him better life lessons-pay your registration fee, show up for practices and games, and enjoy some good sportmanship. NO politics, NO good ole boy network. Just good, clean, ball. What a shame Babe Ruth can’t do the same.
9 chris burke // Jul 1, 2009 at 8:16 pm
john fortin and mike burke have been doing baseball in lebanon for 25 plus years hats off to them for giving up that much time from there families. and yes i am mike burkes wife. i dont always agree with mike on playing time for the players we have had many talks on this that the kids dont come to sit the bench but babe ruth is a competitive league and coaches and players are there to win.
the registration form may say if someone doesnt make the team they will get the money back , but everyone made the team this year and they did play in games maybe not as much as everyone would have liked but they did play. i dont know what the form says that you think the league has not done for you?
to some of the other comments that have been posted if you think everytime our kids have a problem with someone or doesnt like something they should call fosters or a tv station that is pretty sad. people need to work out problems not have the media get involved. what does that help just teaches people to take the easy way out not work harder, study more and give it another try. with everything that is going on in the world people loosing job and being kicked out of their houses you think we should have news coverage on playing time in lebanon babe ruth and not on the more important things like how to help these people?
if kids that play sports are getting in trouble with the law just because they dont get the playing time they like something else is wrong the coaches only have the players a few hours a few days a week they are not babysitters. we have had many players in the league that have played plenty and still get into trouble. breaking in at the fields, ruining the signs that we use to have for sponsors . so what does that have to do with the leagues keeping them involved they do it anyhow. where are the parents?
any of the people that are involved with the organzations in town may be the same but did you every think that is because they are the only ones willing to give up years of there time and because they enjoy doing it no matter if they have kids in the system or not so before you judge them and think that they are here just to take money from hard working parent they are not . they are also hard working parents and do this because they want to they are not perfect no one is they do the best they can and maybe some kids dont get what they want and neither do parents but you never will. no matter who runs the leagues. do you think any league in the state or usa everyone involved is happy i dont think so everyone has problem and we do what we can.
when is the last time that chris, woody, glen,
or corinna came to a little league or babe ruth game to see what it takes to do all this stuff.
we do have one sponsor in babe ruth and thank god for them they have done it for many years no matter if they had a child in the system or not.
it cost more then 10.00 to run a league you have to pay for insurance for the player, babe ruth fee, field upkeep, balls, umpires, helmets, etc.
so the 75.00 charged covers alot of stuff . we run a concession stand to help cover the cost. we dont do fundraisers we use to do car washes and the only players to show up for the most part was the coaches kids . everyone is fast to complain when the coaches kids get more playing time but they are also the ones working on the field with the coaches and a few other parents and players.
everyone has a right to there view you all are and so am i.
maybe they will have cuts next year if to many kids want to play and then we can talk about that when players and parents are mad because they didnt make the team so tell me how are we suppose to make everyone happy.
10 striveforchange // Jul 4, 2009 at 12:36 pm
It seems to me that maybe John Fortin and Mike Burke should step down and let someone else take over. (25 years plus, sounds like they are complacent). After reading all the posts it seems to me that Little League baseball is just as unorganized as the rest of town government. If you look at the other boards and committees the people that are on them have been on them since time began. Times have changed and Lebanon has grown. It’s time to be in the 21st century. How about two teams, advertise for them, and have try outs. No one just sits on the bench. It makes a child feel terrible and upsets the parents. It also takes the focus off of what its all about. TEAM EFFORT AND FUN.
Gee, $75 for a hat and a t-shirt? what are they made of GOLD?!! Oh yeah, who’s keepin track of the money?
11 Pat Allard // Jul 30, 2009 at 9:25 am
UPDATE:
I received a partial refund of $43.50 from John Fortin, for the $75.00 registration fee. $25.00 was held for the non-refundable insurance, state and national dues. $6.50 was held for the hat my son was given. By the time the letter and refund was received from Mr. Fortin, I had already mailed a letter to both Mr. Fortin, and to Norman Messier, New England Regional Commissioner. I have not heard back from Mr. Messier, and the letter sent to Mr. Fortin was returned to me for “no mail receptacle. I’ve learned my lesson about the Babe Ruth League here in Lebanon.
12 Jen // Jul 30, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Pat,
I am sorry you have gone through this. So many people talk about how bad the little league and babe ruth are.
13 striveforchange // Jul 30, 2009 at 4:51 pm
We are also sorry Pat. Did you see where the Little League Board of Directors is meeting August 3? It’s posted here on the site…..
14 Pat Allard // Jul 30, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Thanks, striveforchange, I did see the posting for the Little League meeting. But I am through with the Lebanon baseball leagues. There are many other sports in which my son can participate. Ones without the politics, drama and headaches.
15 Jen // Jul 30, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Just think, the president of the little league could run our town next year if he is elected Selectman, very scary!!
16 striveforchange // Jul 30, 2009 at 6:44 pm
It’s already scarey Jen, lol. Looks whos in there now lol. …….
17 Don Hollenbeck // Sep 6, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I’m sorry I’m so late in this!
I’m not into sports as much as most, and am one of the few these days, and so I missed out on giving my opinion!
Maybe because of this I shouldn’t have an opinion on this matter!?!?
After reading all the above, I may have an outside the box approach to this problem!
Then again, it may already have been thought of, but here is my opinion!
You may be overtaxed in the form of time and places to play and practice, thereby negating my opinion right from the start!
If you have enough playing fields, and / or time slots, maybe a new form of management could be acquired so as all could play, or at least most could play!
I would suggest having more leagues as to date!
We could have as we have now, and much more in the way of 1st string, 2nd string 3rd string etc. for each league!
Tryouts, as were previously mentioned, are to see who is qualified for that league!
If a person is deemed not qualified for that league, that person is sent to the next level league, (Higher or lower )!
This creates leagues in between leagues whereby all can participate!!!
If resources are the problem, then society needs to address them!
We, as humans, can only do what we can to deal with the, (“I NEED TO BE TOP DOG”) syndrome!
Society seems to have this rules and laws mentality to the point we often ignore those who can’t compete with a selected class!
Don’t forget; there really is no class other than what we allow to exist!!!
If we don’t want more than two opinions such as in the U.S. government, ( Republican and Democrat); that will be the order of the day!
If we don’t want more than; T-Ball, Babe Ruth,Minor League, Major League, and so on; that will be the order of the day!!!
If we want to allow all people to participate in their own level, we need to make room for this and make it happen!!!
To just say we don’t have the room or staff, is not a good reason; after all, look at what mankind is able to do when mankind puts their best foot forward, such as going to the moon!!!
Are the ones who can’t make 1st string, and are better than second string, doomed to not participate???
If we have the land but not the human recourses, then I submit; there are too many working too many hours to make ends meet!!!!
If we want to do it, we will!!!
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