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.

Boomer - The Sanford Mainers Mascot

Lebanon Fire Department Color Guard

Adam Neubert performs the Nation Anthem on guitar.

There was a great turnout for the event and the conditions of  S.T.S Field were excellent and you couldn’t have ordered a better day.  The grills and snack bars were busy with hot dogs, burgers, fries and beverages. It was a great day and a great way to kick off another exciting Little League season….Play Ball!

Please come down and enjoy the warm day and watch the kids!  The world famous “Robin’s Kitchen” snack bar will be open all day.

Our field is located on Creamery Hill Road, right behind our friends at STS Construction.

All Board members will be present and we would like anyone interested in participating in the planning to join us.  All coaches are encouraged to attend. Little League Website