SPSA Newsletter Spring 2015
SPRING 2015 SEASON P.O. Box 670056, Marietta, GA 30066 770.281.7202 sandyplainssoftball.com
A Note from the President I am super excited to begin our Spring 2015 season at the newly renovated Sandy Plains Park. The SPLOST renovations started last June and have really improved the park. Items included: • New and improved lighting for fields 1-3 • New irrigation systems for all 4 fields • A new building located near Fields 2 and 3 which will house equipment, drafts and shiny new bathrooms • Improved drainage throughout the park • Fields 1-3 all new fencing and fields 1 and 2 got complete makeovers Now the good news is that it is just the beginning. Besides some aesthetic items the board will also be focusing on improving our training areas for the spring. We plan to have 9 top of the line pitching lanes throughout the park so pitchers can work on their game, and improving the batting cages among many other things. The board and many volunteers have been helping put things back together as we get ready for our spring season. Bells Ferry Park is also slated for renovations during the 2016 year. On behalf of Sandy Plains I would like to thank all of the tax payers and county officials for their work in making Sandy Plains Park such a great place to call home. Once again this spring we will be hosting 8U games one weekend at Pope High School and will also be playing at Lassiter High School for the 10U. This is very exciting for these girls to play at these venues. We look forward to a great season and are excited to have you join us this spring.
Online Registration
Now
Fun Day & Walk Up Registration
1/31
Fundamentals Clinic
2/1
Fundamentals Clinic
2/3
Fundamentals Clinic
2/5
Evaluations
2/7
(except 6U)
Refer-A-Friend Drawing 2/7
Win 50% off your Sandy Plains Registration, gift cards, or a batting lesson. More information on page 5.
Warmest Regards, Paul A. Neleman
Game Truck Free Hot Dog & Drink for girls only
Games st
January 31 12:00 – 2:00 PM Sandy Plains Park
Prizes Raffle PAGE 1
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Softball Director Volunteering Each year, for the spring and fall seasons, Sandy Plains Softball looks for parents who are willing to spend their time and energy to make a successful season. This could be anything from volunteering for a Sandy Plains Softball Board Member, to a coach, to simply helping maintain the cleanliness of the park. Unfortunately, there are many out there who believe all that work should fall on the Board. Let me be the first to tell you that the Board can’t do everything – we need everyone’s help. The Board does not ask a lot of the softball parents compared to Sandy Plains Baseball. Unlike Sandy Plains Softball, the baseball parents are expected to work the concession stand and maintain the fields by dragging and lining. Field Day Volunteers: A couple times a year, we ask for a couple hours of the parent’s time to assist in cleaning up the fields before each season or with water removal after a heavy rain. Please do not assume that the ‘next guy’ will do it because you are ‘too busy’. Everyone is busy, so remember that we are only looking for 2 hours of your time just a couple times a year. If we even received 25% participation, clean up days could be done in just an hour or two. Coaching Volunteers: As I attended my son’s tee ball practice in the spring, I was asked if I was going to be one of his coaches. My answer was simple, no. I told them that I’ve been involved with Sandy Plains Softball since the spring of ’08 and I realized very early on that there are more Dads willing to coach a boys’ baseball team, than a girls’ softball team. It’s unfortunate, but it sure seems that way.
Like Sandy Plains Softball on Facebook for event details, photos, and more.
Each year, it’s inevitable, that as the 6u/8u coordinator, my parents will receive an email asking for someone, or two, to take on the responsibility of running a team. We cannot have a successful program if the parents are unwilling to participate. The first time you agree it may be a bit overwhelming; however, we offer various tools to assist you. Jack Cullen, our Coach/Player Development Coordinator, teaches many coaching techniques at his weekly player Fundamental Clinics. He also holds a meeting before the season starts to offer tips and is willing to come to a team’s practice to help run it. He’s there to show you, that as a coach, you are not in it alone. Board Member Volunteers: Board Member positions are 1 yr terms which start on July 1st and end on June 30th the following year. The specific responsibilities vary based on the position, however all Board Members are expected to attend a monthly Board Meeting, act as a Park Duty Officer during the spring & fall season and assist at the special functions (Fun Day, Evaluations, Park Clean Up, etc.) as needed. Other than that, the Board Member is main responsibility is to help improve the park and the Sandy Plains Softball program. Each spring, we are looking for new Board Members to replace those who are leaving. If you are interested in being a Board Member, please be sure to email me at [email protected]. Being a volunteer is rewarding in its own right. The program cannot be successful without these volunteers, so I urge everyone to consider volunteering somewhere. These are not paid positions, as the only payment we receive, is the enjoyment the girls have. Steve Cutler
PAGE 2
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Coach & Player Development
SPSA Travel/ Tournament Director Keeping Practice Fun
We are looking forward to the upcoming spring season and playing out of the newly renovated Sandy Plains Park once again. The coach & player development here at Sandy Plains Softball has continued to progress as we have seen the translation over to the fields. The pitching clinics provided by Champions Fast Pitch Academy last spring were a big hit as usual. We had a good number of girls who registered & completed the pitching clinics for a nominal cost. Again, as a result, the pitching development showed out on the field. Pitching is the best it’s ever been. We are excited to announce that we will continue these pitching clinics for the 2015 Spring season as well along with hitting clinics. We encourage you to register your daughter for the clinics if she has shown interest. We will also continue our fundamental clinics leading up to the season. Last year we had a high turnout of girls come out to fine tune their fundamentals & get a head start on the season before practices began. Remember that the fundamental clinics are free! We’ll also continue to have a guest instructor for our coaches clinic. This gives a lot of good instruction and practice ideas for our coaches at Sandy Plains. Again, we are excited for another season here at Sandy Plains Softball & look forward to seeing you out at the park. Have a great season! Cory Rodgers & Joe Rocco
We all know that practice is the time to work on fundamentals, skills, and situations that need to be learned and mastered in order to perform come game day. The basic fundamentals of throwing, hitting, fielding, and base running all need to be worked on during practice. However, one component that often gets overlooked is… are the girls really learning what we’re teaching them? At the ages of 7 through 12, often the girls learn better and retain more when they’re having fun. It’s still important for the girls to get in reps of ground balls, fly balls, swings, and base running… But if you can figure out a way to make those reps fun, you will get more out of your practices. Most girls playing softball love competition. One of the best ways to have fun at practice while you’re teaching the fundamentals is to make as many drills and stations into a game. Who laid down the most bunts to first base? Who made the most contact in the cage? Who had the fastest time from 1st to 2nd on a steal once the ball left the pitchers hand? Who gets the most points for hitting a screen at 1st base when fielding ground balls at short stop? The list of games and competitions you can set up during practice goes on and on. Even when you set up stations and move the girls around, you can set up competitions at each station and review the results at the end of practice. The game can also be another good opportunity to work on skills and fundamentals in a group environment. The relay game with half the team running from home to home and the other half running from 2nd to 2nd is a great relay game for the girls and a time where you can also stress good base running to help them get around the bases quicker. That is just one example and there are many more.
(continued on page 5)
PAGE 3
SPRING 2015 SEASON
League Coordinators
My name is Bryan Garris and I am the 8U Coordinator at Sandy Plains. I’ve been involved with Sandy Plains Softball for 3 years now, coaching both of my daughters along the way. My oldest daughter will start 10U this season and my youngest will start her 2nd season of 6U. I’ve either been the head coach or assistant coach on every team they’ve played on. I’m now on the board and I’m constantly reminded of why I love Sandy Plains Softball. We truly have the best kids, parents and coaches in GA. If you are new to the league or the area, I would encourage you to get involved. It’s a great place to be and to play. A few things about 8U: At the 8U level, the players continue to develop their fundamentals within a more competitive environment. As we continue to develop their skills, we put a high emphasis on building player confidence. Softball is a SPORT and the players are supposed to have FUN playing softball. Win or lose, the objective is to make the players feel good about themselves and make sure they are smiling at the end of the game. The biggest compliment to the coaches and the league is for the girls to want to come back for another season. Coach volunteers are always welcome. Coaching is not something that can be done alone. The more volunteers that we have, the better it will be for the players. If you are interested in managing a team or coaching, or if you simply want to help out on your child’s softball team, please let us know. At the end of each season, it’s always rewarding to look around and see how much the girls have improved and achieved. (continued on page 5)
Welcome to the 12U & 14U division! My name is Don Koshko. I was asked this fall to join the Sandy Plains Softball board as a coordinator. I am currently on my seventh season of coaching at Sandy Plains. Prior to coaching softball, I was a board member and coach at another local park where my son played baseball from the age of 5. He is currently 13. As a parent and a coach, I learned quickly to focus on making sure that each player is learning and having fun. This age group is where the game really becomes exciting. From more consistent pitching to teamwork on defense, girls seem to gel and understand what it takes to enjoy the game. With the ability to steal home and get a jump from the release of the pitch, the game becomes not only strategic but it helps bring out the competitiveness of each and every girl participating. I am looking forward to the upcoming season. Whether you are new to the park or a returning player, I hope everyone has a great experience. If you are interested in helping out the park this season, please don't hesitate to note that on your registration or send me an email. Whether you are new to coaching or a veteran, the girls will really be appreciative of your interaction. See everyone soon Don Koshko
PAGE 4
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Keeping Practice Fun (continued from page 3)
If you work at keeping practice fun, I think you will find the kids enjoy practice more and they will enjoy being there. They will also get a lot more out of practice from a skills standpoint. Don’t get me wrong, your entire practice shouldn’t be one big game or competition, but if done with a good balance of games/competitions mixed in with some good drills, practice will be something the girls look forward to every week. Jim McFadden
8U League Coordinator (continued from page 4)
You don’t have to know the game of softball to volunteer...we will do our best to pair you with a returning coach who will be more than happy to help you understand the game. Adult involvement is always our biggest concern, so please consider stepping up to coach/help your daughter's team this season. I promise you it’s one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions. Bryan Garris
Stay connected with Sandy Plains Softball via our website or Facebook. There is a lot of great information on our website as well as being able to keep up with league events and news.
www.sandyplainssoftball.com
Refer a new friend to Sandy Plains and if she registers for the spring season, you will both receive a thank you gift. In addition you will both be entered into a drawing for even more prizes including a 50% discount on your SPSA registration, gift cards, or a batting lesson. You can find the referral form on the left side of our Facebook page (under our address). Good luck!
PAGE 5
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Sponsorships
Last fall we got 2 new sponsors for Sandy Plains! Thank you to the families who got the sponsors for our park. We are always looking for more sponsors! If you have a business that you frequent ask them if they would like to be a sponsor! More information about Sandy Plain sponsorships is at: https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/1436/docs/sponsor0214.pdf New Lucky China moved to their new location right down the hill from the park. The perfect spot to pick up dinner before or after practices or games! They have a very inviting dining room which is great for adults as well as families. You can find more information about New Lucky China at: www.newluckychina.com Our second new sponsor is Premier Indoor Comfort Systems. They are a full service provider for all your home comfort needs and take care of installations, maintenance, and emergency repairs for indoor comfort systems throughout Atlanta. You can get more info at: http://www.premierindoor.com/ We would like to continue to show our appreciation for Omega Learning Center- East Cobb. They are located in the Kroger Plaza and offer tutoring services for K-12 with certified teachers. They also offer a SACS accredited Private School at their location. You can visit them online to learn more at: omegalearning.com/eastcobb-ga
PAGE 6
A Note from the President I am super excited to begin our Spring 2015 season at the newly renovated Sandy Plains Park. The SPLOST renovations started last June and have really improved the park. Items included: • New and improved lighting for fields 1-3 • New irrigation systems for all 4 fields • A new building located near Fields 2 and 3 which will house equipment, drafts and shiny new bathrooms • Improved drainage throughout the park • Fields 1-3 all new fencing and fields 1 and 2 got complete makeovers Now the good news is that it is just the beginning. Besides some aesthetic items the board will also be focusing on improving our training areas for the spring. We plan to have 9 top of the line pitching lanes throughout the park so pitchers can work on their game, and improving the batting cages among many other things. The board and many volunteers have been helping put things back together as we get ready for our spring season. Bells Ferry Park is also slated for renovations during the 2016 year. On behalf of Sandy Plains I would like to thank all of the tax payers and county officials for their work in making Sandy Plains Park such a great place to call home. Once again this spring we will be hosting 8U games one weekend at Pope High School and will also be playing at Lassiter High School for the 10U. This is very exciting for these girls to play at these venues. We look forward to a great season and are excited to have you join us this spring.
Online Registration
Now
Fun Day & Walk Up Registration
1/31
Fundamentals Clinic
2/1
Fundamentals Clinic
2/3
Fundamentals Clinic
2/5
Evaluations
2/7
(except 6U)
Refer-A-Friend Drawing 2/7
Win 50% off your Sandy Plains Registration, gift cards, or a batting lesson. More information on page 5.
Warmest Regards, Paul A. Neleman
Game Truck Free Hot Dog & Drink for girls only
Games st
January 31 12:00 – 2:00 PM Sandy Plains Park
Prizes Raffle PAGE 1
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Softball Director Volunteering Each year, for the spring and fall seasons, Sandy Plains Softball looks for parents who are willing to spend their time and energy to make a successful season. This could be anything from volunteering for a Sandy Plains Softball Board Member, to a coach, to simply helping maintain the cleanliness of the park. Unfortunately, there are many out there who believe all that work should fall on the Board. Let me be the first to tell you that the Board can’t do everything – we need everyone’s help. The Board does not ask a lot of the softball parents compared to Sandy Plains Baseball. Unlike Sandy Plains Softball, the baseball parents are expected to work the concession stand and maintain the fields by dragging and lining. Field Day Volunteers: A couple times a year, we ask for a couple hours of the parent’s time to assist in cleaning up the fields before each season or with water removal after a heavy rain. Please do not assume that the ‘next guy’ will do it because you are ‘too busy’. Everyone is busy, so remember that we are only looking for 2 hours of your time just a couple times a year. If we even received 25% participation, clean up days could be done in just an hour or two. Coaching Volunteers: As I attended my son’s tee ball practice in the spring, I was asked if I was going to be one of his coaches. My answer was simple, no. I told them that I’ve been involved with Sandy Plains Softball since the spring of ’08 and I realized very early on that there are more Dads willing to coach a boys’ baseball team, than a girls’ softball team. It’s unfortunate, but it sure seems that way.
Like Sandy Plains Softball on Facebook for event details, photos, and more.
Each year, it’s inevitable, that as the 6u/8u coordinator, my parents will receive an email asking for someone, or two, to take on the responsibility of running a team. We cannot have a successful program if the parents are unwilling to participate. The first time you agree it may be a bit overwhelming; however, we offer various tools to assist you. Jack Cullen, our Coach/Player Development Coordinator, teaches many coaching techniques at his weekly player Fundamental Clinics. He also holds a meeting before the season starts to offer tips and is willing to come to a team’s practice to help run it. He’s there to show you, that as a coach, you are not in it alone. Board Member Volunteers: Board Member positions are 1 yr terms which start on July 1st and end on June 30th the following year. The specific responsibilities vary based on the position, however all Board Members are expected to attend a monthly Board Meeting, act as a Park Duty Officer during the spring & fall season and assist at the special functions (Fun Day, Evaluations, Park Clean Up, etc.) as needed. Other than that, the Board Member is main responsibility is to help improve the park and the Sandy Plains Softball program. Each spring, we are looking for new Board Members to replace those who are leaving. If you are interested in being a Board Member, please be sure to email me at [email protected]. Being a volunteer is rewarding in its own right. The program cannot be successful without these volunteers, so I urge everyone to consider volunteering somewhere. These are not paid positions, as the only payment we receive, is the enjoyment the girls have. Steve Cutler
PAGE 2
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Coach & Player Development
SPSA Travel/ Tournament Director Keeping Practice Fun
We are looking forward to the upcoming spring season and playing out of the newly renovated Sandy Plains Park once again. The coach & player development here at Sandy Plains Softball has continued to progress as we have seen the translation over to the fields. The pitching clinics provided by Champions Fast Pitch Academy last spring were a big hit as usual. We had a good number of girls who registered & completed the pitching clinics for a nominal cost. Again, as a result, the pitching development showed out on the field. Pitching is the best it’s ever been. We are excited to announce that we will continue these pitching clinics for the 2015 Spring season as well along with hitting clinics. We encourage you to register your daughter for the clinics if she has shown interest. We will also continue our fundamental clinics leading up to the season. Last year we had a high turnout of girls come out to fine tune their fundamentals & get a head start on the season before practices began. Remember that the fundamental clinics are free! We’ll also continue to have a guest instructor for our coaches clinic. This gives a lot of good instruction and practice ideas for our coaches at Sandy Plains. Again, we are excited for another season here at Sandy Plains Softball & look forward to seeing you out at the park. Have a great season! Cory Rodgers & Joe Rocco
We all know that practice is the time to work on fundamentals, skills, and situations that need to be learned and mastered in order to perform come game day. The basic fundamentals of throwing, hitting, fielding, and base running all need to be worked on during practice. However, one component that often gets overlooked is… are the girls really learning what we’re teaching them? At the ages of 7 through 12, often the girls learn better and retain more when they’re having fun. It’s still important for the girls to get in reps of ground balls, fly balls, swings, and base running… But if you can figure out a way to make those reps fun, you will get more out of your practices. Most girls playing softball love competition. One of the best ways to have fun at practice while you’re teaching the fundamentals is to make as many drills and stations into a game. Who laid down the most bunts to first base? Who made the most contact in the cage? Who had the fastest time from 1st to 2nd on a steal once the ball left the pitchers hand? Who gets the most points for hitting a screen at 1st base when fielding ground balls at short stop? The list of games and competitions you can set up during practice goes on and on. Even when you set up stations and move the girls around, you can set up competitions at each station and review the results at the end of practice. The game can also be another good opportunity to work on skills and fundamentals in a group environment. The relay game with half the team running from home to home and the other half running from 2nd to 2nd is a great relay game for the girls and a time where you can also stress good base running to help them get around the bases quicker. That is just one example and there are many more.
(continued on page 5)
PAGE 3
SPRING 2015 SEASON
League Coordinators
My name is Bryan Garris and I am the 8U Coordinator at Sandy Plains. I’ve been involved with Sandy Plains Softball for 3 years now, coaching both of my daughters along the way. My oldest daughter will start 10U this season and my youngest will start her 2nd season of 6U. I’ve either been the head coach or assistant coach on every team they’ve played on. I’m now on the board and I’m constantly reminded of why I love Sandy Plains Softball. We truly have the best kids, parents and coaches in GA. If you are new to the league or the area, I would encourage you to get involved. It’s a great place to be and to play. A few things about 8U: At the 8U level, the players continue to develop their fundamentals within a more competitive environment. As we continue to develop their skills, we put a high emphasis on building player confidence. Softball is a SPORT and the players are supposed to have FUN playing softball. Win or lose, the objective is to make the players feel good about themselves and make sure they are smiling at the end of the game. The biggest compliment to the coaches and the league is for the girls to want to come back for another season. Coach volunteers are always welcome. Coaching is not something that can be done alone. The more volunteers that we have, the better it will be for the players. If you are interested in managing a team or coaching, or if you simply want to help out on your child’s softball team, please let us know. At the end of each season, it’s always rewarding to look around and see how much the girls have improved and achieved. (continued on page 5)
Welcome to the 12U & 14U division! My name is Don Koshko. I was asked this fall to join the Sandy Plains Softball board as a coordinator. I am currently on my seventh season of coaching at Sandy Plains. Prior to coaching softball, I was a board member and coach at another local park where my son played baseball from the age of 5. He is currently 13. As a parent and a coach, I learned quickly to focus on making sure that each player is learning and having fun. This age group is where the game really becomes exciting. From more consistent pitching to teamwork on defense, girls seem to gel and understand what it takes to enjoy the game. With the ability to steal home and get a jump from the release of the pitch, the game becomes not only strategic but it helps bring out the competitiveness of each and every girl participating. I am looking forward to the upcoming season. Whether you are new to the park or a returning player, I hope everyone has a great experience. If you are interested in helping out the park this season, please don't hesitate to note that on your registration or send me an email. Whether you are new to coaching or a veteran, the girls will really be appreciative of your interaction. See everyone soon Don Koshko
PAGE 4
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Keeping Practice Fun (continued from page 3)
If you work at keeping practice fun, I think you will find the kids enjoy practice more and they will enjoy being there. They will also get a lot more out of practice from a skills standpoint. Don’t get me wrong, your entire practice shouldn’t be one big game or competition, but if done with a good balance of games/competitions mixed in with some good drills, practice will be something the girls look forward to every week. Jim McFadden
8U League Coordinator (continued from page 4)
You don’t have to know the game of softball to volunteer...we will do our best to pair you with a returning coach who will be more than happy to help you understand the game. Adult involvement is always our biggest concern, so please consider stepping up to coach/help your daughter's team this season. I promise you it’s one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any questions. Bryan Garris
Stay connected with Sandy Plains Softball via our website or Facebook. There is a lot of great information on our website as well as being able to keep up with league events and news.
www.sandyplainssoftball.com
Refer a new friend to Sandy Plains and if she registers for the spring season, you will both receive a thank you gift. In addition you will both be entered into a drawing for even more prizes including a 50% discount on your SPSA registration, gift cards, or a batting lesson. You can find the referral form on the left side of our Facebook page (under our address). Good luck!
PAGE 5
SPRING 2015 SEASON
Sponsorships
Last fall we got 2 new sponsors for Sandy Plains! Thank you to the families who got the sponsors for our park. We are always looking for more sponsors! If you have a business that you frequent ask them if they would like to be a sponsor! More information about Sandy Plain sponsorships is at: https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/1436/docs/sponsor0214.pdf New Lucky China moved to their new location right down the hill from the park. The perfect spot to pick up dinner before or after practices or games! They have a very inviting dining room which is great for adults as well as families. You can find more information about New Lucky China at: www.newluckychina.com Our second new sponsor is Premier Indoor Comfort Systems. They are a full service provider for all your home comfort needs and take care of installations, maintenance, and emergency repairs for indoor comfort systems throughout Atlanta. You can get more info at: http://www.premierindoor.com/ We would like to continue to show our appreciation for Omega Learning Center- East Cobb. They are located in the Kroger Plaza and offer tutoring services for K-12 with certified teachers. They also offer a SACS accredited Private School at their location. You can visit them online to learn more at: omegalearning.com/eastcobb-ga
PAGE 6
