For the weekend of August 28 and 29, some changes will occur between teams and sites. Each Manager will be notified well in advance.

Practice schedules at BMc for the tournament teams will commence Tuesday night, August 24 with two slots each night at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Each Tuesday through Thursday is available until taken for a total of 6 weekday slots, 2 hours each. These slots will be on a first come, first serve basis. Labor Day Tournament teams have priority. After the Labor Day event, then the World Series teams will have some slots made available, to include some weekend periods. Some Friday slots might be available depending upon field work schedules.

In the coming days, some information regarding the 2011 season will be published. We will celebrate our 20th year milestone for the SAMSBL. Every League Member is encouraged to check out what is forthcoming including dates when we will trigger the season. Expect some changes to begin our 3rd decade of play. All the Texas MSBL Leagues are to convene in September to discuss all our leagues. Phil Galloway wishes to say thank you all for supporting his fund raising efforts via the barbeque plate sale. During the high 90's heat, he stood his ground over the hot stove he owns for over 16 hours covering both days.

Please check the July and August schedules for any red changes that may affect your games played.

The August schedule is published. We will wind down our 2010 during the 1st 3 weeks of the month (weather permitting). The last two weekends of the month will be used for the local playoffs. Two options are offered: Single elimination (shorter) or double eliminaiton (much longer) formats. All teams will be offered the opportunity to participate. However, some may choose not to do so. Each division can choose its format. Each game of the local playoffs will be the same as our regular season games with the run rule, no new inning after 2:50, and each team paying the umpires. The big difference is we will need a winner for each game. Higher seeded teams may very well play each other prior to playing lower seeded teams. No complaints, please. Convenience outweighs practicality so we may advance our playoff rounds as field slots and weather dictate our "2nd season". The cost of each game is borne by the teams until the championship game. Home team will always be the highest standings. Each manager will be asked his input. A simple majority rules. Once each division decides, then a schedule will be published and later modified as required to accommodate that division. Rosters as of July 7th are the only players allowed to participate in the local playoffs. If you did not update your roster, then your original one listed those players who can play.

The format of a double elimination tournament with the top three teams of each division getting a bye for a couple of rounds. The schedule of the local playoffs will vary as necessary to allow some teams to a chance to advance; i.e., a top team may not necessarily play a bottom team for awhile. Expect this format to take us into late September (or as required) to complete.

The format of a single elimination tournament will have the top two teams with a bye until the lower seeds eliminate themselves. Same rules as above except we will need a winner each game. We will probably finish for a division or two prior to Labor Day weekend should some teams choose not to participate.

In either format, the last two teams will have a 2 out of 3 championship series. The highest seed is home team on the first game of the series. The 2nd game will have the other team as home. The home team for the championship game will be determined by a coin flip at the home plate meeting.

Many of you managers got the lastest Yearbook Issue of Hardball. You are offered the opportunity to write the information about your team for the 2010 season. Notice the information is brief. Keep it to one page, only. And, editing will occur. Send it to the League PO Box prior to the end of September. No e-mails, please. Ensure correct spelling especially of your teammates' names.

Posted is a playoff schedule in the August format that does not include our last weekend (August 13, 14, 15). The Playoff schedule has a mixture of "finish-up" games and playoff games triggered with a "p" in the block. For all games on this schedule, each team pays its umpires, no new inning after 2:50, 12-run rule, etc. except we need a winner on all playoff games. Home team is listed first. For second rounds and later, highest seed (standings) is home team depending upon which team wins. Each manager will be given further instructions as their teams advances. We will finish after Labor Day.

All World Series bound teams will have a practice slots assigned. Some games will be played according a schedule, also. World Series Rosters are required for all teams for my signature prior to any practice slot being assigned or a game being played. Those Rosters will be submitted to National MSBL Headquarters.

The World Series teams are shaping up. Any one desiring to go who has not committed, yet, needs to contact me to see if I can find a team for you.

One player was ejected and shoved an umpire. Should that player ever wish to return to the SAMSBL, his fine will be historic. Should any other player ever lay hands on an umpire, that fine, too, will set a new record. The rules are published for all to read. Do so.

The July 4th Tournament is shaping up to be a 50+ Wood Bat ONLY tournament with the Reds, Rangers, Dallas, Austin, Yankees, and Dodgers commiting, so far. Should other age groups step forward, they will be wood bat as well. The cost is $85.00 per player, due now. Two games on Saturday and two on Sunday with a Championship game on Monday, the 5th.

Matt Mesa, 18+ Dodgers, threw out the first pitch during the SAMSBL Night at Wolff Stadium. Matt is leaving the league for a new career in the US Army. His family was on hand to witness the event. Good Luck Matt and thanks for your service to our country. (Show his photo on this page for awhile, please).

Father's Day Weekend saw all schedule games get played except one. Thank you managers for all that you did to get your teams on the field. Some struggled more than others. During the January 2010 Managers' Meeting, we all decided to play on Father's Day. We will re-visit this issue in our November 2010 meeting with a final assessment made in our January 2011 session. The one team that did not show up at all has been removed from further play.

We will not have any local games during the July 4th holiday. The next weekend is the 4th of July Holiday. Our only games will be a 50+ Wood Bat tournament. Everyone else enjoy the break. Managers are reminded of the Roster date of July 7. You are welcome to submit changes rosters prior to July 7. After that date, no further changes are allowed. If you have additions or deletions from your team, upgrade you roster, please.

Regional and National Tournament season is approaching. Teams looking to compete need to be solidified by mid-July. The list below will be updated next week. So far, the 35+ Blaze will not make.

Our own Joey Rathenheimer, formerly of the 18+ Rattlers, has signed a contract with the San Antonio Missions to be their bullpen catcher. Congrats to Joey for the honor. However, he lost his amateur status with us for over two years.

A team has decided to stop playing in the SAMSBL. Hence a schedule change is mandated for several teams. All changes are posted in RED. Some are impacted this weekend of 9,10,11 July.

We had a 50+ wood bat tournament over the holiday weekend. Despite all the wet weather forecast, all teams got their games played. Austin, Reds, Dodgers, and Rangers all mixed it up over the humid weekend. The final game was between the Austin Stars and the Reds. It was a 4-2 thriller played Monday afternoon with Austin winning.

The weather man states we will have another tropical storm this coming weekend. Early tracking shows a Texas coast landing about Saturday with several days of rain prior to its arrival.

The July Schedule is out. Expect some mid-week games to be added at BMc and UIW via phone calls to respective managers. The last two days of this month (30 & 31) will be published with the August Schedule.

All teams will be invited for the City Playoffs when the season ends in August (or weather extending) September. A team can choose not to participate.

OBSERVATIONS at our Mid-point for 2010.

1. For some unexplained reasons, some players seem willing to push the limits of our rules. I do not understand why some players wish to violate our published rules concerning behavior, tobacco, and alcohol. All our rules are very clear about good behavior, no chewing tobacco, and no alcohol anywhere near our games. Yet, some seem to just not care. But, the solution is (and always has been) money. Fines will be levied and due immediately. And during the time a fine is not paid, a player will not play any baseball in the SAMSBL.

2. Several players are chewing tobacco and /or bringing tobacco cans into the dugouts. The rule of this League is no chewing tobacco is permittted at any time. Cougars player #9 is fined for chewing (and spitting) on the field. Others have blatantly disregarded our "No Chewing" Rule. It puzzles me as to why some people knowingly violate this rule. However, the next person discovered chewing tobacco or even having it in the our dugouts will be fined over $200.00. And, the fine will go up for any subsequent violations. In my opinion, it is not worth missing any games in our League simply to chew for a few minutes. Umpires and Managers are alerted to spot anyone chewing tobacco. Umpires are to stop games, eject the player violating this rule. I am asking each player to urge his teammates to leave his chew in his vehicle during any and all SAMSBL events.

3. Hats and Uniforms are not matching. Why are some players wearing gray and others are wearing white pants on the same team? Why are hats all different on the same team? It is a matter of pride for baseball players. Take pride in your looks while on the field. If you do not care about it, then please leave the SAMSBL. Each players has signed a 2010 waiver stating he will play by our rules. Look it up! Teams are to look like baseball players. We have distinguished ourselves over the past two decades as the "place to be". It is just a matter of personal pride to fix this. However, again, fines can solve the problem. Wash and repair your uniforms or buy new ones. Look sharp. If Managers will insist on a 1st class look, then this will fix the problem a lot cheaper.

4. Shortly, the list of World Series Managers and team brackets will be published. Every SAMSBL member in good standing is eligible to go to the 2010 MSBL World Series in Phoenix, AZ from October 18 until November 6. It cost at least $500 to go and spend a week in Phoenix. We all pay our own way. We will probably send over 12 teams in all age divisions. Some teams will be "Invitation Only" and others will be seeking players. For those interested, instructions will be published as what to do next. The Legacy of the SAMSBL in recent World Series is that all opponents of our teams know: "We are bringing our A Game; you had better bring yours." So, only those members who wish to take their game to the next level need apply. We have over 300 players who have experienced the "awesome-ness" of it all. 4. The World Series-bound teams are shaping up as shown below. Deposits are due national headquarters by mid-July. Each Player must pay his own way. The cost for each player can exceed $500. However, team unity of traveling, hotel accommodations, and car pooling can minimize the individual expense. For the Rookies going, it is an unforgettable experience. So commit early. As a reminder for all SAMSBL members, if we are sending a team in your age bracket, then expect to play with a San Antonio team. A release is required from me to play on another team. Expect no releases. The final list will be shown once all teams have committed.

TEAM                PLAYER STATUS           MANAGER
18+ Blaze           Invitation Only         George Kassis
18+ Dodgers         Seeking Players         Jesse Silva
25+ Titans          Invitation Only         Doug Rosini
35+ Dodgers         Invitation Only         Paul Luna
35+ Blaze           Invitation Only         George Kassis
35+ Cobras          Seeking Players         Kim Fuerniss
45+ Reds            Invitation Only         Phil Galloway
50+ Bombers         Invitation Only         Jerry Spencer
55+ Rangers         Invitation Only         Billy Jacobs
55+ Yankees         Invitation Only         David Kellum
55+ Dodgers         Seeking Players         Napoleon Campos
60+ Red Sox         Invitation Only         Bill Burgess
60+ Rangers         Invitation Only         Skip Bradley
Father/Son          Seeking Players         Alan Rabinowitz
														

There could be another team or two materialize once players focus on these details.

5. Too many children are running loose around our baseball fields. Closer supervision is now mandated. Kids are climbing onto school equipment, running around unsupervised and generally getting into places they do not belong. UIW has a "hard hat" area that is off limits to us except for a few players to retrieve foul balls. Kids are not to penetrate those fences around the huge work site. Kids are seen at the very top of St. Mary's Stadium with absolutely no reson to be that high. First, Parents are to supervise and control their kids at all our games. Second, Managers are mandated to to control their players' kids. Finally, any League official can dictate a solution including stopping a baseball game until supervision and control takes place. One kid turned off one bank of lights during a game simply because no one was watching him. He caught everyone's attention. Players will be held accountable for the actions of their families during our games.

The 2010 season triggered at the Double Tree Hotel with more than 30 team managers present. Each manager was introduced to allow each to meet the new guys. The first games will be the weekend of March 13. All teams are to complete a team roster, player waivers, and photo ID's for all rookies. These documents are due on or before February 25. All players are asked to "pursue these details with vigor" to ensure all team details are completed in a timely manner.

The Tryouts will be held at the University of Incarnate Word on Saturday, February 13 (weather permitting). The 55+ group will be first at 9:00 AM followed by the 45+ group at 10:00 AM and the 35+ group at 11:00 AM. The 18+ group will commence at 1:00 PM. Each team manager that wishes to participate in the draft needs be present 30 minutes prior to their respective group's time frame. The drafting order will be handed out to each participating manager.

The fields for 2010 will include VJK, UIW, Wolff, FRG, Blanco, BMc, TRN, WAG, WEI, and a new site to be announced. Games on weekdays will start at 7:00 PM and weekends will be 10, 2, & 6 where lights are available.

The rainout number will be 210-302-8228. All players are asked to call it and just listen if weather is an issue on game day. The announcement will provide instruction as to how to proceed; updated hourly as required.

There will be a workday at BMc at 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 17. Several small projects will be accomplished by those who participate in the event. The SAMSBL has offered its membership for work days at UIW, VJK, Wolff Stadium, or any where our presence will benefit the field.

The Regional and National Tournaments for 2010 include maybe a Memorial Day weekend tournament in SA, either July 4th in Dallas or SA, Labor Day in SA, and the World Series (Oct 18 - Nov 6) in Phoenix, AZ. For the first time in our history the SAMSBL will enter the Father/Son tournament and a 65+ team.

The SAMSBL will not play any games during Easter Weekend (April 2-4), nor on Sunday, May 9, Mother's Day. We will play baseball on June 20, FATHER'S DAY. Make your plans accordingly.

We have had two good weekends of excellent baseball weather. Every team got at least two games with several getting 3 or more. Nearly every team has won at least one game.

We have several more slots available to us in the next few weeks. Some games will be added. Managers will be notified in a timely fashion to mobilize their teams for play. Do check the May schedule as published. We will be adding a Memorial Day Weekend time period for a few teams. There will be no tournament in Austin during that weekend.

Tickets for the SAMSBL NIGHT at Wolff Stadium are now available. The night is Friday night, June 18. Only 80 tickets are available. The first 40 will sell for $5.00 each and the last 40 will sell for $10.00 each. Make your plans to attend that night. One of us will throw out the first pitch.

For some reason, players seem to want to push the point of violating the "Stop the Chirping" campaign. That is not good. If any more comments are heard, then expect games to be stopped, immediately until the offender is off the field and out of the parking lot. The Policy is published below for all to see. So please, read it and know that ANY negative statements will create aggravating consequences. Also, distractions are not a fun part of the game; including very noisy fans. All visitors to our games are my guests and are expected to handle themselves in an appropriate manner. We do not charge anyone to attend our games; hence, my guests. I will boldly address any issues when it comes to our Image and Reputation being trampled.

Tom Keyser, 45+ Rangers became the oldest player to hit a towering 312.035 ft home run at Blanco High School Field. Tom was 63 years 4.0 months old when he cleared the fence down the right field line. The last oldest guy to hit one was Pete Powell of the 45+ Cardinals two years ago at a mere 59 years of age. Congratulations to Tom Keyser.

There is an MLB rule that we will begin to enforce about having one foot in the batters box at all times. Too many of us are delaying the next pitch by stepping completely out of the box. Umpires can call a strike without a pitch being thrown. Look up the rule. As the weather turns hot, keep the games moving. An effort is underway to secure a trip to the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY to play a baseball game at Doubleday Field. Keep up with this web page as details unfold during the season.

All SAMSBL members are asked to continue their superb efforts of keeping our solid Image and Reputation impeccable. These two icons of our League have served us well over the years and opened many doors. I hope each of you have heard some the great things people have said about us of the years. For those who have not heard, just know that we are the only adult amateur league that gets to play on superb fields with quality competition which is organized. Never forget that others out there do not get to share what we have due to their own bad choices. They have earned what they do not have. And, they can keep what they have. And we will keep what we have. Dick "Lefty" O'Neal is participating in his 21st golf marathon to raise money for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. If you wish to donate to the cause in support of Dick, connect with him at roneal@satx.rr.com. Also, for a few who may not know, Dick has authored an excellent book about flavor of baseball in his (and ours) youth to the present day of MSBL experiences. He is wearing two hats these days with booking signings throughout the territory and as a scout for the Atlanta Braves. Dick has been a member of the SAMSBL for many years. Donate to a good cause. The Bexar County and surrounding area received over 2 inches of rain with many areas over 4 inches all day Saturday. I received calls on Saturday from all our field superintendants to postpone our games on their fields until next weekend. Their fields were underwater and they all had their own make up games beginning Monday (in addition to their usual Tuesday). All requested we not play on their wet field even though Sunday was a pretty day. I can only oblige. We should get in our games this next weekend. I will add games where I can to ensure all get at least one game with several teams having two.

The May re-schedule should be out by mid-week. Some of our fields will be the host of high school playoff games with our games either moving or being delayed. On a case-by-case basis, we will work through these conflicts. Games will be added where we can find a slot.

We will not play any manadory games during Memorial Day Weekend (May 29, 30, & 31). Managers will be asked if they would prefer to play a game or two. As long as opponents agree and umpires are available, we can have some games during that weekend (weather permitting). A different May schedule is now on-line. The initial changes are in RED. With high school playoffs coming during this period, we will have to adjust even further as required. We may have an option in early May to play some mid-week games. Memorial Day Weekend, 29, 30, & 31 is not shown on this schedule. There may be a small tournament in Austin that weekend. Details are coming, soon. However, if any teams want to play some local rained out games, weather permitting, we should have several slots available. Monday, May 31 is the holiday. We could play some games that day, also. The June schedule will be out about mid-May. We will have the SAMSBL Night at Wolff Stadium in early June. There will be 90 tickets available on a first come, first served basis. The cost for the first 45 tickets will be $5.00 each. The 2nd 45 tickets will be $10.00 each. We will be recognized on the field in the pre-game ceremonies. One of our members will throw out the first pitch that night. The tickets go on sale after May 16th. We have done this event for several years now. Those who participated in it have enjoyed the evening with friends and family. As Summer approaches, we can expect to play more games on Saturdays as slots become available. I have received a few schedule requests so far. Otherwise, I will rotate between teams as much as possible to travel as little as possible outside our territory. I do expect Kerrville and Halletsville to offer some fields to play on this summer. St. Mary's VJK will be generally unavilable to us all summer due to a heavy select ball schedule.

Anticipate some 2010 World Series managers to start asking for player commitments. A non-refundable deposit is due to MSBL Headquarters in July at the same time one is due for the 2010 Labor Day tournament in San Antonio. By early June a list of tournament teams will be published with its respective status of roster positions as either full or looking for players. Several changes will occur in the upcoming weekends due to Field Use for High School playoffs. We must respond by relocating some of our games. Each manager will be notified via telephone. All players are asked to "support the cause" as much as possible.

UIW, St. Mary's, And Trinity Baseball teams, all, are playing their respective Regional tournaments this next weekend, May 15-16. The next level after that is their respective World Series. Good for them that they are all advancing. It creates some problems for us, since their field are available for high school playoffs currently in progress. Due to the calls I have already received, we must vacate some slots at their sites.

We will not be playing at Trinity this weekend (May 16). We will not be playing at UIW the weekend of May 21-23. And, we probably will not be playing at VJK on Friday and Saturday, May 21 and May 22. Anticipate BMc on week nights and some weekends to take up the slack. Managers will be notified of pending changes as soon as sites are solidified. Week night games will trigger at 7:00 PM.

Tickets for the June 18 Friday night at the Wolff for the SAMSBL NIGHT are now available. Cost is $5.00 for the 1st 40 and $10.00 for the last 40. Some one of us will throw out the first pitch that night.

The June schedule will be published in the next few days. Please note several mid week games, so far, all at BMc. Again, all games during the week will start at 7:00 PM.

We had some aggravating luck over this past weekend with the weather. Heavy rain hit our area hard. Forecasts were dismal. Field Superintendants made the decisions as they saw fit regarding our schedule. As many of you know, we had many games cancelled, early. And, then the sun appeared. We managed to get in only 6 games of the 20+ scheduled.

In order not to get to far behind, we will begin week night games at 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Managers will be notified well in advance. Prepare to play the games. The last week of May 21-23 on the web schedule will go as published including those games at UIW. Only High School playoff games will bounce us. Additional slots will be added as necessary to get as many games as possible between Monday, May 17 and Monday, May 31.

All teams can expect to play at least one game during the Memorial Day Weekend. Again, prepare your team to play the games.

It seems that many managers and players are not current on our rules. All should read (or read for the 1st itme) the entire Rule 6.00 about Pitchers. It only takes a little bit of time to read our rules about once per year. It would make all questions easier to answer.

Congratulations to both the University of Incarnate Word and St. Mary's University baseball teams for reaching the semi-finals in their regional tournament. The Championship game is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, thanks to all the rain in Missouri.

Check out the June Schedule. WAG will not be available to us due to field re-construction this early summer. Expect another site to be announced shortly.

The MLB Rule for keeping a foot in the batter's box is 6.02(d). Several players have been wanting to delay a game for unknown reasons. Umpires can call a strike against such hitters WITHOUT a pitch being thrown. The rule is published by MLB to keep the game moving. Our umpires can do the same. Generally, all hitters comply and we all keep the game moving. Just continue to do so, please.

Two occurances seem to be repeating themselves, lately. One is the Non-Runner (N/R) miscue (wrong runner) and the other is "breaking up the double play attempt". The rule for League play is that LAST OUT (not necessarily batted out) is the runner for a declared N/R. Should a wrong player take the base (as the last out) for the N/R, the "penalty" is simply to put the right player on the base. This can happen even after a pitch or play has occurred. An OUT shall not be delcared. Simply make the correction.

However, sliding into or making contact with a defensive player who is in the process of attempting a double play are grounds for both offensive players to be declared out. Base runners are expected to give it up or get out of the way with the emphasis on avoiding player contact during the execution of the attempt. Inadvertant as it may seem, the umpires are able to declare both runners out should contact be made. It is an umpire's judgment call; and once rendered, it stands.

As a friendly reminder, players are not allowed to talk to umpires, only managers. During those "stressful times", it is really savvy to allow the manager to discuss the issues of a certain play or call. All players have agreed to play by the rules at all times via their signatures on their respective waivers. So, just let the managers take care of business. From a player's perspective, should an umpire call out "INFIELD FLY, BATTER'S OUT!!), then the rule is in effect. However, should neither umpire say anything, then the rule is NOT in effect. Opinions do not count. Let the managers handle it.

The SAMSBL will host a small (?) Tournament during the July 4th weekend. Monday should be the holiday. The first age bracket that has committed is the 55+ Wood Bat Division. Should other age groups commit, we can expand the size of the tournament. 5 teams in each age group is ideal. Cost will be $85.00 per player with 15 minimum players per team. Expect 4 games round robin with a championship game on Monday, the 5th. It will be the only tournament in Texas that weekend as far as can be determined. Team commitments with a deposit of $500.00 or more are required by May 16th. Call 210-302-8228 and leave some call-back information if interested.

So far, the "Stop the Chirping" campaign has involved three different players. One paid his fine and the other two have chosen not to and are no longer playing in this league. Each manager is urged to insist that all their players read and understand the policies published on this page for all to see. It is so important that the message get across that all are to keep their mouth's shut at all times. Situations like this create a bad image, anger, hurt feelings, and an expense that is intentionally arbitrary. Those minor collisions that create a spark, or a "bad" call that flairs emotions, or any incident that draws negative attention will be expensive for those involved should they wish to continue to play in this League. The size of the League is not as important as its Image and Reputation. So please, heed the policies published and just play baseball.

September 3, 4, 5, 6 will be the dates for our annual Labor Day Tournament, the 16th Alamo Classic in San Antonio. It is published on all the MSBL Event Calendars. The cost will be $85.00 per player with 15 minimum. Expect 5 different age brackets with 18+, 25+, 35+, 45+, and 55+. 55+ will be wood bat, only. Any other age group wanting wood bat baseball will be honored if at least 5 teams wish to have one bracket. The ages may blend depending upon the situation. Deposits of $500.00 are due by June 15 with the balance by July 31. The Managers' meeting will be held Friday night on September 3. The lead hotel and rates will be announced by late May. Call 210-302-8228 and leave contact information for a return call.

We had several games on Friday night and Saturday. The weather turned out to be just gorgeous. We had several excellent games with a few blow-outs. This next weekend should be a "go" for us all. There will be a couple of changes with those managers involved knowing well in advance. We did have a couple of players who "chirped" during a ball game. Both will be fined and not allowed to play until the fine is paid. Each incident will be announced so that all will know that 100% stopping all chirping and trash talking is the goal. Those fines paid will start to escalate for violators who continue not to believe "it can happen to them". No trash talking nor chirping at all at any time, please.

Everyone got to play at least one game this weekend, finally. The weather was great and mild all weekend. Thank you all for your continuing efforts to maintain our high profile image and quality of play. The results of the weekend are posted in the standings.

Man, what a difference a two hour rain shower makes! Early Saturday morning, two inches of rain fell all over the county. And, the cold wind did not help as much as you would like to dry those same soaked fields. We lost all day Saturday to play any games. And the decisions were made late Saturday evening by all those field superintendants not to work anymore on their respective fields so we could play on Sunday; except for Mr. Mun of St. Mary's VJ Keefe. Only he worked in the cold to have his field ready for us Sunday morning for the 10:00 AM game. So instead of 20+ games this weekend, we only got to play 5 with three on Sunday, only at VJK. Those teams who got to play owe Mr. Mun much for his tireless efforts on our behalf. He is a gem!

We will make up these games throughout April and May as slots become available. We will even have some mid-week games as necessary to catch-up. Even though Sunday was sunny, we had to abide by their decisions; so we did. Next weekend will see some changes if the work crew at UIW is active on Saturday. Each manager will be notified.

The University of Incarnate Word Coach, Dan Heep, gave a powerful presenation to the League at the Managers' meeting. Speaking "unscripted", he offered background and history as to the SAMSBL / UIW relationship and why it is so strong. He covered several areas of importance including our caring and maintaining of his field after games, our respect of his excellent facility knowing it is a privilege to use it, and the fact that he has never witnessed any derogatory actions or incidents on our part; not one in 15 years. He spoke from the heart as to how the SAMSBL has been instrumental to him in building his baseball program to the point that his team is in the top 10 in D-II in the nation. We have earned his praise and kind words, but we must always strive to live up to our tremendous potential as a League. He spoke of our many accomplishments on the national scene over the years. It was simply envigorating to know a man of his stature watched us, pulled for us, and was proud of us. Many thanks to Coach Heep for taking the time to visit with us.

March Schedule is updated as of March 5,2010

UIW has triggered its renovation of the Football Stadium to add more seating. The Parking Lot around the Baseball Field has been closed. We can no longer get to the circle turnaround. All traffic is diverted behind the outfiled wall. Parking is available to us behind center and right fence and along the outfield fence of the softball field. Additional parking is available to us on the southside of the creek in the lot by the new entrance to the campus. Expect a rather lengthy walk to the dugouts. A temporary drop-off point can be near the batting cages. Do not bottleneck traffic while loading and unloading your equipment. This situation will remain with us until our season is over. The Schedules for March, April, and May are published. Expect changes due to weather (it should be a wet spring) and some field changes for numerous reasons. Each player look for team double-headers. Each Manager call in the scores on the rainout number which is 210-302-8228.

All Managers were told that their team package (a folder with all the required paperwork) needed to be 100% satisfied so they could play their first game. Those teams whose folders are not complete will not play any games until all requirements are filled. Each Manager will know the status of his team well in advance to fix the problem. Players are asked to cooperate as required when your manager makes the request. A game missed is a game forfeited. Pull the rules and read about forfieting games in this league.

A Calendar of Events is updated. Check it often.

We will be playing in the City of Blanco at Blanco High School Field. Go north on Hwy 281 N until you get to Blanco. Turn left at the only light in town. Field is on the right. Drive time from 1604 and 281 N to the ball park is 43 minutes. Plan you routing. The opening games at Blanco on the 14th will be 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM starts. Otherwise, all others will be 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. One other change on March 21 at UIW, 51v50 will swap with 56v53. 51v50 will play at 6:00 PM.

The Cooperstown effort will be pushed back until late Spring 2011. Mike Dees, 45+ Padres, will provide information as needed.

Our first 65+ team for the 2010 World Series will be managed by Bill Howard, 55+ Texans. Our first Father/Son team will be managed by Alan Rabinowitz, 45+ Padres. Both Managers asked that interested person make contact with them, respectively, to confirm size of team. Check their schedules and visit them at a game.

Remember that our Image and Reputation, now, has opened many doors for us. All SAMSBL members are asked to protect and enhance these two, our best, features. Coach Heep is a testimony as to what I & R can do for us!

Play Ball!!

The SAMSBL has had a fantastic 19 years. We entered the adult amateur baseball market that was known, back then, as good baseball but with a history of fiery antics during and after games. The reputation of adult leagues was not very good from a behavior viewpoint. And the only way to get on the best fields available was to play the game with class. As a result of pinpoint focus and hard decisions concerning behavior, over the years, we turned around the image and reputation of adult baseball with outstanding results!

Locally, we play on some superb fields. The competition has gotten better each year. And, with our experience of nearly 60,000 games played thus far, we are still attracting rookies who want to join us. From our first endeavors of barely winning a game on the regional and state levels to dominating the national scene in recent years, the SAMSBL has, indeed, travelled the highways of hard knocks and lessons learned. Over the past 19 years, we have personified a mid-60’s adage: “we’ve come a long way, baby!”

The Cieaura chip pain management program seems to have been a huge success. In June, I chose to wear a chip daily. I kept it in place with a bandaid. Some lasted over two weeks before they needed to be replaced. I wish to be clear, my knee pain was never gone. I had a constant reminder of it with dull throb most of this past season. However, it was tolerable. I did take some Ibuprofen on occasions to supplement my own piece of mind to perform on the field. I can only report the facts for me, but I was on the field (on the mound) a whole lot this season. I pitched over 250 innings not including any batting practice efforts. I hit some, but I beat out every hit to centerfield (no 8-3 for me) and even outran a 9-3 attempt. In short, I am convinced that chip pain management is a viable option for each of you to consider for your typical baseball pains. You are welcome to continue your pills for pain. But, there is a better way without all the potential side effects.

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NON-RUNNER EXCHANGE Policy
Purpose: To stop excessive delay of the game while waiting for runner exchange to take place. The exact non-runner must be immediately available to replace the hitter on the base OR the umpires will negate option, immediately.

DEFENSE/OFFENSE EXCHANGE between innings Policy
Purpose: to stop excessive delays in the exchange process. Umpires can call strikes and balls, as necessary, to trigger the first pitch of the inning. It is possible to have runners on base or an out recorded prior to the first pitch if delays occur.