Oakland Youth Baseball To Be Little League Sanctioned

Oakland was previously sanctioned by Little League and competed in District, State and Regional tournaments with success. Currently Oakland Youth baseball is not sanctioned by a governing body other than the board of directors. Rules and by-laws are created to benefit a few chosen players and not to benefit the league.

Why would the League follow the "Pitch Smart" chart all season long and decide not to follow it for the playoffs? They are allowing a child to pitch up to 75 pitches one day and do it again the next. This could jeopardize the health and welfare of our young athletes. Why? For a more competitive championship game? Little League has a set of guidelines in place to prevent these issues. Little League recommends that no registration fee be paid as a requirement for a child to play. A registration fee of $60 is currently required along with selling Raffle Tickets. The concession stand needs to be operated by the parents, of children playing, and keep the offered food to a few items. Such items could be hot dogs, French fries, nacho chips, candy and drinks.

Being a sanctioned Little League would also provide the kids with a goal and possibility of playing in the Little World Series, something the community could be behind!! A quote of $1837.00 was given which included sanction fees, accident and liability insurance for 24 teams. A requirement of 12 regular season games and championship game be finished by June 20th is needed. The week of June 20th is the week MD District 1 starts its tournament. Individuals are allowed to play in travel team tournaments as long as they attend 60% of the season games.

This petition was created to gauge the interest of the parents which will be presented to the league if needed. Please comment with positive or negative issues with being sanctioned. This way we all can be fully informed and make the correct decision for our young athletes.