Volume 5 Issue 1 January, 1998

Player and Coaches Clinic Dates Set
 

Amherst - Want your daughter to develop her softball skills further? We are pleased to announce that Gerry Gentner and Earl Leising, Travel Coaches for the nationally ranked AGSL Lightning, have agreed to lead clinics for AGSL girls of all ages. All clinics will be held at the North Amherst Recreation Center on Millersport Hwy. Complete the enclosed registration f orm and mail it today! Spaces are limited, and we had more than 100 girls sign up last year.

 See insert for additional information on coaches' clinics and pitching clinics for girls.

Sponsors Needed!

The AGSL is selling outfield signs for $200 each. We can accommodate 40 signs on our fields. So if your company is looking for a great way to support our girls - and to

Inside This Issue
 

New Board Elected ...................................... P2

Elementary Division Restructured.................. P2

Retiring Commissioner speaks...................... P3

AGSL subject of Book.................................... p3

AGSL Face Lift .............................................. p3

Volunteers needed........................................ p4

National Tournament here............................ p4

Concession Stand......................................... p4

 Finnerty Retires............................................ p4

Travel Team Report...................................... p4

Registration form for clinics........................ Insert

Nowak wins Scholarship

Jenny Nowak is the 1997 recipient of the $ 500 AGSL Scholarship. Jenny played in the house leagues from 1st through 12 th grades, and on travel teams for 12u through 18u. She is now studying Physical Therapy at Northeastern.

Good Luck Jenny!

 advertise your products or service- contact Jerry Newman at 839-3843. We also have team sponsorships for $100. The name of your company will be imprinted on the back of the Jerseys.

Wanted! Concession Stand Supervisor - Paid Position

The AGSL is looking for a person to supervise the staffing and operation of the concession stand from the start of the season through the tournaments (approx May 1 - August 15). Compensation negotiable. Primarily evening and weekend day hours. Prior co ncession stand experience a must. If interested, please call Phil Augustino at 634-9811.

The King is Dead! Long Live the King! New Board Elected for AGSL
 

Amherst - The October meeting for The Amherst Girls Softball League is traditionally our night for elections of board members. Before announcing the winners, we would like to thank outgoing Commissioner Phil Augustino for his leadership, stamina, and above all, patience. The job is a difficult one, and Phil's dedication to the league is deeply appreciated. Our new Board includes many veterans who continue to make the AGSL the finest softball league in Western New York (this is not bragging folks, we asked Price-Waterhouse to do an independent audit - honest).

 Phone Numbers

Commissioner Gerry Gentner 631-8014

 Commissioner emeritus Phil Augustino 634-8283

Elementary President Steve Rodgers 689-2380

Major President Jerry Acierno 689-3760

Senior President Connie Draper 688-5616

Field Maintenance Peter Ruppar 626-0417

Public Relation/sec Jerry Newman 839-3843

Travel Teams Bob Gentner 632-3674

Tournaments Bob Nowak 688-6623

Treasurer Tim Abbott 688-5894

Concession Stand Sue and Terry Boerst 632-5722

Construction Czar Mark Tober 626-5527

Equipment John Tripi 688-0417

Fund raising Unfilled

State Tournament (from p1)
 

In other tournament news, the 1997 Aunt Rosies 7th annual tournament was another big success. 60 teams from 4 states and Canada participated 3 weekends in four age groups. Some of the teams pl aying in our tournament were state champions, division winners, and zone and national tournament participants. Besides the 60 teams who played, 38 others were on a waiting list - our reputation as a quality league with outstanding facilities continues to grow.

Elementary Division Restructuring

by Steve Rodgers

 Based on feedback from our customers - you - the AGSL will be implementing a new elementary league structure for 1998.

 In Charge ...

Single A K - 1 Steve Rodgers 689-2380

AA 2 - 3 Rich Gergelis 636-0070

AAA 4 - 5 Peter Weisenborn 688-4067

 We hope this will create a more competitive and balanced league. If you and your daughter's coach feel that your daughter is ready to move up to the next division one year early, write a letter to the Board requesting authorization to register for the next level.

 Out going Commissioner Thanks Retiring Board Members

by Phil Augustino, Commissioner (1996-1997)

 As my two year tenure as Commissioner ended in October, 1997, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the new Commissioner, Gerry Gentner, the best of luck over the next two years. I intend on remaining active in the League , assisting with tournaments and continuing to help improve the softball complex.

 I would like to thank all of these individuals who helped me during my term of office, in particular the Board of Directors of the League. The Board consists of very dedicated people who donate a considerable amount of time to make the League a success. Deserving special thanks are three people who have retired from the Board: Dick Mallison (Major/Senior Division President; Dave Finnerty, Tournament Director; and Jayanthi Govindaraj, Sec retary).

AGSL Complex undergoing more Improvements

Peter Ruppar, Field Maintenance

AGSL Complex - This year will be our fifth season at the Audubon Girls Softball Complex and, as usual, we have some im provements on the drawing board. Last year, we expanded our concession stand and, finally got connected to the sewer line. The year before, we built a picnic shelter. Before that, it was the electric scoreboards. The backyard of Audubon is a far different place today than it was not too long ago.

Four years of softball can take a toll on fields. This year we hope to begin renovating our diamonds. We plan to start with the infields and later turn our attention to the outfields. The goal will be to have a more durable playing surface, with less dust, and better water-shedding qualities so we can get back to playing ball sooner after it rains.

AGSL Book to be on Times Best Sellers List?

Jerry Newman, Staff Reporter

Canisius College - Jim Sylvis, Assistant Coach on our 14U Travel Team, is working on a book about the history of the Amherst Girls Softbal l League. You may have seen the Amherst Bee article of November 12, talking about Jim's love of the league and his interest in putting together a written and pictorial history of the league and of girl's softball. So do you want to be part of history? Do you want to see your daughter's softball picture in the book? Jim is looking for pictures that help document the history of the league. He particularly needs pictures that show the complex at different stages of development. Any pictures you might have of your child doing anything associated with softball is welcome: sideline activities, backyard play, practice, game play, posed pictures, fund raisers, different equipment, Super Saturday, concession stand, team meetings or parties, etc. Jim is looking for pictures that depict the whole experience of girls fastpitch softball. Who knows, you may contribute to an American Masterpiece. Send your pictures now!

 Any pictures you submit should include name, address, child's name and age, number of photographs included, age of child in photograph. Jim guarantees that all pictures will be returned (editor's note: Jim's a good guy - trust him)

 Jim Sylvis (688-1542)

 3355 Tonawanda Creek Rd

 Amherst, NY 14228

Another thing we hope to do is to build a maintenance garage for all of our field equipment. We're already outgrowing our space and would like to turn our current field equipment storage area into a combination coaches and instructional room. Farther down the road we're looking into lighting and, possibly, adding another diamond or two.

 Registration Fee for 1997 Announced
 

K - 1 $45

2 - 3 $55

4 - 12 $65

Open Registration Dates Announced
 

If you know a girl who is new to the league, registration will be at Clearfield Recreation Center on the following dates:

Jan. 31 (9 - noon) Feb 28 (9 - noon)

Feb. 4 (6 - 8 pm) Mar 4 (6 - 8 pm)

Uncle Peter Needs YOU!!! Peter Ruppar, Field Mainte nance

Another Coup! AGSL to Host Northeast National ASA Tournament

Audubon - Bob Nowak, Tournament Director, proudly announced at the last board meeting that the AGSL was selected to ho st the Northeast National 14 and Under ASA Tournament. Next to the National tournament, this is the most prestigious event in the ASA schedule. Up to 40 teams, qualifying through their own Northeast regional tournaments will be at our complex August 5-9.< /FONT>

The Complex - Parents! Want to watch the sunrise over far flung ball fields glistening with morning dew? Pull a drag mat around with a tractor? Learn the secret of making perfectly straight baselines with a field marker (a work still in progress for most of us)? Then sign up for our field improvement and maintenance committee when you send in your daughter's registration form.

 The field committee does its thing on weekend mornings in May and June and throughout the day, in shifts, on tournament weekends in July. There are usually three or four parents on a cre w. Each crew member helps out about once a month. Although you have to get up early, we're usually done by 9:00 am during the regular season. We need about 40 parents in all. Some sign up year after year, so there must be something good going on! It's a g ood way to either get involved, or stay involved, with Amherst Girls Softball and to do your part to help out. If you're into construction, landscaping or gardening, so much the better. We always have projects to work on.

 Finally, a word of thanks to all of our field committee volunteers from last year and, especially, to our Assistant Field Directors: Mike Delamere, Ernie Hanna, Doug Cooke, Ed Haug and B ob Draper.

 We will host an opening draw and dinner for the coaches, a pizza party for all the team members, and an opening day parade. Come see up to 200 games of exciting softball

 _____________________________________________________

Concession Profits up under New Leadership

Sue and Terry Boerst have just completed their first year managing concession stand operations. By cutting waste and purchasing in volume our profits are up. Every dollar we earn in the conces sion stand means one less dollar we have to charge in registration fees. So please, next time you are asked to help in the concession stand, remember it's for a good cause.

 Next year our goal is to build on concession stand successes by offering more variety in the menu. Master Chef Jerry Newman has been working with the Boersts on new recipes involving Ost rich and Yak meat. "In the right sauce Yak tastes just like chicken", Newman claims. If you have any recommendations for new menu items for the concession stand, or just want to suggest changes, feel free to call the Boersts at 632-5722.< /TD>

Dave Finnerty Retires as Tournament Director!

 Over the years, Dave has been a house league coach, travel team coach, and tournament director, as well as being on the Board of directors of the AGSL. Thanks Dave for all you've done. Y ou'll surely be missed.

The Amherst Girls Softball League Would like to thank

Ahrens Graphics, Inc

4011 Sheridan Drive (632-2491)

For their support of our league

and this newsletter

AGSL Clinic 1: ALL Skills Clinic for AGSL Girls

2 sessions: January 25th and March 1st

Age Groups: Grades 2 through 12 (players will be divided according to age)

Cost: $6 per session or $10 for both

Location: The North Amherst Recreation Facility

 4415 Millersport Highway (corner of New Road)

Registration: 10:00 a.m.

Start Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

What to bring: Softball mitt, sneakers, sweat pants

Skills Covered: Hitting, Bunting, Base Running, Infield, Outfield, Sliding

Instructors: The Amherst Lightning Travel Team Coaching Staff

 (for more information call 626-1241)

Reserve your spot today by filling out the application form below:

______________________________________________________ ____________________

(Last Name) (First name) (age)

______________________________________________________ ____________________

 (Street) (phone)

______________________________________________________ checks payable to:

 (Town) (Zip) The Amherst Girls Softball League

 Return to : Earl Leising

 139 The Paddock

 Williamsville, NY 14221

 1/25/98 Session @ $6 3/1/98 Session @ $6 Both Sessions @ $10

AGSL Clinic 2: Learn to Pitch (all skill levels). Grades 3 - 12

Requirements: Must be accompanied by Parent or Team Coach. Bring glove and sneakers

Dates: Jan 18; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar 8, 15, 22

Cost: $ 10 total for all sessions

Where: North Amherst Rec Center (Millersport Hwy and New Rd).

Time: To be announced. Call Gerry Acierno 689-3760 prior to first session

AGSL Clinic 3: Coaches, Asst. Coaches, Prospective Coaches

When & Where: Williamsville South Gym at 7 pm. Call Gerry Acierno 689-3760 if questions

What: No charge; Learn to run effective and organized practices

ASA Clinic: Coaches, Asst. Coaches, Girls

 Maryvale High School also will sponsor its regular coaches clinic and a new clinic for girls. Dates are as follows: Call Gerry Gentner for details 631-8014.

Coaches' Clinic: March 13

 Kids' Clinic March 14-15

 Travel Team Update

10 U The 10 and Under travel team played in three tournaments, West Seneca, Lou Gehrig and Connie Mack. Although their record was 2 - 12, they were in every game but two till the seventh inning. The girls improved with every tournament. With pride and enthusiasm, these girls never gave up till the game was over. Congratulations to our little girls with big hearts!

14U In tournaments, the team went 30 -12, winning two championships: the ASA Metros, and Lakers Invitational in Newark, NY. The team also competed in tournaments in Stow, Ohio, Syracuse, NY, Aunt Rosies; Regionals in Staten Island; Lou Gehrig; and the ASA Zone Championship in Williamsport, Pa.. Team members included Alanna Atwood, Molly Babcock, Sara Colombo, Sarah Cornwall, Mary Rose Cutle r, Karen Kracker, Maura Linsey, Rachel Moran, Kirsten Mosdal, Kara Sylvis, Maggie Tober and Stephanie Trebes.

18U Our Nationally ranked 18u team went 33 - 19 in tournament play this year, defeating some of the toughest teams in the nation. The high light of the season may well have been a fourth consecutive victory in the Buffalo Metro ASA tournament. By beating the very best teams in the area, our Amherst Lightning promise an exciting season for 1998.

Newman Coach of Year

Jerry Newman, editor

To Pants or Not to Pants

Amherst - In a clear travesty of everything that is good and pure, Jerry Newman was selected as the Major/Senior Coach of the Year for 1997. "We don't know how he did it, but we'll find out and close the loophole" reports Peter Rupture, AGSL elections official. Newman is currently the Coach of the Senior Astros, and just finished a 4 year stint with the Major Phillies. When asked to comment, Newman noted: "Sure other coaches have bette r records than me. And maybe they run better practices. But I got my success stories too. Just ask two of my girls, Shannon Liceless and Jill Ono. They've been starring on the Attica Angels for the past 2 to 5".

 Audubon Complex - The AGSL Board voted in its December meeting to begin requiring girls to wear standard softball/baseball pants as part of their uniforms. "We will begin this year requiri ng girls in the AAA (grades 4-5) division to wear standard softball pants" reports Steve Rodgers, Elementary Division President. We also encourage girls in other divisions to follow this lead.

 The Board has debated this issue over the last several years. With more leagues adopting this rule, and with the growing belief that "good appearance makes for good play", the League decided to field test the new rule with the AAA division. To encourage the spread of this uniform change, the league will look into bulk purchases at reduced cost.