Parents,

Just wanted to remind you of the best and easiest way to be notified if games are canceled due to rain.  The procedure can be found on the back of your schedules and can be found on the web site but the easiest way is to do it right now as you read this.   We will be utilizing a text/email based cancellation program. This service will text you immediately if a game has been canceled ahead of time.  Opt in
your mobile phone by texting:
• MW901 to 84483 to receive Monday/Wednesday Youth Baseball alerts
• TR901 to 84483 to receive Tuesday/Thursday Youth Baseball and Babe Ruth alerts.

I recommend you do both in case you have a practice or make-up game on another night.  After 4pm the decisions on games are made by umpires or by coaches if they do not have umpires.

We also recommend that you download the free sportsengine app and log in.  This will give you immediate alerts to any game changes for things like rescheduled games.

1) Please see change in bat rules as explained below. 

2) In 2020, all players will be required to wear baseball pants and the primary color must be gray.  Pants may have a colored braid down the side but that is all.  If pants are not gray, the player is considered to be in an illegal uniform and will not be allowed to play.

3) In 2020, all players will be required to wear the issued hat given to them by Fondy Youth Baseball for Rec leagues.  No player may wear any other hat on the field such as a Fondy travel baseball hat or Brewers hat.  Any player without the proper hat can play without a hat at their own risk or not play.

4) Players will receive a dri-fit jersey this year rather than a cotton shirt.

THE RULES WILL BE DIFFERENT FOR THE SUMMER OF 2020.  ONLY BATS WITH THE USA STAMP ON THEM WILL BE ALLOWED IN 2020. This makes almost all bats produced prior to last year illegal to use in 2020.  This is following a new national standard that is being adopted for youth baseball.  If you want to buy a new bat this year and be able to use it next year, we recommend you make sure it has the USA stamp on it.

There are two types of bat standards produced right now.  One is certified by USA Baseball and the other is certified by USSSA Baseball.  These are different certifications.  Only bats with the "USA Baseball" stamp will be allowed in 2020.

6th grade and younger

Any bat with the "USA Baseball" stamp on it will be legal

7th/8th grade League

Any bat with "USA Baseball" stamp on it and is no more than a -5 drop can be used or a -3 BBCOR bat could be used

9th-12th Grade League

Only -3 BBCOR bats are allowed

Huge Thank You to Eric and Cheri Everson for donating and tricking out this awesome golf cart for Fondy Youth Baseball!

This cart will be used to transport fans with difficulty walking to and  from fields and also will help our volunteers move product from the main complex and 4th street fields back and forth. 

BASEBALL BAT BUYING INFORMATION

K-2nd Grade

 Bats must have USA Baseball Stamp on bat.   Bat lengths range from 25 inch to 27 inch. Bat weight is measured in weight drop, which varies between brands and models. Recommended bats would have drops of -10 to -12

3rd-6th Grade

Bats must have USA Baseball stamp on bat.  Bat lengths range from 28-29  inches for 3rd and 4th graders and 29-30 inches for 5th and 6th graders.  Weight of bat recommended would be a drop of -10 to -12 

* Weight Drop = Length of bat minus the weight.

Example = 29in., 17oz. bat is a drop 12 or referred to as a -12

7th/8th Grade Bats

Bats must have USA Baseball stamp and be no more than -5 drop or can be a -3 BBCOR bat.  Bat lengths are typically 30-31 inches. 

9th-12th grade Bats

Bats must be -3 BBCOR bats.  Bat lengths are typically 31-32 inches

GLOVE BUYING INFORMATION

The biggest issue seen in player development is parents buying too big of gloves for their child.  Reminder that high school and pro infielders use gloves that are 11.25 or 11.5 inches.  K-2nd grade players should probably only have 10.5 inch gloves No player should probably have a glove greater than 11.5 inches in all our leagues unless they are primarily an outfielder or play first base as those are the only positions that typically use a larger glove.  If a player may need a new glove next year, buy it as soon as possible so they have a chance to break it in prior to next season.

Code of Conduct Reminders; These are set by Fondy Youth Baseball and the Fond du Lac School District and pertain to coaches, players, and all fans.

1. Absolutely no swearing is allowed
2. Smoking or chewing tobacco while at fields or on school property or in presence of kids is absolutely prohibited.  This is in effect at all locations of all games and includes practices as well as travel baseball games in other communities or at tournaments.
3. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at any fields while a game or practice is underway.

• Act Your Age. You are, after all, an adult. Act in a way that makes your family and school proud.
• Don’t Live Your Life Vicariously Through Your Children. High school sports are for them, not you. Your family’s reputation is not determined by how well your children perform on the field of play.
• Let Your Children Talk to the Coach Instead of You Doing It for Them. High school athletes learn how to become more confident, independent and capable—but only when their parents don’t jump in and solve their problems for them. 
• Stay in Your Own Lane. No coaching or officiating from the sidelines. Your role is to be a responsible, supportive parent—not a coach or official.
• Remember, Participating in a High School Sport Is Not About Getting a College Scholarship. According to the NCAA, only about 2 percent of all high school athletes are awarded a sports scholarship, and the total value of the scholarship is only about $18,000.
• Make Sure Your Children Know You Love Watching Them Play. Do not critique your child’s performance on the car ride home. Participating in high school sports is about character development, learning and having fun—not winning and losing.