At the last 50's Tournament, I was visiting with Hal Hatley, our Vice Chairman, and he mentioned the number of kids and grandkids running around, and it brought a big smile on both of our faces.  When I was elected almost 8 years ago, I  noticed that there not many kids around.  When I was 30, my wife Sherry and I loved bringing  the kids.  Later on, we loved bringing the grandchildren.  You get the picture.  Back to my first year.  I told the Board Members we had to change the atmosphere, and we did.  We cleaned up the language, stopped charging the vendors, always thanked the Maintenance Crews, and wow, what a difference.

 

Managers, we really appreciate your "thank you's and accolades" when we guess correctly, and play a tournament in and around bad weather.  It is actually an educated guess based on the weather during the days leading up to the weekend, and reading the weather projections during the weekend.  Please understand that we really want to play the games, if it is safe.  The entire Board has played softball for many decades, and we understand how badly you and your players want to play.  It is your escape, and for some it is much more than that.  Sometimes, we are just unlucky with the weather, and our decisions do not work out, but we always try to do our best.  In my lifetime, I have learned that there are 2 things we cannot control, and that is Father Time and Mother Nature.  We can only do our best.

 

Beginning in 2025, we are joining the 50's Teams and the 65's Teams and play on the same weekend.  That will allow all kinds of combinations, and allow many of you to play in FHC two weekends a month.  We are very excited about the prospect, and I know you are as well.

 

The FHC Board of Directors has been in discussion on how to grow our Association, and not add younger age groups.  Remember that the Board has the authority to add or change the Playing Rules to help our Association in any way that we can.  Playing Rules also cover the number of tournaments each age group must play to be eligible for the State Tournament.  

 

I have been contacted again by more than one Manager about moving back to a 74+ Division in 2025.  There are at least three things to consider here.  We must have at least 8 Teams to declare they will play in a 74+ Division.  Those Team Managers must vote to recruit Players from only their geographic area.  All Teams are subject to being rated, and placed in the proper competitive level.

 

We have updated our AED devices, which was a cost of several thousand dollars, and they will be available soon.  We deeply care about each and every one of you, and want to do whatever we can to protect you.  According to the law, we do not have to provide even a band aide, but we feel that is money well spent.

 

You need to pay your entrance fees on time.  Contact Al Melendez if you have a problem.  He is a really good man, and will work with you if you do have a problem.

 

Warn your Players that any threat to an umpire, Director, opposing Player, or anyone else, will bring a suspension from playing in FHC, and possibly bring in the police.

 

The Baden Softball is looking pretty good, don't you think?  I worked with our Baden partners, out of California, and they promised to make us a ball that would work in our Florida heat and humidity.  So far, so good.

 

*****Do not ever play anyone that is not eligible.  It could cost you dearly.*****

 

God bless you all,

 

Coach Mike Knowles
FHC Chairman