The Future of Youth Baseball & Softball in East Orange County

Issue

Youth baseball and softball in East Orange are facing challenges in terms of competition for market share. We do not feel we need to be loyal to a brand that no longer serves our needs

ActionThe current Board of Directors decided to explore re-chartering and potentially moving to a new governing body

Impact

The Board evaluated a number of operating bodies including PONY and Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken. Based on our analysis we are recommending a move to Babe Ruth /Cal Ripken

Change

Outward change will be minimal. BR/CR maps very nicely to existing age groups, yet provides superior flexibility and more competitive balance than LL

Time for Change

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The Competitive Landscape

• Youth baseball and softball in our area have undergone significant competitive changes over the last few years

• The rise of travel ball has created more opportunities for players to learn and play to the “real” rules of baseball

• Recreation ball players consistently fall behind on critical skills and are often at a disadvantage when they reach high school in terms of playing at a competitive level

• There are more competitive forms of baseball and softball available, such as Pony and Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken (BR/CR)

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The Competitive Landscape

• Other leagues in our region including Winter Park, College Park, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, South Orlando, Winter Springs and others have moved to BR/CR

• We have a responsibility for setting the future direction of baseball and softball in East Orange. We want a league that is strong, growing and sustainable

• Leagues that don’t make the move to be more competitive and raise their level of play often slide into declining enrollment and fall into a state of disrepair

• Little League may not be the best format for the future in East Orange County

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Rec ball is at the core of the baseball experience in East Orange County

Recreation baseball and softball1

Rec ball players want to have fun and play with their friends

Fun2

Rec ball players also want to be competitive and to play the same kind of baseball they see on TV

Competition3

Competitive travel ball players want the same level of knowledge and competition. We want to connect these experiences and provide for a wide range of opportunities for our kids

The travel experience4

Recreational and Competitive Baseball / Softball

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ConstrictedOur current boundaries with LL limit our growth and cause undue stress for our families

AntiquatedLL rules do not allow us to

teach our kids the real rules of baseball early enough (the

“open bases” dilemma)

InflexibleLL rules prevent us from having the flexibility to sponsor multiple All Star teams without forcing us to split into two leagues and decide which tournament to best place them

Not Always the Right SizeLL rules force our kids to play on fields that may not be the

appropriate dimension for their age and ability

Rules

Our concerns with Little League

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Current boundaries under LL

Current Boundaries Under LL

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Player in areas not covered by a current CR/BR can choose to play at East Orange, no waiver required

• Free market territory

Suggested new territory for East Orange would add territory to the west and north

• New territory

Our existing territory remains exclusively ours with new the ability to add to our current boundaries

• Existing LL territory

Flexibility in Boundaries

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70%

Current utilization

90%

Future utilization

We currently serve about 700 kids during our peak season in Spring. Orange County considers East Orange to be at roughly 70% utilization.

We think that expanding our territory will allow us to add another 200 kids in Spring at some point in the future and move closer to 90% utilization. Park utilization is an important determinant in deciding who gets County funds for improvement projects.

Expanded Territory Supports Growth

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LL – BR/CR Division ComparisonLittle League Cal Ripken / Babe Ruth

Division Age Group Division Recommended Age Group

Tee Ball 4-5 Tee Ball 4-5

Coach Pitch 6 Coach Pitch U6 BB 5-6

Rookies 7-8 Rookie U8 BB 7-8

Minors 9-11 AA U10 BB 9-10*

Majors 10-12 Major U12 (46/60) 10-12*

Intermediate 11-13 Major U12 (50/70) 11-12*

Juniors 13-14 Babe Ruth (U13 Prep) 13

Seniors 15-16 Babe Ruth (13-15) 13-15

Big League 16-18 Babe Ruth (16-18) 16-18*

Divisions - * Babe Ruth /Cal Ripken allows for much more flexibility

Instruction - Kids will continue to get the same quality coaching and play

Fields - East Orange has the facilities to accommodate BR/CR10

Rules

BR/CR – The Pieces All Fit

Offering children a dynamic growth and competitive experience with friends.

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Our Recommendation

It is the recommendation of the BOD to proceed with membership vote and re-charter to move our affiliation from LL to Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken upon the conclusion of the Spring 2014 season.

The change to BR/CR will need to be voted on by our current league membership, which includes families who paid a registration fee for the Spring 2014 baseball season (one vote per household) and current league volunteers, including current Board members and coaches.

Upon the opening of the Fall 2014 season, we will be operating under the same Board, coaching , local governance, and vendor relationships with the exception of our re-branding being chartered under Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken.

Recommendations and Call to Action

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Proceed with re-incorporation to be named “East Orange Youth Sports” to facilitate the inclusion of any newly expanded boundaries.

Create a Marketing Team to help facilitate communicating the message of the change to the existing and expanded territory.

Work with the BR/CR state commissioner to procure the Charter fee and insurance to complete the charter process. The cost compared to LL is a comparative “wash”..

Restructure our divisions as needed to align to BR/CR.

Recommendations and Call to Action

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Board Vote

League-wide EmailAn email with a link to this

presentation and associated FAQs is sent to current League Members

Fall ‘14May 11 Spring ‘14

Membership VoteLeague Members may vote at the park via paper ballot. One vote per household

Registration OpensRegistration for

Fall 2014

Vote CountMembership vote is

counted and announced via email and website

Suggested Timeline

A New Era BeginsOur park officially becomes a Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken affiliate

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THANK YOUTHANK YOU

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