Second Edition | October 21, 2017
Stings to Field 10 Baseball Teams Next Spring
The Williamston Stings Baseball Club will field a remarkable 10 boys teams for the Spring 2018 season, up from eight teams this past Spring, and just one team from when the Club was founded in 2014. The boys' team range from 8U to 14U. In total, a minimum of 126 players will be proudly wearing the Stings baseball uniform next year. Coaches are still being sought for second 10U and 11U boys' teams, and players are still being recruited for the 11U team. Please contact Jeremy Mourey, director of baseball operations, at williamstonstingsbaseball for more information.

Please note that mandatory 30-minute parent meetings for the 8U through 10U teams will take place on Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Commons Gymnasium, 201 School Street, in Williamston. The 11U parents will meet on Monday, Oct 30 at Biggby Coffee in Williamston. Parents of 8U-11U players should bring a $100 player participation deposit and a signed copy of the Parent Commitment Form to the meeting. Extra copies of the Parent Commitment Form will also be available on-site.

2018 Teams, Coaches and Mandatory Parent Meeting Times

8U—Coach Adam Kulesza, Sunday, Oct. 29, 6:00 p.m.
8U—Coach Larry Mourey, Sunday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.
9U—Coach Gregg Lavengood, Sunday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m.
9U—Coach Morgan Sullivan, Sunday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m.
10U—Coach Jordan Keener, Sunday, Oct. 29, 8:00 p.m.
*10U—Team #2 TBD—Coach Needed , Meeting TBD
11U—Coach Garrett Nolan, Monday, Oct. 30, 7:00 p.m., Biggby’s Coffee, Williamston
*11U —Team #2 TBD—Coach and Players Needed
12U—Coach Jeremy Mourey
12U—Coach Jay Ditman
14U—Coach Aric Carpenter, meeting TBD

With recruitment set to take place in the coming weeks, up to four girls' softball teams are also expected to take to the field next Spring. For more information, contact Jay Ditman, director of softball operations at jayditman5@gmail.com.
New Bat Rules for 2018 Pony League Baseball
Beginning in the Spring 2018 baseball season, all bats must have a USA Baseball stamp on the actual bat. Umpires will check the bat at each plate appearance. It is expected, however, that bats without the stamp will be allowed for baseball tournaments. Please note: the two 8U and two 9U Stings teams will purchase a small number of bats for those teams to share, given that for many of the boys and families, it may be there first time playing organized baseball, and therefore it's our desire to minimize the initial investment.

For more details on the decision, see the note below from Mid Michigan PONY League (MMPL) President Don Johns.

MMPL Community Coordinators:

The Mason Baseball and Softball Club (MBSC) Board of Directors has decided that the Mid Michigan PONY League should adopt the requirement that bats utilized in MMPL games should be USA Bat certified. These bats are now in stores and do notappear to be priced significantly different than bats in prior years. The one area where an exception will be made is that BBCOR (-3) bats from prior years will be allowed. These bats have essentially the same performance characteristics as new bats with the USA Bat certification.

The MBSC is taking this position for two reasons. First, not adopting the certification standard would expose the MMPL and everyone in it to significant liability risk. A player hurt by a batted ball from a bat that has been banned by most organizations would be an invitation for a lawsuit. Second, allowing the use of prior bats with "hotter" performance characteristics would lead to players and teams continuing with the older bats in order to gain a competitive advantage at the expense of safety. That is not the type of competition the MBSC wants to promote. All youth baseball programs including PONY are requiring the new bats for a reason. The older models are not safe. The MMPL
cannot afford to ignore this fact.

Don Johns
MBSC President

Additional information on the new youth baseball bat standards and frequently asked questions, visit
Stings Fall Fundraising Drive Underway
The Stings Fall fundraising drive is underway, with a goal to raise $10,000. The tax-deductible contributions will be used to make much-needed improvements to Field B behind Williamston Explorer Elementary School, including a completely overhauled in-field (see picture at right). The additional baseball teams set to take the the diamonds next Spring will require that Field B is in good playable condition. Dugouts for Field C will also be built in time for the Spring season.

A Stings Fall Fundraising brochure is being mailed to about 200 Williamston and Okemos area businesses, civic organizations and individuals encouraging their 2018 sponsorship support. To view the brochure, click on the images below. Please direct ideas or questions on Stings sponsorship to Dan Hurley at danielhurley2020@gmail.com.
Help Requested Nov. 10-11 to Construct Field C Dugouts
With an eye toward getting a head start on field improvements heading into the 2018 spring season, construction of dugouts on Field C will take place Friday & Saturday, Nov. 10-11. Volunteers with experience in construction would be greatly appreciated. Those willing to donate their time and talents are asked to contact Jay Ditman at jayditman5@gmail.com or Jeremy Mourey at williamstonstingsbaseball@gmail.com.
Volunteers Sought to Coordinate Stings Float for Williamston Holiday Light Parade
Volunteers are needed to lend their time and creativity in preparing a Stings Baseball Club float in the Williamston Holiday Light Parade, set for Saturday, December 2 at 6 p.m. All boys baseball and girls softball players will be invited to walk in the parade (assuming a float can be arranged). If interested in lending a hand to make this happen, please contact Jeremy Mourey at williamstonstingsbaseball@gmail.com.
Stings Board Aims to Advance Club's Mission
The 10-member Stings Baseball Club Board of Directors serves as the coordinating body for the Stings organization, establishing policies and procedures, and ensuring that risk-management, fiscal and game-playing matters are well attended to. While addressing short-term needs, the Board also seeks to ensure long-term vitality of the Club so that youth baseball in Williamston continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead. All Stings Baseball Club families are encouraged to reach out to any Board members to share ideas or make inquiries related to the Club's organization.

Stings Baseball Club Board of Directors:

Be in the Know--Follow the Stings on Facebook
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