It is recommended that you read this in its entirety, especially if you are participating in the tryouts and/or are a new player.
Welcome to the 2010 OHIOMSBL!
This document should answer most of your questions concerning the League, tryouts, costs and the operations of the OHIOMSBL. If it doesn't, there are names of contact people at the end of this information who would be glad to provide more information. We are here to help.
What is the OHIOMSBL?
The Ohio Men’s Senior Baseball League (OHIOMSBL) is a non-profit adult baseball organization for adults (ages 25-70+) who want to "revisit their youth" and play hardball. This is our second year and we expect to have over 24 teams in 4 age divisions: 25 and over, 35 and over, 45 and over, and 55 and over.
Our motto is "Don't Go Soft, Play Hardball." The OHIOMSBL will be recognized as one of the premier sports operations in the Northeast Ohio area.
How many divisions are there and how many games are played?
There are 4 age divisions: 25 and over, 35 and over, 45 and over, and 55 and over. Each age division will play 15 regular season games, followed by a year end "All Ohio World Series" against the best teams from MSBL Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, and Cincinatti.
Your age for eligibility is anytime during the calendar year 2010. For example, if you are not 25 until December 31, 2010, you are still eligible for the 2010 season.
What is the cost?
The cost is around $15 per game (see 2010 Registration Dues below). Pretty cheap sports entertainment when you compare it to the cost of a round of golf, an afternoon of bowling or a day of skiing, not to mention an Indians game. These dues cover almost everything - use of the best fields, umpires, baseballs, national dues, and eligibility in the World Series in Phoenix, as well as other regional, national and international tournaments.
Players need to pay for their own uniforms. These run approximately $40 – 100. This is a one-time expense if you stay on the same team each year. All uniforms emulate (team names and designs) professional Major League, Minor League, or Negro League teams.
Even though we are not the greatest ballplayers in the world, the League insists that we all at least dress and look like baseball players. It is an important image to project, especially to the people who rent their fields to us. Keep in mind, we're granted access to some fields that are not available to other adult leagues.
New players must pay a $26 player registration fee. This is a one-time fee in your first year. If you continue playing the following year, you do not need to pay this fee again.
Each team is charged a participation fee per team. Your share of this cost will be determined by your team manager, and will depend on the number of players on the team, extra team expenses, etc. Most teams charge their players between $150 and $250 per player. You should discuss this with your manager when you are drafted.
When must these dues be paid?
Registration dues must be paid (in full) on or by April 1, 2010 for new players. For tryout players, it is EXTREMELY CRITICAL you understand that if your payment isn't RECEIVED by April 1, 2010, your name will be removed from the draft list and you can't play in 2010. Teams must pay their team fees by April 15, 2010. A non-refundable team deposit of $500 is due by March 15, 2010 to reserve your spot in the league.
Commissioner George Hughes will have hard copies of Registration Forms as well as Waivers of Liability at the tryout if you cannot register electronically. The League strongly encourages online electronic registration with electronic signature as opposed to filling out the hard copy.
The League has a "No Pay, No Play" policy. Remember, we want players who are serious and no team can or will draft a player who hasn’t paid. Teams will not be permitted to pay the dues of a tryout player on Draft Day so they may draft them. If a player is drafted and changes his mind, that team will have been placed in a very difficult position. They’d have to fill that spot at a time when all available players have been drafted. All player fees are non-refundable.
To whom must you pay?
You must pay by check. Check payments for your registration dues are payable to the “OHIOMSBL” and should be submitted to:
OHIOMSBL
3768 Boydell Rd.
Kent, Ohio 44240
Online Registration
You may register online, which includes agreeing to the terms of the Waiver of Liability. It takes only a few minutes. Just go to our home page at www.OHIOMSBL.com and fill in the forms. You can pay dues by mailing in a check. Until you pay in full, your registration is considered pending.
Is the Waiver of Liability important?
It's not simply important, it's mandatory (no exceptions).
Will my information be kept confidential?
Your e-mail address we ask for is used only by the League so you may receive pertinent League information. Your e-mail address is not sold to any outside agency. This policy is strictly enforced by League officials.
How many Tryout sessions must I attend?
One is enough, however, it is always better to attend a couple so all the Team Managers get a good look at your skills. It also tells them that you are enthusiastic about playing. And, of course, if you wait until the last tryout session and it rains, you’re out of luck.
What must I do at Tryouts?
Just relax and have fun. You will be asked to demonstrate your skills as related to your desired position(s). This may mean hitting, running, throwing and fielding. Running will be voluntary, but if you show off good foot speed, it is an excellent skill for senior players. If you are a pitcher or catcher, you will, of course, be asked to pitch or catch. You should try out for all the positions you want to play in the OHIOMSBL.
What if you do not get drafted after trying-out?
It can’t happen. If you come to the tryout, you will be assigned to a team. The tryouts are really just a way for the coaches and players to get to know each other and to see where your talents fit the teams needs.
Tryouts - When and Where
If you wish to play (and you are not on a team yet), you must attend at least one (1) tryout to be eligible to be drafted. All tryouts will be held at either Thurmon Munson Stadium, 2501 Allen Road S.E. , Canton, Ohio 44707, or Massillon HS Baseball Field, 1 Paul Brown Drive, Massillon, Ohio 44646. All age levels try out at the same time.
Directions to Thurman Munson Stadium:
From the North: Follow Interstate 77 South through Canton to Exit 103, S.R. 800/Cleveland Avenue. Follow the curve of the exit ramp to the right onto Cleveland Avenue Southbound. Turn left at the second traffic light, Mill Road. Turn left on Mill and go one block to the stop sign. Turn left, stadium is on the left.
From the South: Follow Interstate 77 North to exit 103, S.R. 800/Cleveland Avenue. Turn right at the stop light onto Cleveland Avenue. Turn left off Cleveland Avenue at the first traffic light, Mill Road. Turn left on Mill and go one block to the stop sign. Turn left, stadium is on the left.
From the West: Follow U.S. 30/62 East to I-77 South. Use directions "From the North."
From the East: Follow U.S. 62 West to I-77 South. Use directions "From the North."- OR - Follow U.S. 30 West to the Cherry Avenue Exit, S.R. 43 North. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto 11th Street, SE. Follow 11th Street to the second traffic light, Market Avenue, and turn left. Follow Market Avenue to the yellow caution light at Kimball Road and turn left. Take Kimball to Allen Avenue and veer right. The stadium is on the right.
Directions to Massillon HS Baseball Field:
Take I77 to exit 109 (Everhard Rd.) Turn right (west). Turn slight right at Hills & Dales Rd. Turn left at Wales Rd. (OH 241). Turn left at Lincoln Way (OH 172). Turn right at Hess Blvd. Turn left at Oak Ave. Turn right at Paul Brown loop road and follow to field.
OHIOMSBL Tryout #1
TBD
OHIOMSBL Tryout #2
TBD
OHIOMSBL Tryout #3
TBD
OHIOMSBL Annual Draft – April 15th , 2010
What if you get drafted by a team and refuse to report or quit during the season?
Simply put, you don't get to play and you don't get a refund. The OHIOMSBL wants to ensure parity, which is the reason for the OHIOMSBL Draft. Before the actual Draft, you need to decide if you really have the time, desire and money to play. Certainly not after! To be fair to the team drafting you, you should be available to play in at least 75% of the games. If you refuse to report after being drafted, you will not be able to play in the OHIOMSBL for two (2) years. And there will be no refund of your registration dues. If you “drop out” on the team that drafted you, that team loses a valuable draft pick and will be without a player for a full season. Thus, the severe penalty.
Do you need to be in shape?
Like John Kruk of the Phillies once said, “I’m not an athlete, I’m a baseball player.” So there is hope for all of us. At this senior level, the player who is in good condition can often times outperform a more skilled player.
What if you have not played for awhile?
Welcome to the crowd. Almost everyone now playing in the OHIOMSBL had not played for a number of years. If you played some high school baseball, you probably won’t have any trouble competing. Actually, there are some good players in the League who were outstanding athletes in other sports, but never played baseball during their youth.
What about equipment?
Besides purchasing your uniform, there’s your glove, cleats (metal or plastic) and other personal gear that you must have. Most teams will have bats to use, but these usually belong to individual players. You are encouraged to have your own bat and batting helmet. A helmet that fits can be purchased for $15-40 from a baseball catalog or a sporting goods store. Wood bats or composite wood bats are mandatory. If you haven’t played in a while, and don’t have your own bat, it’s a good idea to wait for a few practices to buy one. You can use a few of the team bats to see what size suits you before you go and buy your own. Be prepared to break a bat during the season! Most players have 2-3 bats at any one time.
For the Tryouts, you are strongly encouraged to bring your own bat and helmet if you have them. Generally, each catcher has his own equipment. Don’t forget to mark your equipment in case it gets misplaced.
Where are the games played?
As the premier adult league in the area, we are privileged to play on the best fields available in the greater Summit, Stark, and Mahoning Counties. We are using Munson Stadium (the former home of the Cleveland Indians minor league team, The Aeros), Massillon Tiger Field, Bob Cene Park, and others. The league will play approximately 150 games this season. We continually strive to improve the overall field quality in our game inventory through feedback from teams and by working with the schools and communities who provide the venues.
When are the games?
Generally, teams will average one (1) game per week over the regular season with fewer games in May and June and more games in July and August. Weekday games on unlit fields usually begin at 6:00 pm and at 7:00 pm or 7:30 pm at lighted fields. Weekend games begin at 10:00AM, noon, or 2:00PM. Most games will last a full nine innings; a few will end earlier due to darkness or field-specific time limits.
Is there a minimum playing time rule?
The OHIOMSBL does not have such a League-wide rule. However, we do encourage all our teams to be fair about playing time because everyone pays to play. Many teams have policies of playing every player who shows up for the game both offensively and in the field. Check with your team manager to see what his rules are.
Rainouts
We'll have rainouts, no doubt. The League Rainout Line is 330-671-3339. Every effort is made to post rainout information at least 2 hours before the scheduled first pitch. Obviously, at times this is impossible. Be patient. Remember, you're not the only one playing on any given day. Some Saturdays or Sundays we'll be playing over 30 games league-wide, so there are a lot of field conditions to monitor. The rainout hotline can be called 24 hours a day. Some days it will be updated numerous times. An effort will be made to contact the TM of a team whose game is rained out, but at times this can't be done. Every player is encouraged to call the Rainout Line several times throughout the day.
What is the role of the Team Manager (TM)?
The TM is the key to the overall success of this League. He is the main link between you and the League, especially with respect to communications. He must attend all monthly OHIOMSBL General Meetings, handle all administration and managerial functions. The TM may appoint an on-the-field manager, but in the eyes of the League the TM is the boss of his team.
Once on a team, can I change teams?
No, not within your division, unless a suitable trade can be worked out. You can request to be traded at any time as long as both Team Managers agree and the League approves it. If you are unhappy at the end of a season, you may go back into the Draft the following year by trying out again and, if you are selected, you can join another team within that division. Once you are on a team’s roster, you are no longer a free agent within that division.
When is the Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series?
The MSBL World Series is played in Arizona and Florida during the months of October and November. Participation is voluntary. Some teams will bring an "All-Star" team that is different than their regular season team.
What umpires are used in the OHIOMSBL?
The best available. The same professional umpires are used by the local high schools and colleges. Like the players, they make mistakes, but experience has proven that overall they make fewer mistakes (both mental and physical) than the players. OHIOMSBL schedules our own umpires, so if you are interested in being used by our league, please contact OHIOMSBL for information.
How does the OHIOMSBL deal with discipline?
The best approach is not to find out. We are very severe to those who choose to not obey our rules. If the rules say you can't do something, don't do it. Because we are all adults, every player is expected to conduct him or herself beyond reproach. The excellent reputation of our League allows us to play on the best fields available. The OHIOMSBL has established itself as being more than just a "beer league", so there are enormous penalties (and possible expulsion from the League) for any bad conduct on or near the playing fields. Ask for a set of rules if you have any questions. Your Team Manager has a copy. They are on the website as well. When administering any punishment, the League will assume that you were fully aware of these rules before any such violation occurred. It’s not possible to register online without agreeing to the Rules of Conduct
When does the season begin and end?
It generally runs from early-May to the end of September. OHIOMSBL Divisional Playoffs run for several weeks in September. Starting our season earlier would meet with too many rainouts and a lack of playing fields which are occupied by youth teams.
How about Holidays during the OHIOMSBL season?
There normally are no regular season games scheduled on Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends. It is up to the team to request to play on a holiday weekend before the game schedule is finalized. Some OHIOMSBL teams choose to play in tournaments over the Memorial Day Weekend, July 4th and Labor Day Weekend.
What Division(s) can you play in?
It depends on your age. Whatever your age, you can always “play down” into a lower age bracket, assuming you are good enough. Unless you are an exceptional player, we encourage you to stay in your own age category. On the registration form you may indicate whether you hope to play in the most competitive division regardless of age or that you prefer to play with players your own age.
Again, your calendar age applies in order to be eligible to play. In other words, if your birthday is on December 31st, whatever your age is at that time qualifies you to play in the appropriate Division / age bracket during that preceding summer season.
Can you play in two (2) Divisions?
You can do this, however, you must pay two (2) registration dues, and both Team Managers must approve of sharing your time. You must indicate which Division will be your priority team in the event there is a game conflict in the schedule. This enables the TMs on both teams to know your intentions in advance.
What about Medical Insurance?
Each player is personally responsible for any medical expenses as a result of an injury while playing in the OHIOMSBL. While the League has a liability policy, it does not provide medical insurance for players.
Whom should you contact if you have any further questions?
Our website address is www.OHIOMSBL.com. Our mailing address is: OHIOMSBL, 3768 Boydell Rd., Kent, Ohio 44240. The national organization’s (MSBL) website is www.msblnational.com. Questions should be only directed locally, however.
Joe Sidor, League President, and George Hughes, League Commissioner, will be in charge of the tryouts. Joe may be reached at 330-673-7748 (home) or 330-671-8811 (cell). George may be reached at 330-904-1552.
The OHIOMSBL telephone has a voice mail system which will have important information and updates on the Tryouts, Draft and other issues. The League telephone number is 330-671-3339.
If and when you are drafted by a team, your main contact will be your Team Manager. In addition, your Commissioner can also help. All these names are on the home page.
All tryout sessions are FREE. Under no circumstances will a player be allowed on the field prior to filling out and signing a Registration Form. For this, there are no exceptions.
Thank you for interest and/or participation in the OHIOMSBL. We hope to see you at the tryouts!
E-mail:
info@ohiomsbl.com
