Updated Schedule

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Jerseys Are In

Our jerseys were picked up today, and they look great - I think we're going to look as sharp as we play! :)

But I got to tell you - I'm going to be a tough guy about these jerseys. Here's what I mean:

1) These jerseys have to last the travel team for several years, so I will expect you guys to take care of them and return them at the end of our season clean, in good condition, and ready for next summer.

2) I will not hand out jerseys to players who have not paid their $40 to the Mitchell Community Youth League. As I've said before, I realize that times are tough, so if you and your parents are going to have a hard time finding the money, please come and talk to me and we'll work something out. You can pay by check to MCYL or by cash.

For those players who have paid their $40, I will get your jerseys (and pants if you needed a different size) to you on Saturday during the League games. If you are exchanging pants, please bring your first pair to me so I can return them! If the games aren't rained out Saturday, don't leave the fields before getting your stuff!

Thanks guys!

Fastpitch Summer Camps

Coach Woolems and the Jackets will be hosting a series of summer fastpitch camps for our elementary and junior high prospects. The camps are designed to teach the skills necessary to take your game to the next level. The cost is $30. Each camper will receive a t-shirt and competition prizes.

For more info, click HERE.

Practice: 5/27

Our last "scheduled" practice will be Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30 pm at the MHS Field. Expect this to be a 2-hour practice.

It is very important that you be at this practice, as we will be working on our starting defense for both the A and B teams.

We will also have an extended hitting session led by Craig Duncan.

As I've told you guys already, there are no "weak" positions once you get to this level of competition. What I mean is that it's not a demotion to play in the OF. Actually, it's quite the opposite. There is roughly 285 feet from the LF foul pole to the RF foul pole, for THREE OF's to cover. That's 95 feet per player. Compare that to 25 feet or so that you cover in the IF. And once you get to a ball in the OF you have a longer throw to make. Trust me, if you play in the OF, we aren't "hiding" or demoting you. We're actually asking a lot of you. And we'll try several of you guys in the OF at one time or another. It's all part of preparing you to play at the High School Varsity level.

Hopefully you can see that each position - IF and OF - requires players with good athletic skills and abilities. And we have that on this team. YOU have good athlectic skills and abilities.

I'm ready to put you guys on the field. It's almost time!

Uniform Update

Hey Ladies!

Thanks for getting me the info on your pants - I've reordered the proper sizes for those of you who needed a change. I need for Cassidy, Sarah, Kelsey, Kinsley, Bailey and Michaela to bring me your pants so I can send them in for exchange - please do so by at least our next practice.

Our jerseys are being printed this week, and will be ready for us sometime next week.

Lastly, if you have not paid your $40, please (pretty please!) do so by our next practice (Wednesday, 5/27 at 5:30 pm). Checks can be made out to Mitchell Community Youth League. If we need to discuss the $40, please let me know.

And . . . the catchers gear is in as well. So we're just about ready to take this show on the road. :)

Practice: 5/19

We will have practice at the MHS Varsity Field on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 pm. Practice will be over by 7:15-7:30.

I will be handing out uniform pants at this practice, and I'll need to know ASAP if they fit or not. Also, I will begin collecting checks for $40 made out to the Mitchell Community Youth League.

Hoodies

Some of the girls have asked about getting hoodies like the MHS Varsity have, and I've looked into them. They are black with MITCHELL FASTPITCH surrounding a "softball guy" on the front.

If you want a hoodie, you can order one at Barlow Sports Jersey (849-0386). They are $25 each, plus any numbers or letters that you want on the back. Please deal directly with Barlow's - I will not be collecting money or sizes for these sweatshirts.

Please understand that these hoodies are entirely optional and are not being required for the Team.

Uniforms

Our uniform pants have arrived. I will have your pants, belt and socks for you at the next practice. It's important that you try them on ASAP so we can exchange any that don't fit.

Our jerseys are being printed and will be ready by our first game.

Also, as was mentioned in the Parent's Meeting, we will be collecting $40 from each player to help offset our expenses. Checks can be made out to Mitchell Community Youth League. If paying the $40 is an issue for you and your parents, please let me know and we can work something out.

Have a great weekend!

Thoughts on Being on a Team

The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.
~ Babe Ruth (baseball legend)

When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.
~ Joe Paterno (Penn State football coach)

A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.
~ Japanese Proverb

One finger cannot lift a pebble.
~ Hopi Indian Saying

Teamwork: Simply stated, it is less "me" and more "we."
~ Author Unknown

Practice: 5/12

Our next scheduled practice is Tuesday, May 12, on the MHS Varsity Field. This will be a 2-hour practice, from 5:30 to 7:30.

In addition to the usual fundamental drills and stations, we must begin preparing the girls for how to handle defensive situations. Also, we will begin to practice base-running. Lastly, we may try to work in some kind of practice game.

As always, in the event of rain, assume that we will have practice unless you see a cancellation posted here, or unless I give you a call to cancel.

Equipment / Uniforms

Just a head's up that on Friday, our uniforms were ordered from Kratz Sporting Goods. While the jerseys are being printed (and should be ready before our first game), the pants will be shipped to us early so that the girls can make sure they fit.

I "think" that we're going to be billed once for the jerseys (which the league will pay) and once for the pants/socks/belts, which we will pay. What may be easiest is for each parent to write a $40 check to the league and let the league make one payment to Kratz. I'll keep you posted on all of that.

Also, the league has authorized our team to get a new set of catcher's gear, which I have ordered. I am encouraged by the commitment to our team and the junior high program that is being shown to us by all involved!

Final Team Member

Tonight before our practice, Mia Burton went through her tryout for the Jr Hi Fastpitch Team. Mia participated in the same drills that the rest of the squad worked through, and her performance placed her in the top 15 of all girls who tried out.

Jody and I would like to welcome Mia to our team, and we are really excited about the team that is going to represent Mitchell Junior High School!

Practice: 5/7

We will practice on Thursday, May 7, at 5:30 pm on the HS Field.

After practice, uniform sizes will be confirmed using a size chart from Kratz Sporting Goods. Parents should be present to help with the final size selection for their daughter.

2009 MJHS Lady Jackets Fastpitch Roster

8^th Grade: Cassidy Higdon, Ashley Hughes, Sarah Johnson, Hannah Tanksley, Jordyn Wells

7^th Grade: Mia Burton, Hannah Ingram, Darby Pastors, Kelsey Wampler

6^th Grade: Victoria Allen, Kamri Duncan, Kinsley Duncan, Taylor Mann, Bailey Russell

5^th Grade: Michaela Collins