FEMALE BEAGLE MIX

APPROXIMATELY 8 YEARS OLD

FOUND ON HWY 47 & MAIN

Saturday, May 7, 2011 Opening Day games begin

Umpire schedules are available for pick-up

From the Director

I would like to share a true story about character and sportsmanship.

“I’m an Ump!”

Donald Jensen was struck on the head by a thrown bat while umpiring a little league game in Terre Haute, Ind. He shook off the blow, and finished working the game, but that night he went to a hospital with head pains. While being kept overnight for observation, the umpire wrote the following letter to parents of Little Leaguers everywhere.

I’m an umpire. I don’t do it for a living, but only on weekends for fun. I’ve played baseball, coached it and watched it, but somehow nothing takes the place of umpiring. Maybe I feel deep down that I am providing a fair chance for all kids to play the game without disagreements and arguments.

But, there is one thing that bothers me about my job. Some of your folks don’t understand why I’m there. Some of you feel I’m there to exert authority over your son. For that reason, you often yell at me or encourage your son to yell when I make a mistake. How many of you really understand that I try to be perfect? I try not to make a mistake. I don’t want your son to feel he got a bad deal from an umpire.

Yet, no matter how hard I try, I can’t be perfect. I counted the number of calls I made in a six-inning game today. The total number of decisions on balls and strikes or safes and outs was 146. I tried my best to get them all right, but I’m sure I missed some. I could have missed eight calls today and still got 95 percent right. In most occupations that percentage would be considered excellent.

Let me tell you more about my game today. There was one close call that ended the game. A runner for the home team was trying to steal the plate on a passed ball. The catcher chased the ball down and threw to the pitcher covering the plate. The pitcher made the tag and I called the runner out.

As I was getting my equipment to leave, I overheard one of the parents comment, “It’s too bad the kids have to loose games because of rotten umpires. That was one of the lousiest calls I’ve ever seen.”

Later, at the concession stand, a couple of kids were telling their friends, “Boy, the umpires were lousy today. They lost the game for us.”

Well, I heard that and felt terrible. Those kids had made a lot of mistakes, which had cost them runs. A parent or adult leader who lets a child blame his failures on an umpire is doing the worst kind of injustice to that youngster. That irresponsibility is bound to carry over to future years.

As I sit here writing this letter, I am no longer upset, as I was this afternoon. At one point, I wanted to quit umpiring behind that plate for a pitcher who pantomimed his displeasure at any close call. One could sense that he wanted the crowd to realize that he was a talented player who was doing his best to get along, and that I was a black-hearted villain who was working against him.

This kid continued for two innings at the same time yelling at his own player’s mistakes. For two innings the manager watched this. When the kid returned to the dugout to bat in the top of the third, the manager called him aside.

In a voice that I was able to overhear, he said, “Listen son, it is time you made a decision. You can’t be an umpire, an actor or a pitcher, but you can be only one at a time when you are playing for me. Right now it is your job to pitch and basically you are doing a lousy job. Leave the acting to the actor, the umpiring to the umpire, or you won’t do any pitching here.”

Needless to say, the kid chose the pitching route, and went the game. When the game was over, the kid followed me to my car. Fighting back tears, he apologized for his actions and thanked me for umpiring the game. He said that he had learned a lesson that he would not forget. I can’t help but wonder how many more young men are missing their chance to develop into outstanding ball players because the parents encourage them to spend time umpiring, rather than working harder to play the game.

The following morning, Donald Jensen, part-time umpire, died of a brain concussion resulting from the blow by the thrown bat. Please pass this on to any and all who might get something out of this. It is a good letter that really shows the reality of today’s youth sports. Being around sports as much as I am, I see stuff like this all the time. Not only in baseball, as this story depicts but in all sports. We all could learn a lesson from the story.

Remember this:  Youth sports builds good character, only if the adults show good character.

Doug Morrison (USSSA MO State Director)

Jeremy McDowell (USSSA KS State Director)

Field Practice Permits

Please call the Recreation office if you are wanting to reserve a field for practice. Field permits may be obtained during normal business hours, Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the City of Warrenton Recreation Department (lower level) 200 W. Booneslick, Warrenton or call 636-456-3535. Coaches are required to pick up a permit before your practice time. The permit guarantees your field space. Permits are required to be with you at all times to verify that you have reserved the field.

Always check the rain out line to make sure the field is open on the day of your practice. The rain out line is updated Monday thru Friday by 3:00 pm, and on Saturdays by 9:00 am. You may also check the field condition site Monday thru Friday at www.warrenton-mo.org

Walking For Fitness Program

As you know, the Walking for Fitness program has the ability to impact many of the priority health indicators that are high for Warren County (i.e. obesity, heart disease, and diabetes).  Each week individuals will weigh themselves and have their blood pressure checked while maintaining a ledger to keep track of their progress.  Walking trails or areas that have been measured for participants are located at Binkley Park, the Outlet Mall and Wal-Mart, all in Warrenton.  The program will resume in the spring of 2011.   Look for more information to come or call the Recreation office at 636-456-3535 or Warren County Health Dept. at 636-456-7474 for more information.

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The following schedules and rules are provided by the Warrenton Recreation department.  Please call 636-456-3535 for more information.

Instructional Sessions for Little League Players Ages 7 & Up

Baseball Instructional Sessions

Khoury Park Field #1

4 Saturdays in April

April 2, 9, 16, 30

Ages 7-8          1:00pm-2:00pm

Ages 9-10        2:15pm-3:15pm

Ages 11-12      3:30pm-4:30pm

Ages 13-18      4:45pm-5:45pm

Softball Instructional Sessions

Khoury Park Field #2

3 Saturdays and 1 Sunday in April

April 2, 9, 10, 30 from 1pm-10pm for Softball instructional clinic

Ages 7-8          1:00pm-2:00pm

Ages 9-10        2:15pm-3:15pm

Ages 11-12      3:30pm-4:30pm

Ages 13-18      4:45pm-5:45pm

Would you like to coach?

Positive, energetic people are needed to serve as coaches and coaches assistants.  Your assistance makes a difference in a child wanting to play and we don’t want to turn anyone away for lack of adult help. If you enjoy working with children and have experience in any of the youth sports listed please contact us!  YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Spring 2011 Schedules: TBA

Youth T-Ball Schedule

Youth Softball Schedule

Youth Baseball Schedule

Youth 3v3 Spring Soccer Schedule

Adult Men & Coed Softball Schedule

Rules:

Little League Age Chart 2011

Little League Pitch Count Rules

Listed below are the Recreation Department’s rules and procedures.  If you have any questions please call the Recreation Department at 636-456-3535 or visit us at 200 W. Booneslick (lower level) , Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Park Rules & Regulations

Refunds for Program Events

Program Registration & Scheduling

Athletic Field Rentals

Both lighted and non-lighted sports fields (softball, baseball, tball and soccer) are available for reservation by the public when not scheduled otherwise.

For baseball, softball and soccer field rentals, please contact Jenny Hoffmann at jhoffmann@warrenton-mo.org or call the Recreation Department at 636-456-3535.  Facilities must be reserved in person at the Recreation Office (200 W. Booneslick lower level).

Non-league discount practice policy and form

Private Party Field Rental Agreement

Warrenton Parks & Pavilions

The City of Warrenton has more than 100 acres of parks available for your enjoyment.  There are currently six parks and one 55-acre sports complex.  The following descriptions and locations of each of the parks should help you find the park nearest you.

Dyer Park

510 Dryden

This park is on 3.5 acres located at the end of Dryden Street just off Banner Avenue and is the City’s oldest park.  Located in the park are two lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, 2 horseshoe pits, 2 pavilions with electric, 4 BBQ grills, playground equipment and a restroom facility.  Large trees provide lots of shade in this favorite family oriented park.  In the summer and fall the park is used  for those evening concerts in the park and perfect for family reunions.

Directions:  From I70 head south on Hwy 47 (3/4 a mile) to Banner, turn right on Banner to Dryden, turn right on Dryden to Dyer Park located at 510 Dryden.

Khoury  Park

609 East Walton St.

Nearly five acres make up this sports park located at the intersection of Kuhl Avenue and Walton Street.  This park has 2 baseball/softball fields that are lighted and a playground area, a small pavilion, picnic tables, and bleacher seating for the ball games.  It has 2 basketball hoops, a pavilion, and a concession stand open during events.  This park is available for teams needing to practice or hosting a small tournament.

Directions: From I70 head south on Hwy 47 (1 mile) to Walton Street, turn left on Walton to Khoury Park located at 609 E. Walton.

Binkley Woods & Spector Lake

418 South Morgan

Travel down the end of Morgan Street and you will find a beautiful natural setting.  With more than 35 acres in the woods this park is for your family to enjoy, Binkley Woods is a city treasure.  A large pavilion with electric,  picnic tables and grill, as well as playground equipment, are available for families or groups.  A beautiful 4 acre stocked lake is available for fishing.  The park is perfect for taking a walk on the newly paved walking trail that winds through this beautiful wooded park.  There are 7 BBQ grills with picnic tables throughout the park and restroom facilities.

Directions: From I70 head south on Hwy 47 (1 mile) to Walton, turn right on Walton to Morgan, turn left on Morgan to Binkley Woods and Spector Lake located at 418 S. Morgan.

Morgan Park

312 South Morgan

Morgan Park  provides 2 tennis courts, a new playground area and lets not forget the big yellow slide.  There is a sand volleyball court on the south side of the park that runs into Binkley Woods.  A newly built pavilion with picnic tables for that family gathering.  The park is right next to the city’s municipal swimming pool.  A great place to hold that special birthday party or event for the children!

Directions:From I70 head south on Hwy 47 (1 mile) to Walton, turn on Walton to Morgan, turn left on Morgan to Morgan Park located at 312 S Morgan.

Warrenton City Pool

312 South Morgan

The pool offers a state of the art spray ground area, 2 giant water slides, wading pool for small children, and a pair of diving boards.  Modern dressing rooms with showers a changing area and lockers.  Vending machines are available with snacks and drinks.  The pool offers swim classes (public & private), lap swim, water aerobics  and after hours private parties are available for a fee.  Season Passes can be purchased at the City Recreation Department located at 200 West Booneslick during the summer season.

Directions: From I70 head south on Hwy 47 (1 mile) to Walton, turn on Walton to Morgan, turn left on Morgan to Morgan Park located at 312 S Morgan.

Warrenton Athletic Complex

2015 Jaspering Lane

This 55 acre park was built for action with four lighted baseball, softball and T-ball fields and five soccer fields.  There is also an open area practice field.  There is a 20×40 open pavilion with electric.  A restroom and concession building are also available during events.  A newly purchased playground was added in 2010.  This complex makes Warrenton available to host numerous tournaments and other sporting events as well as give our young athletes the opportunity to develop their talents.

Directions: From I70 head north on Hwy 47 (3.5 miles) to Hickory Lick Road.  Take Hickory Lick Road to Jaspering Lane, turn right on Jaspering Lane to the Warrenton Athletic Complex.

Paddock Fields Park

1907 Cranberry Drive

Located on N Hwy 47 and Hickory Lick Road new the west side of Paddock Fields Mobile Home Park is this small three acre park.  Although located inside the mobile home park, it is a city owned park and available to all residents.  There is a full playground with benches so that parents can comfortably enjoy watching their children.  There is an asphalt parking lot on the north side of the park that provides off-street parking.  There are no restroom facilities at this park.

Directions: From I70 head north on Hwy 47 (3.5 miles) to Hickory Lick Road, turn right on Hickory Lick Road to Juniper, turn right on Juniper to Paddock Field Park at 1907 Cranberry Drive.

Lakeview Park:

1001 Lakeview Street

This small, five acre park was developed with the younger athletes in mind.  Two softball/soccer fields are smaller fields especially for the younger players.  A concession stand and restroom is available here as well as an expanded parking area.  New picnic tables have also been added.

Directions: From I70 head south on Hwy 47, make a left on Lakeview at 1001 Lakeview Street.

Baseball, Softball, T-Ball & Soccer

2015 Jaspering Lane

Future Sluggers

3 Year Old Tee Ball Program

Future Sluggers will be presented as a skill-building, learning experience, where the score is not the focus of the game. Our program includes instructional sessions and games.  The first three weeks of the program are instructional sessions, led by Recreation staff.  The last three weeks of the program are games, with two volunteer coaches and one umpire on the field.  The Future Sluggers is designed to have the children begin their baseball experience in a fun environment that also introduces simple basics of the game.  Therefore, no team practices are permitted.

Future Kickers

3 Year Old Soccer Program

Future Kickers is a fun developmental program that teaches children the game of soccer.  This program uses instructional sessions and small sided games to teach children:  Direction of Play, Field Awareness and Team Play. There are no goalies and no scores are kept, in order to keep the players focused on fun.

2011 Baseball, Softball & T-Ball

IT IS NOT TOO LATE! Late Registration are currently being accepted for the 2011 Baseball, Softball & T-Ball season. Practices will begin in April with games starting May 7th. Payments acceptable by credit card (Visa & Mastercard), check, or cash. First time players will need to bring a copy of a birth certificate for age verification.  Space is limited – late registrants may be placed on a waiting list and a $10 late charge per family will apply.

$55 per T-ball Registrant Only (4-6 years) 

$65.00 First Child (7-18 years)

$125.00 Two Children

$180 Three or More

 

Baseball Registration Form

Softball Registration Form

T Ball Registration Form

Little League Age Chart 2011

WOULD YOU LIKE TO COACH??

Adult Softball League

Registrations for Men’s and Coed softball are currently being accepted. To register complete the form below and return it to the Recreation Department with full payment.  Deadline to register is April 18th! The USSSA rules will be followed for the spring and fall.

Men’s & Coed Adult Softball Fees:

$435 Coed Double Header

$435 Men’s Double Header

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANIMAL, CLICK ON THE PHOTO OR CALL THE ANIMAL SHELTER AT 636-456-8707.