FLL 4/1 Newsletter

Opening Day = Baseball season has begun! 

Welcome back from Spring Break Franklin Little League Families - spring is definitely trying to great us even as winter tries to hang on.  I hope everyone took that past week to reset and get ready for the upcoming manic months and end of the school year.  Read on for important updates. If you are part of the Challengers Program - be sure to read through the messages sent out by our Challengers President.

• MINORS, MAJORS & JUNIORS LAUNCHING THIS WEEK: Teams and schedules will begin to launch this week for all kid pitch teams - be on the look out - games start the week of May 12th/  Majors (baseball & softball) play on Monday and Wednesday, Minor (baseball & softball) play on Tuesday and Thursday.  As teams launch please note that registration is still open and changes can occur.  If you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a number of teammate requests for players that haven't signed up yet - so spread the word to sign up NOW! 

• ROOKIE & TEEBALL LAUNCHING END OF APRIL:  We keep registration open longer for these levels to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to sign up.  We rarely turn players away but also need to plan teams, schedules and uniforms.  If you know someone that is planning to sign up please encourage them to do so NOW! 

• COACHES: Thank you to everyone that signed up to coach this year.  The volunteer turnout this year has been AMAZING!  We are still looking for 2 coaches for Major Softball and need several "head coaches" for teeball and rookies - please let us know if you signed up as an assistant coach but are willing to be a head coach.  We won't have any head coaches without assistants but need to align teams around the role of "head coach". Please note that Coach clinics are scheduled for April 9th @6pm and May 7th @6pm.  A zoom link will be sent out to registered coaches.  Coaches must attend one of the sessions in order to coach per Little League International Rules.   

• UMPIRES: We are holding umpire training sessions April 6th and 16th from 7-9pm via zoom. A 2-3 hour in person training is tentatively scheduled for May 4th at 5pm at Franklin Little League. The in-person session is mandatory.  Individuals must be 12 by May 1st to participate and will earn $30/ game.  Returning umpires earn $40/game.  Sign up here if interested in attending the class and becoming certified with FLL. 

• SPONSORSHIP & FUNDRAISING: Two years ago we eliminated the volunteer fees (we still expect EVERYONE to volunteer in some way) and increased our fundraising fee to help minimize fee increases and create a way for families to "earn back" some of the registration costs.  Every family paid a $120 fundraising fee and will receive 12 raffle tickets to sell for $10.  The drawing will be in August (at either the Milkmen game or our 50th anniversary celebration).  We also rely heavily on sponsorship, fundraising events, dine out nights and the concession stand to help bring in the necessary funds needed to run the program and keep up the facility.  If you know of a business or community partner that would be interested in sponsoring the Franklin Little League - please send them our way! 

IMPORTANT DATES:
May 17th - Opening Day for Minors, Majors & Juniors
May 17th - Meet & Greet for Rookies and Teeball
June 6th - Milkmen Game - FLL Fundraiser
June 7th - Opening Day for Challengers, Rookies and Teeball; Picture day
June 14th - Challengers Picture Day
August 14th - Milkmen Game - FLL Fundraiser

See you at the fields soon!

Heather Herling, FLL President