FLL 4/11 Newsletter

High School Baseball/ Softball kicked-off this week.

The JV & Varsity teams have kicked off their season, even with the chilly temperatures and rain.  Franklin Little League hosts the JV baseball and softball games at our complex, so come out and watch a game.  Many of the players once played on Little League!!!  

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:  Teams kicked off practice this week and next.  Schedules are still launching for the teams that play interleague (other towns).  Games start the week of May 12th and uniforms will be handed out the week prior.  We supply hats, shirts and socks at this level.

• 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 the next Coach clinics on 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: Training sessions started this week, with the next one on April 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.  Third year 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