From Bob Zellmann

MBA Secretary/Treasurer

The meeting was called to order by President John Richter Saturday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud. Roll call showed all board members present.

Motion Dennis Brennan, seconded Fred Roufs, carried to approve the minutes from the previous meeting as mailed.

There were 33 dedicated baseball people in attendance; is this spring, or what?

The board met with the Rochester tournament committee, represented by Dan Hoeps and Greg Glasenapp.

They assured the board that everything was going as scheduled, and that they were working on a few promotions to help tournament attendance.

President Richter thanked them for coming, and invited them to attened all our meetings to keep us informed.

The next order of business was going through a process of re-classifing six teams from class “C” to class “B.”

At the November MBA meeting, the board discussed, and it was proposed, to move the following teams from class “C” to class “B:” Green Isle, St. Cloud Orthopedic, St. Francis, Granite Falls, Moorhead Brewers, and Elko.

Each team was asked to submit a letter to the MBA secretary, and appear before the board at the Jan. 7 meeting.

At the meeting, they would have a chance to defend their team, should they have a problem with being re-classified.

All six teams were present at the meeting. Teams picked numbers as to when they would state their case, and were given 10 minutes to address the board.

After all the teams completed their presentation, President Richter asked that the room be cleared. The board then went into a closed meeting.

After the board completed going over material and information they received from the teams, everyone was brought back into the room.

President Richter addressed the six teams, stating that after discussing all the concerns of the teams, and since the board has not heard a lot of outcry from around the state, they approved all teams to stay in class “C.”

However, all team rosters will be monitored throughout the year.Should there be any significant changes, the board has the right to re-classify teams at any time.

A motion by Dave Hartmann, seconded by Tom Rademacher, and carried, to re-classify the Austin Blue Sox to class “C.” Voting for: Hartmann, Rademacher, Brennan, Roufs, Barry Richter, and Robert Zellmann. Voting against: Jerome Wegscheid and Mark Forsman.

The board would like to set up a task force to set guidelines regarding the way teams should be re-classified. If there is anyone interested in being on this committee, contact secretary Zellmann.

Green Isle re-entered the meeting room, and Joe Kreger addressed the board, stating that Green Isle would like to be re-classified to class “B.”

He said he was certain they would have a roster change, which would probably put them in class “B,” and by going now, it would give them a chance to set their schedule.

He also requested to be placed in section three. John Breimhorst, section three commissioner, was present, but would not comment at this time.

It was motioned by Wegscheid, seconded by Forsman, and carried to approve the request of Green Isle, and re-classify them to class “B.”

It was motioned by Hartmann, seconded by Wegscheid, and carried to place Green Isle in section three, for the year 2006. Voting against: Forsman.

Bob Smith and Robin Johnson, representing the class “A” leagues, met with the board. Items of concern were contracts and releases. The past few years, the board ran into a few cases where these were not signed, which created eligibility problems.

President Richter thanked both commissioners for attending the meeting, and would like to see all four class “A” commissioners at our March meeting to work out any other problems.

Motion Wegscheid, seconded Forsman, carried, to approve two new commissioners; Jim Johnson, section one; and Ken Lee, region nine.

The board would like to thank the outgoing commissioners, Mike Barry and Tom Rademacher, for their dedicated service over the years.

The board is requesting that all team websites be cleaned up. The sites will be monitored throughout the year. Should there be any personal language concerning board members, players, or teams, action will be taken by the board.

Just a reminder, league registration is due Saturday, April 1. This is a change from other years, when it was due June 1. Keep this in mind when you have your league meeting.

The next meeting of the MBA will be Saturday, March 4 at the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud, and the spring meeting will be Sunday, March 5 at which the board will meet with all league officers. The 2006 MBA Handbook will be reviewed, and league supplies will be handed out. This is a must meeting, mark it on your calendar.

The board wishes everyone a Happy New Year, and a great 2006 season.

Motion Brennan, seconded Mike Barry, carried, to adjourn; adjournment at 3:40 p.m.