Minutes of Board Meeting

Holiday Inn, St. Cloud

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Meeting called to order by President Richter at 1 p.m.

Roll call showed Barry absent.

Motion Brennan, Second Forsman, carried to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as mailed.

For the past year the board has been looking at ways to update the MBA web site. Today we will hear two proposals outlining new programs, Aaron Schultz who has been running our web site for the past 5 years along with Dan Birkholz told the board they would like to redesign the program giving it a new look as well as making it easier and quicker for people to visit. They could also provide a baseball information blog that would allow teams from around the state to post their special events on., or highlights of big games. Our second proposal was from Mike Wobrink who represented (M-Design). Mr.Wobrink proposal was some what similar to Mr. Schultz as they would also like to redesign a new program for the MBA, or they could work with Schultz and Birkholz to upgrade and consult in updating our present site, M-Design is very experienced in their field and have a depth of coverage, there is no limit on what they could provide. The board will look over both proposals to see which one will fit our program,

Motion Forsman, seconded Brennan, carried, to approve Dan Plein as section #1 commissioner.

Motion Rademacher, second Roufs, carried, to approve the Brainerd Lakes Area Lighting to Class "C". They have been accepted into the Lake and Pine League.

Motion Forsman, second Hartmann, carried, to reinstate Ham Lake for the 2008 season.

Motion Forsman, seconded, Hartmann, carried to reinstate Justin Birkland for the 2008 season.

Motion Forsman, seconded Hartmann, carried, to approve the Pro Release and Pro Questionnaire of Jeremiah Peipkorn upon receiving his corrected paperwork.

Adam Conroy came before the board with a question on player radius. This was tabled until the April meeting.

Ron Berns Region 16 Commissioner came before the board with a new proposal for Region 14 and 16. This matter was tabled until the April meeting as all leagues in the Region were not in favor of this move. Dave Pass member of the Shakopee-Chaska Tournament committee told the board everything that was going smoothly. He stated team pictures at this years State Tournament will be $9.00.

Joe Serratore came before the board to see if we could amend a new rule which is in the MBA handbook which reads no player can be released by a team and be eligible to resign with that team in the same year without the board approval. After discussion motion by Roufs, seconded Kreger, carried to amend (Rule G page 12 MBA Handbook) to read (Once a player (plays) a game with a team in the current season and then is released, he can no longer go back to that team in the same current season without board approval.)

Motion Roufs, seconded Forsman, carried, to approve Matt Bauer to play on a College All Star Team traveling to Australia, return to Milroy for post season play providing he meets his (4) game eligibility.

Motion Hartmann, seconded Hartmann, carried, to approve LeSueur to play a Alumni game against former players.

Motion Forsman, Seconded Hartman, carried, to approve Tournament Sanctions for (Belle Plaine June 6-8, 2008) (Sartell June 6-8, 2008) (Chokio June 13-14, 2008)(Green Isle-Arlington June 19-22, 2008).

Motion Rademacher, second Brennan, carried, to approve the following teams to play non MBA teams:

(Milroy) Brookings S.D.

(Hastings) Eau Claire, River Falls, Prescott, Hager City

(Prior Lake Mudcat's) Hudson River Rats

(Northfield) Prescott

(Pine Island) Hager, WI

(East Bethel) New Richmond, Osceola WI

(Dassel-Cokato) Brookings S.D.

(Green Isle) Brookings S.D.

Letter was read from Mike Poppotz and was duly noted.

A letter was read from Jim Johnson on player radius, this will be acted on at the April meeting.

With no further business to come before the board, motion by Brennan, seconded Rademacher, carried to Adjourn at 4:45 PM.

Minutes of Board Meeting

Holiday Inn, St. Cloud

Saturday, March 9, 2008

Meeting called to order by President Richter at 1:00 PM.

Roll call showed Barry absent.

President Richter greeted the Assembly and league supplies were handed out by roll call. There were (49) people in attendance. They represented (56) leagues.

Director Hartmann reviewed the 2008 MBA Handbook and pointed out changes that were made 1) League By-Laws must follow MBA State Handbook no exceptions without board approval. Approval must be obtained each year. 2) No team will be eligible to play an independent schedule without board approval. 3) Player radius will be (25) miles for all classes, league can have stricter rules but must then get board approval. 4) Once a player is released by a team he will not be eligible to resign with that team in the same year without board approval.. This rule was amend to read (Once a player has played a game with a team and released he can not return to that team in the current season without board approval.) Rule G page 12 MBA Handbook. 5) Effective January 1, 2008 season the Class "C" champion and runner-up will be reclassified to Class "B" for a period of two years. (Third year team may appeal to be reclassified). 6) Starting with the 2006 Tournament any team in the final (4) tow out of three years will also be reclassified to Class "B" for a minimum of two years. 7) "B" Teams will be allowed 25 players on their playoff roster Class "C" teams will be allowed 20 players on their playoff roster.

The floor was then open for discussion. These were some of the items. (Base coaches must wear helmets), (Roster), (Team not releasing players), (Double elimanation State Tournament), and (Super Sections-Regions)

Motion Forsman, seconded Kregar, carried to approve Mike Nesset to play for the Duluth Huskies, and return to Windom to the post Season play if he meets his (4) game eligibilty.

Motion Brennan, seconded Forsman, carried, to approve the North Star Leagues to use a 15 mile radius, and they will play an inter-league schedule for player eligibility.

A motion by Kregar, seconded Forsman, carried to accept the website proposal by the Herald Journal for the year 2008 at a cost of $1500.00

Motion Rademacher, seconded Kregar, carried Kregar, carried to approve Miesville to play St. Thomas, (wood bats must be used).

Jerry Wegscheid Benefit - check website for details.

Bill McGowan 100th Birthday Party - check website for details.

Mike Dooner of Arlington asked the board to consider having Class "B" teams play at one site, and Class "C" teams play at the other site for the 2009 State Tournament. the board did not feel this was a favorable move, but will discuss this matter at another time.

Motion Roufs, seconded Hartmann, carried to allow MBA players to participate in All Star games fo the 2008 season. This would allow players from different teams throughout the State of Minnesota, Class A, B, and C to p;lay other teams in an exhibition format. The rosters must be submitted to the MBA Board of Directors and approved in advance of playing any gmaes. No high school players are allowed to participate in any All Star gmaes to protect their eligibilty. This rule will include any league All Star games played during the regular season and require league secretaries to submit each respective roster prior to any games to be played. This rule will be in effect for the 2008 season on a one year trial basis.

The board would like to remind everyone that our website can only be as good as we make it. We encourage everyone if you have anything of special interest to Minnesota Baseball to email the webmaster (address on the website) They will be glad to publish the info online.

Next meeting of the MBA will be on April 12th at the Holiday Inn at 10:00 AM. We will break for lunch at 11:30 AM. All commissioners are invited. We will continue our meeting after lunch to set up Sections and Regions. Material for your Section or Region will be handed out. We urge all commissioners to be there. If you cannot make it, send someone in your place. Commissioners please return your meeting card by April 5th.

Secretaries-League registration will come due April 1st. Make sure you complete all the information on the Registration Card.

"Loans" Loans" "Loans" The MBA has money available to loan to MBA teams for updating their ball park. Maximum loan is $4,000.00 at .2% interest, with 5 years pay back time, If you are interested contact Bob Zellmann.

With no furhter business to come before the board, motion Brennan, seconded Forsman, carried to Adjourn. Adjournment coming at 3:30 PM.

Bob Zellman

Secretary-treasurer 

MBA