Evaluation Day is Set for March 1, 2015

See you Sunday! Thank you all for your patience.  Due to weather events beyond our control, we've had to move evaluations to our advertised make-up day, March 1st.  Evaluations will take place indoors at Sutherland Middle School Gynmasium. We conduct evaluations in an effort to build balanced teams and need accurate data to accomplish this goal.  This is a mandatory event for all Junior Rookie, Rookie, Minor, and Major Players!  Please make every effort to attend at your designated time.  If you cannot make your assigned time, please contact us so that we can be prepared to handle the change on evaluation day.
MARCH 1 2:30 PM - 7:30 PM   Meet @ Sutherland Gymnasium Please show up at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time to warm up and lineup. Reminder:  Because our evaluations are scheduled to take place indoors, players are asked to wear sneakers. Please leave your cleats at home.  You will also need your glove and we encourage you to bring a water bottle.		Evaluation Times:   Time Division 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm Majors  Last Names A – L 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Majors  Last Names M – Z 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Rookies  Last Names A – L 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm Rookies Last Names M – Z 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Jr Rookies  Last Names A – G 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Jr Rookies  Last Names H – Z 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm Minors  Last Names A – H 6:45 pm – 7:30 pm Minors  Last Names I – Z **We do not conduct evaluations for T-Ball Leagues Please email Eric Lane (eric.lane91@yahoo.com) if you are interested in being evaluated for the 9U Tournament Team during evaluation day.   Next Up - Drafts and Team Formation After evaluations have been completed, the next step in the process is to conduct the drafts for the Junior Rookie, Rookie, Minor and Major Divisions.  These drafts will occur next week.   Although we do our best to honor special requests, our primary focus is to build balanced teams, and we cannot guarantee that requests will be honored.  T-Ball teams are formed geographically, by Elementary School district.  We also do our best to honor familes' requests. All families should hear from coaches by Friday, March 6th with your team assignments and schedules. Practices will begin on Saturday, March 7, 2015. Opening Day (first games) are on March 28, 2015.

Dick's Sporting Goods Appreciation Day Info

Mark your Calenders!
February 28, 2015 is Northside Appreciation Day at Dick's Sporting Goods!

 

On Saturday, February 28th, 2015 from 11:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m., the Charlottesville, Dick’s Sporting Goods store location will be hosting its annual Northside Cal Ripken Appreciation Discount Day to assist families and players with preparing for the upcoming baseball season. Any Northside Cal Ripken participant can bring in the appreciation day flyer to receive 20% off your entire purchase (some exclusions apply) on Saturday, February 28th.  This is a great opportunity to not only get 20% off all of your necessary baseball equipment but it’s a great opportunity to get 20% off that kayak or treadmill you have had your eye on.  If you are unable to make it to the appreciation day event please remember that you can click this link - Northside Cal Ripken 2015 DSG Coupon - to print out your Team Packet baseball coupon sheet, which is good for discounts off your baseball purchases (as listed on the coupon) all season long.  You will not be able to use the baseball team packet coupon in addition to the appreciation day coupon on the appreciation day. Northside Cal Ripken families should print off this appreciation day flyer and bring it with them to the Charlottesville, Dick’s Sporting Goods store on Saturday, February 28th, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m in order to take advantage of the 20% off.  If you are unable to make it during those times, Dick’s Sporting Goods will still honor the discounts throughout the entire day.  You can also stop by the Northside Cal Ripken table to register to win gift certificates to Dick’s Sporting Goods. We hope to see you there!

Pritchett Family Scholarship

Northside offers a scholarship for former players.  Information can be found here. 

Deadline to apply is February 16, 2015.

9U Tournament Team Info

Eric Lane will be managing a 9U Northside Tournament Team for Player Pitch (players born 5/1/05 or later living within Northside’s league boundaries are eligible for consideration).

The team will focus on skill development (every player on the team will have a chance to learn how to pitch) and having fun.  The team will normally get together just once a week on Sundays for either practice or game.  The cost for the team (if any) will be determined at a later date based on actual number of games and uniform costs.  Activities won’t conflict with regular Northside Spring league play and players are required to also be registered for local Northside spring play to be considered for the Tournament Team.

If interested in being considered for the 9U Northside Tournament Team, contact Eric Lane at eric.lane91@yahoo.com and/or attend the first gathering on February 22nd from 2PM-3:30PM at Carson Raymond Field.  The spring experience will run each Sunday from 3/8 through 5/3.  Eric will let folks know who made the team prior to practice on 3/8.

Spring 2015 Sponsor Information

Sponsors are Needed!

• Level I ($300) includes company name across the back of the team shirt and a commemorative plaque OR your company name and logo on a 4’x 6’ or 3’x 8’ durable outdoor banner and a commemorative plaque. Printing includes: full unlimited color company logo with up to 10 words.
• Level II ($500) includes your company name and logo on a 4’x 6’ or 3’x 8’ durable outdoor banner. Printing includes: full unlimited color company logo with up to 10 words. Additionally, we will put your company name across the back of the team shirt and you will receive a commemorative plaque.
• Level III (Any $) Player(s) Sponsor - Donation amount to be used to reduce or eliminate player(s) league entry fees. 
• Note- electronic artwork needs to be provided to the league if having banner made.

If interested, please complete our Sponsor form found here.

Local Area Winter Baseball Opportunities

Off-Season Basics Clinic

New this winter The Baseball Company is proud to host the Off-Season Basics Clinic.  This off-season, starting January 9th, they will be offering weekly clinics every Friday from 7pm – 8pm.  These clinics will have a different focus each week (hitting - fielding - throwing) and will run through March 7th. 

The cost of the clinics will be $10 per session.  To register please include the dates in which you will be attending.  If you are going to sign up session by session YOU MUST REGISTER 1 WEEK IN ADVANCE, so they may staff properly.

Please visit The Baseball Company’s website for more information. 
 
The Dugout is Offering Weekly Events through March

The Dugout, an indoor training facility in Ruckersville is offering training for baseball and softball players.  Including:

Indoor Fielding, Hitting and Throwing Games with instruction
Hitting/Pitching Bashes
Beginners Softball Pitching Clinics

For more information, see the Dugout Information Sheet, or check out their website at www.greenedugout.com.

Free Hitting Clinics from H3 Baseball and T.E.A.M.S.

As part of its mission, H3 Baseball, in conjunction with T.E.A.M.S Training Center, is providing free, pre-season hitting clinics for area youth on the following dates and times:

31 January 5:00 - 6:30
14 February 5:00 - 6:30
7 March 5:00 - 6:30

All sessions will be held at T.E.A.M.S. Training Center (442 Westfield Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901).  No advanced registration is required and all sessions are free.  Training is open for both boys and girls between 8 and 12 years old.

H3 Baseball is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Charlottesville dedicated to helping improve the lives of boys and girls through the game of baseball.

For further information, please contact J.T. Enoch (jtenochsr@gmail.com) with questions.
 

Pitching Boot Camp with Billy Wagner.

There will be four Saturday sessions this winter, beginning January 24th and running through February 14th, 2015. The camps are for 8th through 12th grade pitchers wanting hands-on training from 7-Time MLB All-Star Billy Wagner.
The camps are held at the Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville, and there are ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE PER SESSION!

Be sure to register as soon as possible, and please pass on this information to anyone you think might be interested: http://www.mavericksbaseballcamp.com/ 

Spring 2015 Registration Information

Registration is now completely online and it’s very easy to do!

Registration for Spring 2015 is open.  You can sign your player(s) up online for the appropriate division and enter your payment:  Online Registration System.    Payment may be made by mail or in person if necessary; however, registration is not complete until we receive your payment (*details below).  

Divisions may reach capacity so register early! See below to determine the right division for your child.  Registration deadline is February 1st (if paying by mail, then must be postmarked by January 31st).  Any registration received after February 1, 2015 is subject to a $10 late fee. All payments are due by no later than February 28, 2015.  Any registration for which payment has not been received by February 28th will be deleted.

If you have questions about registering for a division outside the recommended age groups listed below, or if you have scholarship or equipment needs, please e-mail the league at ncrlbaseball@gmail.com.

For 4 - 6 year olds (born between 5/1/08- 4/30/11) 

Beginner or Advanced T-ball   

Cost: $40 + 2 hours volunteer time. 

Beginner T-Ball:  For children who need very basic instruction, how to swing a bat, where to run after hitting the ball, and how to field and throw.

Advanced T-Ball:  We recommend this division if your child is in this age group and has played T-Ball before and has an understanding of basic skills.

*In an effort to keep the T-ball teams to a manageable size, we are offering a free T-ball registration for any child if his or her parent agrees to coach a team (1 free T-ball player per family). Please note your T-ball player’s name on your coaching application. This is on a first come, first served basis. Those not initially selected will be placed on a waiting list until all teams are formed.

For 6-8 year olds (born between 5/1/06 - 4/30/08)   
Junior Rookie or Rookie       
Cost: $65 + 2 hours volunteer time
**Mandatory Player Evaluation on February 28, 2015**
Junior Rookie: This division is intended to focus on baseball fundamentals for children in this age group who are new to the game.  Junior Rookie uses a pitching machine just like the Rookie League, but the pitch speed is slower. 
Rookie: For children in this age group who are familiar with the fundamentals and are ready to be challenged to practice and improve their skills and strategy. There is an option to also participate on a Tournament team at an additional cost. 

For 8-10 year olds (born between 5/1/04 - 4/30/06)  
Minor League Cost: $80 + 2 hours volunteer time
**Mandatory Player Evaluation on February 28, 2015**
Minor: In the Minors, players begin to play under more ‘advanced’ rules. Kids pitch in the Minors.  Stealing is allowed, but only after the pitch has crossed the plate.  Skills continue to be developed whilecoaches encourage strategic thinking.  There is an option to also participate on a Tournament Team at an additional cost.

For 10 - 12 year olds (born between 5/1/02 - 4/30/04)  
Major League    Cost: $80 + 2 hours volunteer time.
**Mandatory Player Evaluation on February 28, 2015**
Major: Players in the major league work to improve skills, teamwork and strategy.  Rules become more advanced to resemble adult league rules.  There is an option to also participate on a Tournament Team at an additional cost.

**Players are evaluated for even distribution across teams.  You may request to be with a coach, team, or friend and we will try to honor that request.  Evaluation day is set for Saturday, February 28th with March 1st serving as our rain date.  All Jr. Rookie, Rookie, Minor & Major players must attend**

Payment Options

PAY ONLINE:  EZReg allows you to make an online payment when you register.

PAY   IN   PERSON: First, complete the online registration and select “pay in person” as your payment option, and then join us at one of our “in-person” payment sessions:
Monday, January 26th – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Charlottesville Catholic School only.
Tuesday, January 27th - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at  Agnor-Hurt, Woodbrook, Greer, Baker-Butler, & Broadus Wood Elementary schools
Wednesday, January 28th – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Covenant School, Hollymead & Stony Point Elementary Schools
Thursday, January 29th –  6:00 pm to 8:00 pm  at Hollymead Elementary School ONLY

PAY   BY MAIL: First, complete the online registration and select “pay in person” as your payment option, then mail payment along with online registrant name, player name, division, phone number and email address to:       NCRL Baseball, P.O. Box 7531, Charlottesville, VA, 22906.  Checks should be made payable to: Northside Cal Ripken League (NCRL)

Registration fee may be reduced or waived based upon special circumstances.

Northside Cal Ripken League accepts registration from boys and girls who will be four (4) years old before May 1, 2015 and who will not be thirteen (13) years old before May 1, 2015, and who live within the following elementary school districts: Agnor Hurt, Cale, Hollymead, Stone-Robinson, Baker-Butler, City of Charlottesville, Red Hill (east of Rt.29), Stony Point, Broadus Wood, Greer, Scottsville, Woodbrook.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! The Northside Board of Directors strives to keep registration fees as low as possible, making Northside Baseball the best deal in town.  Your registration fees help, but don’t fully cover the costs associated with running our league.   Volunteer efforts, sponsors, and fundraising events help defray registration costs and we rely on the dedication of many volunteers to make our league affordable and fun.  Prospective coaches are asked to fill out and submit a Coach Application which is located on our website.  Applications may be mailed to PO Box address listed above or emailed to us.  Other volunteer opportunities will be available during the season and the process for signing up will be communicated at a later date.  

Please contact us at ncrlbaseball@gmail.com 

if you have any questions or need more information.

December BOD Mtg Agenda/ Call for Spring TT Managers

Board Meeting on Tuesday

All are invited to attend the Board meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at 7:00 PM in the Sutherland Middle School Library.   As time permits, our agenda will include:

• Evaluation of 2014 seasons and survey
• Vendor selection for spring season
• Raising umpire fees
• Rule changes:  Rookie and Minor Leagues
• Playing time for All Stars
• Spring date planning
• In-person payment dates and coverage
• Other business if needed

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Call for Spring Tournament Team Managers

Email the league if you are interested in managing a Northside Tournament Team this upcoming spring season.  Clarify what age group interested in managing.   Please let the league know no later than December 15^th if you are interested.  Try-outs for spring Tournament teams will be in February and practices and games will begin in late February, and end near beginning of May.

November BOD Minutes and Online Survey Available

2014 Northside Survey

Dear Northside Families,

Now is the time that we reflect upon our experiences and work toward improvements for our upcoming Spring Season.  We have compiled a brief survey and hope that you will provide your thoughtful feedback so we can build upon the mission we have set for our league.  Please take a few minutes to fill out our online survey.  If you have multiple children who have played this past year, you may fill out the survey for each of them if you wish.

The link to the survey is here:
2014 Northside Survey

As always, please contact us with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support of Northside Baseball.

Sincerely,

Alice Riccabona
President

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November 2014 BOD Minutes

Minutes from our November 2014 meeting are available for viewing.  


 

Board Meeting Tuesday & Minutes

Board Meeting on Tuesday

Come one, come all to the Board meeting on Tuesday, November 11th at 7:00 PM in the Sutherland Middle School Library.  One of our main topics of discussion will be the Tournament Teams and All-Star Teams process and experience.  If you would like to weigh in on the discussion, please join us.  You may also contact us directly if you wish to add to the conversation anonymously.  Please send your feedback to a Board Member if you wish to be anonymous.  Our agenda will include:

• Changes to Rookie League Rules
• Update on Hollymead Lights Project
• Tournament Teams/All-Stars Teams Process
• Concessions Outsourcing
• Field Maintenance/Upgrades Wish-List
• Other Topics

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October 2014 BOD Minutes

Minutes from our October 2014 meeting are available for viewing, and include the full list of our 2014-15 Board.  


 

An Important Message from Our President

Board Meeting Tonight - Time for Elections An Important Message from Our President

President:  Chris Clarke Please consider joining the Northside Board of Directors.  We need your help to continue our mission: "Developing a strong community by teaching baseball fundamentals and life skills; helping kids improve as players, work as a team, and grow as individuals." Dear Northside Families and Friends, As the end date nears for my role as NCRL President, I am asking for your help. The time of the year for electing a new Board of Directors is upon us. All positions on the Board are open for nomination and need to be filled. Every year we lose key people as their children age out of our league. We are in need of energetic people that care about Northside who are willing to help keep the momentum rolling and keep Northside #1 on the list of leagues where kids want to play baseball. A strong Board is the key to having a strong league. We need more people willing to give a little time and effort to keep the league moving in the right direction. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining us, please let us know as soon as possible by sending an email to ncrlbaseball@gmail.com. If you would like to know more about what we do as a board to help your decision to help us, please come to our meeting this Monday night, Sept 8th. It will be held at Sutherland Middle School Library at 8:00 PM.  Meeting minutes from the past year are always available for your review on our website on the BOD Minutes page. My son aged out of Northside in 2004 and I have stayed and really enjoyed helping the league. It is a very rewarding job to see all the smiles on the kids faces on opening day and throughout the season. You really don't need any experience as we all started out with zero. Luckily we have had great people willing to teach others through the years and help build this league into what it is today. Please help us continue to grow and provide a great environment for these children to play ball, we really need your help. Sincerely, Chris Clarke NCRL President

Parking Policies & 9Us are back in action!

Parking at Hollymead Fields

We have been notified by the county of an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Please do not drive down the track to park at the “bottom” by Sutherland field from now on.  A school official has notified the county and they have asked us not to drive on the track or park there anymore, so please honor their wishes effective immediately. 

As you know, we've made numerous field improvements over the years; we have more work to do, and these projects demand the support of both Sutherland Middle and Hollymead Elementary schools.  In is in our best interest as a league to be conscientious neighbors, and to take every precaution necessary to insure our solid relationship with the schools and the county.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to maintain our partnership with Albemarle County schools. 
 

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9U Tournament Team News

 
Northside 9U Tournament Team finished runner-up on 9/7 in USSSA Richmond Travel Baseball League tournament! Camryn Gentry and David King lead the team in pitching and every player on Northside’s team either had a hit or reached base safely. Northside also made several outstanding defensive plays including throwing out would-be base-stealers by Bailey Bush! Northside’s biggest hit came from Dominick Cafferillo with his triple to tie the score in the 4th inning of the game Northside won that advanced them to the championship game!

The team will The team will be back in action this Sunday in Henrico!  Their first match-up is with the Mid-Atlantic Magic Diamond Thieves at 1PM at Tuckahoe fields.