Managers' Winter Meetings

League Commissioner Katherine Donovan reported that the regular summer league fees for the upcoming season would remain unchanged from 2009. This is consistent with the league's previously-announced budgetary projections calling for no increase in costs to the local players over a 3-year period. However, it was also announced that moneys would come due earlier this year. In addition, each team manager's initial commitment would be $600 (applied to team fees), due by February 5, 2010.

Individual consultations with 2009 season team managers (and others who have expressed interest informing a team) have been focused on securing sponsorships earlier this year. Unfortunately for the players in the league, economic conditions in the last two years have put a strain on local businesses. This has resulted in a higher financial commirment from each player.

Under league rules, at each season's end, all KonaBaseball.com players become free agents. Managers can begin talking to players about the next year's season, but may not begin "signing" anyone up any earlier than January 1st. This annual, clearing-of-the-slate keeps the league fresh and competitive. It also fosters friendships across team lines throughout the league.

Returning players are always cautioned that some manager might just hand them a KonaBaseball.com registration form shortly after toasting in the New Year. Upon making such a written commitment, the player is "off limits" to other managers for the season. Subsequent inter-team transfers of players require both managers' approval.

League Umpire-In-Chief Jim Donovan announced that the KonaBaseball.com affiliate league from Maui will be coming over to the Big Island for a goodwill tournament for three days, beginning January 8, 2010.

The inaugural game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, with a pair of double-headers on both Saturday and Sunday. Included in the festivities is a barbecue party Saturday evening.

Tournament involvement is available to all KonaBaseball.com players. The two teams of local all stars will play in official league t-shirts (the same as those that qualify as alternate uniforms during the regular season).

For players who already have a regulation t-shirt, the goodwill tournament fee is $25, which includes play in two or three games as well as a ticket to the Saturday evening barbecue.

For players who do not have a league t-shirt, the fee is $45 which also includes a shirt in the team color and numerals of the player's choice. Add $2 for 2XL or 3XL.

The first four bargain hunters can save $5 by ordering the shirt in yellow (a color not assigned to any specific team in the league). These numerals are available: #1, #13. #17. #24.

All moneys are due by Sunday, January 3, 2010 (5 days before the tournament), and there are a limited number of player-slots available. To assure involvement (and to choose jersey numerals), payment must be made by Wednesday, December 29, 2009.

As of January 7, 2010, there are only four player slots open for the tournament against the Maui team. The size large shirts available are: Green #10, Gray #47, Gray #54 and Orange #29.

In other tournament news, the league has confirmed that on December 30, 2009, Roseanne Barr was invited to sing the national anthem at the upcoming goodwill tournament. Apparently taken back a bit by the proposal, her face quickly turned into that famous "Roseanne" smile when she realized that KonaBaseball.com League Umpire-In-Chief Jim Donovan was jesting. Nevertheless, she is a real baseball fan who is particularly supportive of players from Honokaa. So, she just might show up!

The goodwill tournament is now sold out. Kona will field two teams of 14 players each, with crossover play permitted. While all league managers and coaches will be involved, Michael Harris and Nick Hill will serve as team captains.

What will be will be

Expect the typical, and be prepared to be amazed. The star of the game just might be Ray Gular or Stan Dard.

Mauka Division:                    
                   W   L  G/B  
Gray Team .......  0   0   -   
Red Team ........  0   0   -   
Burgundy Team ...  0   0   -  

Makai Division:                        
                   W   L  G/B  
Orange Team .....  0   0   - 
Blue Team .......  0   0   -  
Green Team ......  0   0   -  

Are you a fortune teller?

Who knows what will happen?

The star of the game just might be Meade E. Oaker or Aaron Glover. Just wait and see.

Extra innings abound

Steven Yeevan just might be perfectly positioned to field Zack Senter's outfiled throw to tag opposing player Ty Score at the plate, keeping the game from going into overtime.

Managers examine their rosters

After a so-so star this year, manager Howie Doone may have to admit that he has expected too much from rookie "Tippy" Cal Newman so early in the season.

Teams have now sized up one another

There may be three in before there are three outs in this one. Then, expect relief pitcher Rex Phixer to be called upon to get clean up the mess. Dustin Grimes is slated to appear in the clean-up position of the batting order.

Evenly-matched teams go head to head

When it comes to fastballers, Brighton Dimming hurls with lightning speed. Then, just when hitters pick up the timing, he changes pace to throw his famous "dark one" past opposing batters. Max Minster. will do his best to put one out of the park. For him, it's either that or a strike out.

Can anyone take the lead?

If they can manage to take a day away fron the golf course, it may be brother against brother on this day, as veteran Kenny Parr faces Willie Parr, the two players delegated to different teams this year after getting teed off (and not even in a fair way) with one another last season.

Long day for short-fused players

"Sometimes it gets frustrating when your team constantly hovers at the middle of the standings, and you look like a bunch of kids" are the words of Darren Coward, finally mustering the courage to speak. Team sponsor and co-manager Rich Pawper apologizes for mis-ordering the boys' sized uniforms, but says that he can not afford to buy replacements.

All teams are tied for 1st place

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(more news to follow)