MINUTES OF MEETING 6/6/2025

Call to order – Walt Bruschi

Congratulations to Team #4 the Big Dogs

Reading of minutes of past meeting:

Motion to accept minutes as read.  Seconded. Motion passed

TREASURER’S REPORT (read by Denny)

•  Bank balance as of June 1, 2024 - $6320.00
•  Bank balance as of June 1, 2025 - $10,050.68
•  Do not anticipate any increase in league membership fees

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Charlie Bell Award – presented to Gerry Sanborn
2. Waiver to allow Jeff Holden to run for another term – motion made, seconded, waiver passed
3. Election of Nick Cozzo, deputy commission – passed by voice vote (no other candidates)
4. Election of Jeff Holden, treasurer – passed by voice vote (no other candidates)
5. Possibility of eight teams, discussion of two day, one day, pros and cons
6. Those wishing to be managers will submit to the board a written (or email) request to manager, to include qualifications, regardless if a previous manager
7. Motion to table discussion until it could be determined how many teams.  Motion seconded.  Motion defeated.
8. Motion to play three games, two byes on Friday.  Motion seconded.  Motion
9.  
9.  Motion to play on Thursday and Friday, two games each day.  Motion seconded.  Motion defeated
10. Motion to play all four games, no byes, on Friday.  Motion seconded.  Motion passed. 
11. Motion amended – games would be timed (70 minutes).  Motion seconded.  Motion passed
12.   Discussion of franchise tag player.  Pros and cons.  Motion made to NOT  have franchise tag player.  Motion seconded.  Motion passed.
13.   Dates of the new season were outlined by Walt B.  Season starts on August 29 and ends on April 24.  Three mandatory games will be played on Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.  Games will count in standings.  However, minimum number of players needed to avoid a forfeit reduced to seven and five positions can be used – RF,RC,1B, C, and P.
14. The draft will be held on Monday August 18 for managers, assistant managers and Board members.  Those managers wishing an additional person to assist would require Board approval on a case by case basis.
15. New rules committee to be established – Dave Meadows and Gerry Sanborn will remain.  Three other volunteers will be selected. 

Possible issues – playing all rostered players, supplemental draft. Rules committee will discuss and make recommendations to the Board for approval

16. New players committee will be established after the teams are selected
17. We will have Christmas party, golf tournament, All-Star game, and year end banquet
18. Call for umpires and scorekeepers.  All umpires and managers will be required to attend one of Dave Perez’s clinics.
19. Call for new recruits for the league
20. Call to contact old sponsors and get new sponsors for the upcoming year.

NEW BUSINESS

1.  Nomination for HOF – Dave Meadows. Motion was made to accept Dave Meadows.  Seconded.  Motion passed
2.  Request for nominations, particularly of those players who are no longer active.
3.  In recognition of being HOF, a patch will be designed to be worn on the sleeve.
4. Discussion of Harry Wright leaving in the middle of game this season.  Motion to have Board decide if any disciplinary action should be taken.  Motion seconded.  Motion passed.

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Seconded.  Motion passed

Denny Kato

Secretary

AGENDA 4/9/2025

CALL TO ORDER  - 8:30 AM Commissioner remarked on the success of the league this year. He also requested that when the buckets are placed back in the shed after the games, to please line each bucket with a towel to prevent the heat of the shed from so that the buckets will not stick together.  The secretary reminded all that topics and discussion for the new season will be delayed until the first meeting of the new season.

OLD BUSINESS/MINUTES LAST MEETING

• Golf tournament
• All-Star game
• Possible make-up dates
• Pitching machine
• Moving start time to 9:00AM

MOTION TO ACCEPT MINUTES AS READ – seconded and motion passed

TREASURER’S REPORT (Jeff H)

1. $12,188.00
2. Anticipated future expenses –
   • $900 end of season banquet
   • $250 awards
   • $300 champions/$300 tournament champion
3.  Do not anticipate needing more uniform shirts for next season
4.  Balls for next season already purchased
5.  Do not anticipate any increase in league membership fees
6. Al Williamson – golf balls – 1^st sponsor
7. Selling key fobs at $5.00 each
8. The treasurer re-emphasized that the league is in such good financial

standing because of the number of sponsorships that the members

have obtained over the past two years

NEW BUSINESS

1. The Secretary clarified the expense of the ‘league championship’ shirts and the ‘tournament champions’ shirts.  This year we will recognize the first place team in the standings with T-shirts and we would recognize the ‘tournament round-robin champions’ as we all have considered our season in two parts.  Walt B said he has received two green buckets for this teams past efforts and we should have some recognition for the achievement.  Wayne S suggested we allow the winning teams to decide if they rather received a trophy as their prize.  The winning team for each part will determine what recognition prizes they would want… t-shirt, hat, or trophy.

1. May 2 – end of year banquet – Only players and their families and sponsors are invited.
2. Ties regarding playoff teams positions – head to head/runs scored (against one another) if there are ties to determine the standings.
3. Nominations for deputy commission and treasurer – send to Nancy S via email. Elections for these two positions will be at the first meeting of the 2025-2026 season on June 6.
4. Nominations for sportsmanship award – Nancy S via email.  The Board will send out criteria for what constitutes a ‘sportsman’ for our league. Several past recipients were mentioned, John Emerson and Rod Rodriguez.
5. First meeting of the 2025-2026 Season Friday June 6 – location and time TBA as we are not sure which field we will be using.  We will be forming a new rules committee.
6. We anticipate eight teams next year – playing on Thursday/Friday – There would be a slight increase in cost to rent the field for two days versus a longer rental period for four games in one day.   L Cubelo suggested two team receive byes.  W Spencer suggested that Thursday/Friday would allow for more possibilities of make up dates.  If we have two days for games, two ‘permanent’ ground crews will be formed to insure that the field is prepped before each game and not by the same people, Walt B, Nick, Nancy S, Brian E.  However, the final decision would be determined by league members on June 6 as to our playing schedule.
7. The secretary announced that all NTBSS rule changes will be made after the Board votes on the new changes, if any, submitted to the Board by the Rules committee and after the meeting in August (date and time TBA).  This way the rules will only be changed annually.  In this past season, the NTBSS rules were never ‘changed’ but any variation was reported in the league’s weekly updates.
8. The committee coordinator announced that for the upcoming play-offs, substitutes will be chosen by the opposing manager.  Dave S suggested that if three players were needed by a team, an alternate pattern of choice by the opposing manager, a ‘card’ selection’ then the last selection by the opposing manager.  Denny K reminded the league that because of the size of the current rosters, the likelihood of a team needing three players was remote and not to complicate the matter.  The Rules committee coordinator reiterated that his was a ‘done deal’ for this year but if the Rules committee wanted to change if for next season that could be one of their recommendations.
9. New ball for next year – Worth - $15.00 less per dozen than the Tattoo.  Same spec 375/44.  Composite cover.  We have already tried the ball in game conditions and there were no discernible differences. The league purchased 14 dozen balls due to the ball being made in China so as to avoid the possible huge price increase due to the expected tariffs.  For the remainder of the season, the current Tattoo balls, both synthetic and composite covers will be used.
10. All-Star game – huge success – thanks to Nick, Wayne, and Gerry S. – expect some modifications to be discussed in future meetings.  The Commissioner was concerned about more quality players being selected.  Several suggestions were made in terms of voting.  R. Rodriguez suggested a ballot listing all players by position and then the top players who garner the most votes will be selected.  Carl S suggested that the ballot list outfield and infield. Selection by stats was suggested by D Sparano.  Jeff H spoke of the Spring Hill league which does keep statistics on the players.  Denny K reminded the league that the platform that we used is the same for Spring Hill and Three Score in Clearwater so it can be done.  However, all agreed that it would be extremely time consuming and difficult.  Lenny C volunteered to maintain the stats but the topic was tabled until a later date.  Additional discussion about the All-Star game was also tabled to a later date since the event would not be held for nearly a year. Nick C said that the event made a small amount of money after the expense of the hot dogs, sodas.
11. Christmas party – great time had by all – annual event – thanks to Nick, Wayne S.
12. Golf tournament – A big hit – another annual event – Thanks to Nick, Dave L.  The league gave away over $800 in prizes at no additional cost for the league.
13. Sponsors – why the league is financially solvent – start thinking about them now for next season.  Again, mentioned that Al Williamson gave his $300 sponsorship check today prior to the start of the meeting.

OPEN DISCUSSION

1. Walt B mentioned that he had been approached by several members of the league concerning the use of paid umpires.  Jeff H mentioned that Spring Hill pays $35 per game.  For our league, that would amount to an additional expense of $4480 (32 weeks by $140).  Jim Mc mentioned that paid umpires are only concerned about 42 outs.  Tom Peeler, who plays in two county leagues, said for the most part, the umpires are concerned only with the speed of the game, and rarely move to position themselves for plays in the field.  Roger S asked if anyone was totally unhappy with the current level of expertise of the umpires in our league and there was no response.  Rod R suggested that better training, more clinics for the umpires would be a great help to improve the skill level of the umpires Ed M suggested that one umpire be hired and two NTBSS umpires would work the bases to provide a setting for improvement.  OP reiterated his faith in the current umpires and that there should be more volunteers.  He mentioned that yes, there are mistakes and he gave several examples of an umpire being out of position but overall, he was happy with the skill level of the current umpires. Dave P and/or Dave M would conduct additional clinics for umpires for the upcoming season as they have in previous seasons. Denny K mentioned that even MLB umpires make mistakes and is the perceived added skills of a paid umpire worth $4480 He also reminded the league to keep perspective of our participation, as we ‘re a bunch of gray hairs having fun and as Rod R has previously said, we are playing for the ‘shirt’

MOTION TO ADJOURN –  Was seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 AM.

The hitting contest will commence at 10:00 AM (at the conclusion of the pitching contest).  There will be two cones dividing the field into three sections.  Each hitter gets six pitches with the object of getting two balls hit into left, center, and right.  There will be bucket in each section and if the batter hits the bucket, and extra two points for hitting the bucket.  You get one point for hitting in each sector.  You CANNOT GET POINTS FOR hitting three times or more into the same sector.  Each ball in a different sector earns one point. Most points wins.  A tiebreaker will be a repeat of the procedure.  The batted ball must reach the outfield grass to count.

Please be on time.  If your name is announced and you are not present, you are eliminated from the competition:

1.  Jim McCausey

3.  Dan Dillin

3.  Mike Parater

4.  Dave Perez

5.  Dave Sparano

6.  Denny Kato

7.  Steve Shapiro

8.  Vance Marlow

9.  John Kean

10. Tom Christopher

11. Dave Maranpot

12. Angel Delgado

13. Brian Eldredge

14  Joe Ricardo

15. Bob Miranda

16. Tim Hoey

17. John Emerson

18. Tommy Crowther

19. Lenny Cubelo

20. Jack Harris

21. Lester Gregory

22. David Capozza

23. Luis Martinez

24. David Bair

25. Al Williamson

26. Victor Lluberes

We want to start the contest by 11:30 but the time will depend upon the conclusion of the hitting contest.  Each player will have eight (8) balls to hit.  We are only counting home runs (over the fence).  Players may choose their own pitcher.  Each player will begin their round with a new ball so there is no advantage to going first or second.  The balls will be identical regardless of the brand or cover. (375/44).  Winner is the player who hits the most home runs. If you are not present when your name is called, you will be eliminated from the contest.

Here are the players:

1.  Dave Perez

2.  Luke Armstrong

3.  Ernie Colón

4.  Tom Christopher

5.  Tomas Munroy

6.  Ray Aaron

7.  Bill Morgan

8.  John Esposito

9.  Barry Hess

10.Glenn Duncklee

11.Scott Hanrahan

12 Tom Peeler

This is the ONLY contest that All-Star players can participate in.

1.  Each pitcher gets eight (8) pitches.  An umpire will be calling illegal or not.  Pitcher who gets the most hits on the strike mat is the winner.  If there is a tie, we will repeat until there is a winner.  We will be pitching at the regulation distance, 50 feet with the screen.

We will be pressed for time so please be ready.  The pitching contests starts at 9:00 AM. If you are not present when your name is called, you are eliminated from the contest.

No All-Star, regardless of position is eligible for this contest.

Here is the roster:

1.  Dan Dillin

2.  Steve Shapiro

3.  Vance Marlow

4.  Tom Christopher

5.  Dave Maranpot

6.  Angel Delgado

7.  Joe Ricardo

8.  Tim Winn

9.  John Emerson

10. Tommy Crowther

11. Jack Harris

12. Jim McCausey

13. Dave Capozza

14. Al Williamson

15. Victor Lluberes

The make up games have been placed on hold.  The Board initially voted to hold the games then when we took a careful look at the logistics we decided we needed more time to formulate meaningful games and not adopt an attitude of having players participate without proper planning.

I believe the majority of the league appreciates the time and effort the Board

arranges for the Friday games and the practices. Some of the Board members spend up to seven or eight hours at Heritage on any given Friday to prepare all the games for the members. Including setting up the field and making sure we are the last to leave and everything is properly secured. We need to have the same preparation for makeup games and that requires more planning.
 

The Board welcomes any constructive thoughts on the plans for make-up games. OP

Last Friday, a runner was coming home, had only one foot cross the commitment line, and did not attempt to return to third base, and was tagged out.  Ruling on the field was safe.

Please see the interpretation of the rule from SSUSA , Rick Seifman:

"Once the runner steps on the commitment line or across the line, they cannot return to third base.

Once he has Both feet across the commitment line, he can only be forced out.

Until he has Both feet on or over the commitment line, he can be tagged out".

So the ruling on the field was incorrect.  

The Board

Meeting Notes 8/27/2024

CALL TO ORDER  -  COMMISSIONER WALT BRUSCHI (9:58 AM)

OPENING REMARKS – Walt Bruschi, commissioner

1. Schedule completed
2. New softballs
3. Change of venue December 27 to January 27
4. Sportsmanship

READING OF LAST MEETING MINUTES (MAY, 3 2024)

Motion made to accept minutes as read, seconded, motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Jeff Holden

• Budget for 2024-2025/break-even point
• Upgraded balls
• Pitchers’ screen
• Importance of sponsors – we have sixteen
• Looking into jackets
• $14,948 current balance

NEW BUSINESS

• Presentation to John Emerson- Sportsmanship Award
• SEVEN (7) TEAM SCHEDULE (Completed)
  1.  Eight Teams/seven teams.  No timed games
  2.  Change of venue – December/January
  3.  Appeal for contacts for other fields
  4.  Possibility of playing Tues/Friday

• CHANGES TO NTBSS RULES 2024-2025
  1.  Player’s committee – one representative from each team
  2.  Courtesy third strike
  3.  Eight player minimum – card selection for substitutes

 last player (11^th) chosen by opposing manager.  Play 11 on 11 unless no

 other substitutes available

4.  Substitutes – P, 1B, RF, C
5.  Ten second rule – pitcher/batter
6.  Mercy rule/flip-flop rule explanations
7.  Unintentional throwing of the bat – warning, then an out
8.  Ending a timed game change - moot
9.  Supplemental draft

• Brian Eldredge – hats
• Al Williamson – golf balls for sale
• UPGRADED SOFTBALL
• UMPIRES – DAVE PEREZ
  1.  Judgement calls cannot be challenged
  2.  Asking for help by manager – umpire’s decision
  3.  Managers must control players
  4.  No ‘automatic’ time-outs
  5.  Ten second rule explained

• APPEAL FOR SCOREKEEPERS - OP

OPEN DISCUSSION – Decision for 12 or 13 player minimum to be decided by managers

Motion to adjourn, seconded. Motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT – COMMISSIONER WALT BRUSCHI (11:23 AM)

North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League (NTBSS) plays in Land O Lakes at Heritage Field (Land O Lakes Blvd 41) Men Age - 60+, 30 Game Season (Friday mornings only) plus playoffs. Season from September- mid May.

Cost $80 per season, includes 2 uniform jerseys, 2 practices per week (optional), awards and year end BBQ.

NTBSS is an invitational league. Teams are drafted annually in August.

Interested in playing more ball?

Visit NTBSS.Net for all registration forms (3) or contact Jeff Holden at Jeffholden2004@gmail.com for more information.