http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ggUJGmCkQw
Check it out.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Final Day June 21, 2008
The morning started off great. There was much more going on at Rotary Challenger Park than most weeks. There was a jumping castle, face painting, crafts, I never did see the petting zoo but it was also there, Harvey the Hound, Calgary Fire Department and the Rotary Club of Calgary and some of their members were also out providing food and drink.
Oh, I nearly forgot there was BASEBALL too. As always Saturday morning baseball was being played. The first teams to take to the fields were BEARS vs. BRAVES (East) and GIANTS vs. CUBS (West). I was a little concern when at 9:50 then weren’t many players but by 10:00 the fields had players and coaches a team. Each player was hopefully announced by myself at least once at bat by way of the stereo system that the park let us use, and by the end of the game all looked to have had a good day. After the game the players parents and coaches went to the picnic tables behind the fields where the last day of Baseball really has meaning. For the younger players it’s always nice to see them receive the pictures and trophies, always a smile and the look at accomplishment. They then headed to the BBQ and took in a few of the other events.
The 11:00 time featured 4 more teams, DODGERS vs. ROYALS (East) and JAYS vs. RANGERS. This time was very challenging for a few reasons. One, the parents had to try and get the kids past all the activities that were taking place between the parking lot and the field. Even with a few late bodies the games continued on. I was dealing with problems of my own when the mic for the stereo system lost power and I was only able to read off the players from a quite place. At the end of the game players, coaches and parents went to the picnic tables for pictures and trophies. Then these players were off to the BBQ and other activities that where at the park.
12:00 MARLINS vs. ASTROS (West) and CARDINALS vs. METS, as always this time almost seems to run itself. The players know what going on they come to play and have fun. Again with so much activity going on there seemed to be a couple of players that came in a little late but everything went well. There seemed to be better hitters than when we played out first time out. I think a couple of the coaches when worried about being hit. Good job and great hitting.
A special thanks to Sunridge Little League for providing buddies for our final game, I hope to see you again next year. Good luck in your games.
With end of the 12:00 just after 1:00 and the last batters coming around for that final home run of the season a little sense of loss entered my mind. For the past couple of months Calgary Challenger Baseball has been a driving force in my life. Every year it is fun to come back and see how the players have grown and how their skills have improved. While I will be missing Challenger Little League for the next 10 months, I will be anticipating next year and the new players that will come out and learn.
Have a great summer; fall and winter see you in the spring.
On behalf of Calgary Challenger Little League
THANK YOU
Oh, I nearly forgot there was BASEBALL too. As always Saturday morning baseball was being played. The first teams to take to the fields were BEARS vs. BRAVES (East) and GIANTS vs. CUBS (West). I was a little concern when at 9:50 then weren’t many players but by 10:00 the fields had players and coaches a team. Each player was hopefully announced by myself at least once at bat by way of the stereo system that the park let us use, and by the end of the game all looked to have had a good day. After the game the players parents and coaches went to the picnic tables behind the fields where the last day of Baseball really has meaning. For the younger players it’s always nice to see them receive the pictures and trophies, always a smile and the look at accomplishment. They then headed to the BBQ and took in a few of the other events.
The 11:00 time featured 4 more teams, DODGERS vs. ROYALS (East) and JAYS vs. RANGERS. This time was very challenging for a few reasons. One, the parents had to try and get the kids past all the activities that were taking place between the parking lot and the field. Even with a few late bodies the games continued on. I was dealing with problems of my own when the mic for the stereo system lost power and I was only able to read off the players from a quite place. At the end of the game players, coaches and parents went to the picnic tables for pictures and trophies. Then these players were off to the BBQ and other activities that where at the park.
12:00 MARLINS vs. ASTROS (West) and CARDINALS vs. METS, as always this time almost seems to run itself. The players know what going on they come to play and have fun. Again with so much activity going on there seemed to be a couple of players that came in a little late but everything went well. There seemed to be better hitters than when we played out first time out. I think a couple of the coaches when worried about being hit. Good job and great hitting.
A special thanks to Sunridge Little League for providing buddies for our final game, I hope to see you again next year. Good luck in your games.
With end of the 12:00 just after 1:00 and the last batters coming around for that final home run of the season a little sense of loss entered my mind. For the past couple of months Calgary Challenger Baseball has been a driving force in my life. Every year it is fun to come back and see how the players have grown and how their skills have improved. While I will be missing Challenger Little League for the next 10 months, I will be anticipating next year and the new players that will come out and learn.
Have a great summer; fall and winter see you in the spring.
On behalf of Calgary Challenger Little League
THANK YOU
Monday, June 9, 2008
Picture Day
Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of the players as they came out to Rotary Park for individual and team pictures. The Burns Administration Building was just right to help accommodate us. We should put out a special thanks to Renfrew School for being able to give us a little more space in the boardroom.
Hopefully our next 2 weeks are rain free. See you there. Jason
Hopefully our next 2 weeks are rain free. See you there. Jason
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
WHAT A SAD DAY FOR BASEBALL, MAY 24, 2008 CANCELLED
It is now official as of 10:30 this morning Saturday’s Baseball game is CANCELLED. I have looked at the forecast into tomorrow morning and this light rain that we have been getting for the past week will continue. I was hoping that the forecast might clear up for a few hours and allow us to get the games in, but no luck.
It is always hard to cancel a game. I know from speaking with many parents that our players are so excited about playing, that missing even one game is very hard and the players in many cases are disappointed. That is why I would like to wait until late Friday (usually) to see what the forecast is going to be for the next 24 hours and see just what we might expect. I am always hopeful that the weather on Saturday will be better so we can play ball under a blue sky.
As for May 31, 2008 right now the extended forecast is for partly cloudy. I can’t wait to see you all there.
It is always hard to cancel a game. I know from speaking with many parents that our players are so excited about playing, that missing even one game is very hard and the players in many cases are disappointed. That is why I would like to wait until late Friday (usually) to see what the forecast is going to be for the next 24 hours and see just what we might expect. I am always hopeful that the weather on Saturday will be better so we can play ball under a blue sky.
As for May 31, 2008 right now the extended forecast is for partly cloudy. I can’t wait to see you all there.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
What a Beautiful Day
Good Afternoon,
I was so glad to see so many new and old faces this week. Although it was a little cold for an hour or so today went off pretty well. I was able to speak with many of you and hope that this blog will help us all.
As many of you know I along with Kathleen (My Wife) Dave, Bunny (Dave's Wife), arrived at the park around 8:30am. Usually on the first day of ball we all arrive early to get things set up. While Dave and myself get the equipment down to the field, Bunny and Kathleen get set up for the distribution on the players bags.
As we waited for the players to start arriving the excitement grew, off in the distance we saw one big cloud that wasn't going to dampen my spirit. We were going to play and we did. The coaches did there jobs and were down on the field. A special Thanks to Janine who went out and talked with the Airdrie Little League who were our buddies today. As the games went on the weather started to turn a little and and by 10:30 I was willing to admit that it was cold. The wind picked up and that nasty cloud was over head looking down on us, but it didn't appear to dampen the mood or the play of the game. The players were still out there happy that baseball was finally there.
At 11:00 it was still cold as the game started, most of these players are old hands at this time and they were out ready to play have fun and be with friends. I was even fortunate enough to talk with Darby and there was excitement in him, as there always is. He talked about how disappointed he was with missing that first game and that he was concerned about the weather as "baseball can't be played in the rain" I assured him that we would hoping hard that the clouds would pass quickly and with the help of mother nature I didn't lie. The weather pasted by quickly and by 11:30 it was overcast and cloudy but the temperature had improved and the wind died down. We were a little short on coaches but with the help of Airdrie Little League and a few Volunteers and Aids that came out to see what we were about this time was also a success.
12:00 our last time of the day and mother nature was ready for these players. It was sunny and bright the field had dried up pretty much since that early time and the games were on it looked like all the players had a good time. It's always a good time when you see Richard out there. He's always ready for ball and has a great attitude towards the game and the other players around him always there to help out or lend a helping hand. Thanks Richard. As always there is lots of the from the parents as most of players are or wanting to be very independent and even those in chairs have an experience that really can't be found everywhere. Around 1:00 the games ended the equipment was put away and the park was empty ans it was when I first arrived. Another successful opening day of Challenger Little League.
I would like to thank Airdrie Little League for coming out again this year, you always put you best foot forward and your players are always great around the Challenger players. I can't wait to see you again next year at the park, don't be strangers we would love to see you again.
To finish of this first weeks blog. There were many suggestions that you have asked me about and comments. I will be talking with Dave about these and get their thoughts, I will try to have something on this blog sometime this week and for sure before we play on May 24 when I see you next.
Only 5 more weeks to go lets all be hoping for great weather and continued success. Its not only about the players but the parents, coaches, volunteers and Little League buddies.
OK OK it's all about the players and they looked like they were having a great time lets keep it up. 1 day complete 5 to go and then almost 10 months to wait again.
I was so glad to see so many new and old faces this week. Although it was a little cold for an hour or so today went off pretty well. I was able to speak with many of you and hope that this blog will help us all.
As many of you know I along with Kathleen (My Wife) Dave, Bunny (Dave's Wife), arrived at the park around 8:30am. Usually on the first day of ball we all arrive early to get things set up. While Dave and myself get the equipment down to the field, Bunny and Kathleen get set up for the distribution on the players bags.
As we waited for the players to start arriving the excitement grew, off in the distance we saw one big cloud that wasn't going to dampen my spirit. We were going to play and we did. The coaches did there jobs and were down on the field. A special Thanks to Janine who went out and talked with the Airdrie Little League who were our buddies today. As the games went on the weather started to turn a little and and by 10:30 I was willing to admit that it was cold. The wind picked up and that nasty cloud was over head looking down on us, but it didn't appear to dampen the mood or the play of the game. The players were still out there happy that baseball was finally there.
At 11:00 it was still cold as the game started, most of these players are old hands at this time and they were out ready to play have fun and be with friends. I was even fortunate enough to talk with Darby and there was excitement in him, as there always is. He talked about how disappointed he was with missing that first game and that he was concerned about the weather as "baseball can't be played in the rain" I assured him that we would hoping hard that the clouds would pass quickly and with the help of mother nature I didn't lie. The weather pasted by quickly and by 11:30 it was overcast and cloudy but the temperature had improved and the wind died down. We were a little short on coaches but with the help of Airdrie Little League and a few Volunteers and Aids that came out to see what we were about this time was also a success.
12:00 our last time of the day and mother nature was ready for these players. It was sunny and bright the field had dried up pretty much since that early time and the games were on it looked like all the players had a good time. It's always a good time when you see Richard out there. He's always ready for ball and has a great attitude towards the game and the other players around him always there to help out or lend a helping hand. Thanks Richard. As always there is lots of the from the parents as most of players are or wanting to be very independent and even those in chairs have an experience that really can't be found everywhere. Around 1:00 the games ended the equipment was put away and the park was empty ans it was when I first arrived. Another successful opening day of Challenger Little League.
I would like to thank Airdrie Little League for coming out again this year, you always put you best foot forward and your players are always great around the Challenger players. I can't wait to see you again next year at the park, don't be strangers we would love to see you again.
To finish of this first weeks blog. There were many suggestions that you have asked me about and comments. I will be talking with Dave about these and get their thoughts, I will try to have something on this blog sometime this week and for sure before we play on May 24 when I see you next.
Only 5 more weeks to go lets all be hoping for great weather and continued success. Its not only about the players but the parents, coaches, volunteers and Little League buddies.
OK OK it's all about the players and they looked like they were having a great time lets keep it up. 1 day complete 5 to go and then almost 10 months to wait again.
Friday, May 9, 2008
May 10th IS A GO
MAY 1oth IS A GO. I checked out the fields on the way home from work today and they are looking pretty good even with a few wet spots. There are a couple of lakes that we would have had to deal with but the park has made the elevator available for the wheel chairs to get down to the field level.
Just a quick reminder that it may be on the cool side so dress to the weather. As long as the wind stays down we will have a great day.
LETS PLAY BALL
Just a quick reminder that it may be on the cool side so dress to the weather. As long as the wind stays down we will have a great day.
LETS PLAY BALL
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Plan for May 10th
It's about 8:30pm right now and the weather is looking misserable with snow and rain mix, but it is my hope that we can still have a game day on May 10th. Looking at the forecast the weather doesn't look bad for Saturday and we will try and have our games. In the event that the weather isn't what we are hoping for I am still going to push for the regisration to take place. We are currently contacting the Park to see if we can use the dressing rooms under the stands for registration. I am hoping that we can get everyone out and at least have the coaches meet their players.
Coaches please be ready to hit thie field running any questions please call me thanks again.
PS Airdrie Little League will be out this weekend with buddy support, Thank You very much Airdrie.
Coaches please be ready to hit thie field running any questions please call me thanks again.
PS Airdrie Little League will be out this weekend with buddy support, Thank You very much Airdrie.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Fields Ready
Tonight after work I decided to stop by the fields at Rotary Park and see what condition they where in. I'm please to say that they look great, the fields were being used the concession was open and there are a few improvements this year. We should be able to better protect the players with the new dugouts along the first and third base lines. Lets all pray, wish or hope for good weather on May 10. Remember that this will be the first weekend and arriving early will work out best for everyone. If you have any questions please email or call me at this time of year work is secondary and I make every effort to put Calgary Challenger Little League first. Please let me know if there is again thing that you would like me to look into.
Best wishes for good weather on May 10th,
Jason
Best wishes for good weather on May 10th,
Jason
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 26 Cancelled
Due to weather April 26th is cancelled. It would have to warm up very quickly and be warm for the first game time, so as that is unlikely to happen we will be having our first game MAY 10th. We would like to Calgary East Little League for stepping up to help us on our first weekend hopefully we will see you next year. Thanks again.
Jason Spratt
Jason Spratt
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Buddies from Alberta District 3 Little League
I would to say thanks to Doug Stevens and the various Presidents of Alberta District 3 Little League, they will be sending out a couple of teams each week to buddy up with the Challenger Players.
Our season will hopefully be starting April 26, 2008 as long as the weather cooperates, but it's not loooking as good I we would like in the long range forecast but we will be making the offical call Friday night or early Saturday morning. If the weather and fields are reasonable we will want to be out there.
April 26 ---- Calgary East Little League
May 3 ---- No Ball
May 10 ---- Airdrie Little League
May 17 ---- LONG WEEKEND No Ball
May 24 ---- North West Little League
May 31 ---- Bowridge Little League
June 7 ---- Picture Day Parents in the field, players at bat (I wonder who will win)
June 14 ---- Centennial Little League
June 21 ---- Sunridge Little League
There will be a lot going on June 21, I would like to invite anyone from any of the Litttle Leagues to come out if their weekend was cancelled and have a look at what we are about. This day is always fun and is all about the Challenger athletes.
Thanks Again to Alberta District 3 for your help again this year.
Our season will hopefully be starting April 26, 2008 as long as the weather cooperates, but it's not loooking as good I we would like in the long range forecast but we will be making the offical call Friday night or early Saturday morning. If the weather and fields are reasonable we will want to be out there.
April 26 ---- Calgary East Little League
May 3 ---- No Ball
May 10 ---- Airdrie Little League
May 17 ---- LONG WEEKEND No Ball
May 24 ---- North West Little League
May 31 ---- Bowridge Little League
June 7 ---- Picture Day Parents in the field, players at bat (I wonder who will win)
June 14 ---- Centennial Little League
June 21 ---- Sunridge Little League
There will be a lot going on June 21, I would like to invite anyone from any of the Litttle Leagues to come out if their weekend was cancelled and have a look at what we are about. This day is always fun and is all about the Challenger athletes.
Thanks Again to Alberta District 3 for your help again this year.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
URGENT UPDATE COACHES MEETING RESCHEDULED
Calgary Flames Fans who plan to watch or attend the play-off game against San Jose on Tuesday, April 15th ....
We have rescheduled the Challenger Little League Coaches meeting to Wednesday, April 16th @ 7:00 p.m. at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park in the Canada-Alberta Century Field House - North of the main administration building.
Parking is available in the main lot in front of the administration building and you can walk around to the Field House.
We have rescheduled the Challenger Little League Coaches meeting to Wednesday, April 16th @ 7:00 p.m. at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park in the Canada-Alberta Century Field House - North of the main administration building.
Parking is available in the main lot in front of the administration building and you can walk around to the Field House.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Up Coming Coaches Meeting
For anyone who would like to volunteer,
There will be a volunteer (Coaches) meeting April 15, 2008 at 7:00 at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park in the Canadian - Alberta Century Field House (north of the main administration builing). Please stop by if Patty hasn't gotton in touch and we will make sure that your information gets to the right place. We will hopefully have a fairly short meeting about an hour and a half. If you have any questions please let us know at that time or send me an email or post a comment to this blog.
It should be a fun year and with such great volunteers that keep coming back we will continue to have greater success. Only by the support of the Coaches and other volunteers is Calgary Challenger Little League a success, but I can't forget to mention the Buddies that we get from Calgary Little League, they help by providing Little Leaguers to buddy up with our athletes and it is a great success both ways.
Again my email address is challengercalgary.jspratt@gmail.com drop me a message, I would love to hear from you.
Jason Spratt
On Field Coordinator
There will be a volunteer (Coaches) meeting April 15, 2008 at 7:00 at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park in the Canadian - Alberta Century Field House (north of the main administration builing). Please stop by if Patty hasn't gotton in touch and we will make sure that your information gets to the right place. We will hopefully have a fairly short meeting about an hour and a half. If you have any questions please let us know at that time or send me an email or post a comment to this blog.
It should be a fun year and with such great volunteers that keep coming back we will continue to have greater success. Only by the support of the Coaches and other volunteers is Calgary Challenger Little League a success, but I can't forget to mention the Buddies that we get from Calgary Little League, they help by providing Little Leaguers to buddy up with our athletes and it is a great success both ways.
Again my email address is challengercalgary.jspratt@gmail.com drop me a message, I would love to hear from you.
Jason Spratt
On Field Coordinator
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Volunteers Urgently Needed
To everyone reading this site. I have recently been told that this year registration has been great. As with every year we loss about 10-20 athletes and yet we gain the same, but this years our numbers have grown to 135 athletes as of March 25. This is amazing when I think back to when my brother was part of the program and my dad, Dave Spratt was a coaching volunteer at that time there might have been 10 athletes, what a change.
We are at that time of year when we need volunteers to help with coaching. As most of you know it is hard to get people out, but if you know of anyone that would like to volunteer please have them contact me, either through this blog which I will continue to update or by email at challengercalgary.jspratt@gmail.com or have them call me on my cell (403)462-6858.
Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers many of whom have been very supportive for many years. Past that enthusiasm on and ask anyone you think might enjoy themselves.
see you all April 15
Jason
We are at that time of year when we need volunteers to help with coaching. As most of you know it is hard to get people out, but if you know of anyone that would like to volunteer please have them contact me, either through this blog which I will continue to update or by email at challengercalgary.jspratt@gmail.com or have them call me on my cell (403)462-6858.
Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers many of whom have been very supportive for many years. Past that enthusiasm on and ask anyone you think might enjoy themselves.
see you all April 15
Jason
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Up Coming Events
I am pleased that by mid April the 2 most important dates to start the season will come. First will be the Coaches meeting on Tuesday April 15, 2008 at Rotary Park I think. This will be a chance to get to see old faces and new a like and share new ideas and plan for the year. 2 days later we (Dave and myself) will be meeting with Little League Calgary to arrange for Buddies for saturday moring. Hopefully with this new blog I will be able to better keep in touch with everyone.
I know this is a start and only I'm write at this time but soon we will all be able to share.
Come on lets get so dialog started.
I know this is a start and only I'm write at this time but soon we will all be able to share.
Come on lets get so dialog started.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Season Approaches
What a great time to be in Calgary. The crisp in the morning air reminding you that winter hasn't yet left and our thoughts of spring sports start entering our minds.
As April 26 quickly approaches and we start another fun filled season of Challenger Little League here in Calgary. It's an exciting time for all of us involved and a little more stress. Registration is coming quickly to a close and it is my hope that we remain around 120 kids participating. Every year brings new challenges, new players and a sense of team. Its not everyday that kids with disabilities can have a team they can call thier own.
Hopefully here in the "Heart of the New West" (Calgary) we can give our players this important sense of team, friendship and a love of the game.
LET'S PLAY BALL
PS If anyone knows someone who might want to help out coaching please have them contact me @ challengercalgary.jspratt@gmail.com
As April 26 quickly approaches and we start another fun filled season of Challenger Little League here in Calgary. It's an exciting time for all of us involved and a little more stress. Registration is coming quickly to a close and it is my hope that we remain around 120 kids participating. Every year brings new challenges, new players and a sense of team. Its not everyday that kids with disabilities can have a team they can call thier own.
Hopefully here in the "Heart of the New West" (Calgary) we can give our players this important sense of team, friendship and a love of the game.
LET'S PLAY BALL
PS If anyone knows someone who might want to help out coaching please have them contact me @ challengercalgary.jspratt@gmail.com
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