President’s Letter

OYO IS ABOUT THE KIDS, BY THE KIDS AND FOR THE KIDS!

OYO Fans:

Happy New Year!

When one thinks of OYO, he/she may recognize the tremendous presence our baseball and softball league has on our surrounding community. At OYO, the experience runs much deeper than just baseball and softball. We often talk about The OYO Way, but I want to emphasize Our Why, too. We go beyond connecting opportunities for ballplayers at every level. At OYO, our "why" is deeply entrenched in what we do each and every day. We are committed to providing valuable life lessons through teamwork and responsibility for every ballplayer!

With that in mind, the significance of our impact in 2024 alone was quite impressive. From registrations to program offerings to sponsorships to volunteerism to engagement to affordability, OYO is proving to be THE place for baseball and softball in Central Indiana! 

What's more, these are exciting times for OYO. Last year showcased many accomplishments, including:

• overall participation growth
• record-setting participation in Spring Season
• more timely and informative communication vehicles
• more than a dozen championships on the travel circuit
• unprecedented sponsorship support from local community
• stronger commitment to volunteerism with an expanded Board of Directors

That said, you have spoken and we have listened. Hundreds of families responded to our leaguewide satisfaction surveys.  Sure we appreciate the many kudos, but we zeroed in on areas where you said there’s room for improvement.  Our volunteer board members reviewed the results and identified six primary goals for 2025: 

1. Create a stronger player development program
2. Improve coach selection, training
3. Improve team balance
4. Establish OYO as a premier travel organization
5. Develop and establish respect for umpires

It is evident that OYO’s past, present and future are strong. Recognizing there are various programs and activities needing your participation, we appreciate you and your ballplayer(s) giving OYO a chance to provide a quality on-field experience for your family.  I personally invite you to join us again in 2025, too.

Reflecting on OYO’s tradition-rich history, I am mindful this league is only as successful as its people. And with that, I am humbled by the thousands of families who choose OYO, the hundreds of coaches who volunteer, the scores of business who support us and the dozens of umpires, concession stand workers and volunteer board members who make OYO possible. This makes for a winning team and one that looks to add to its recent success while making 2025 our best year yet! Thank you for all you do for OYO.

As president, my commitment to each OYO family is to help deliver a fun, safe, development-oriented baseball and softball environment for all families. I look forward to reconnecting and meeting with you and your family this spring (and/or fall).  And, once again, thanks for choosing OYO as your family’s home for baseball or softball!

Thank you for your continued support.  I look forward to meeting or reconnecting with you and your family this spring (and/or fall).

Forever OYO...Let's Play Ball!
Michael DeSanto
President, OYO Board of Directors

Let’s Make 2024 a Golden Year at OYO!

OYO Fans and Friends:

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

As I began to gather my thoughts for this letter, I kept coming back to two words – gratitude and appreciation.

I am incredibly grateful for the humbling opportunity to dedicate myself in service to the entire league, including this remarkable OYO family. Similarly, I am truly appreciative for all the selfless and tireless service that countless volunteers have demonstrated. Personally, throughout my two-plus decades at OYO, it is still a blessing to be selected to lead this amazing organization filled with so many wonderful people who put our ballplayers at the core of all we do.

It’s easy to reflect on all the amazing accomplishments we collectively made possible in 2023 – largest combined Spring rec league and full-time travel participation ever, largest Fall Ball registration ever, robust Winter Workout participation, record-setting year of sponsorship support, 99% of all games covered by umpires in an era of declining officiating engagement, more fields than ever and so much more. However, all the excitement, buzz and rage is about the milestones and opportunities ahead!

This Year Is Going To Be Golden, Literally!

2024 marks our 50th year of providing baseball and softball experiences to our resilient and magnificent ballplayers and their families. In 1975, our league first welcomed players at fields adjacent to Oaklandon Elementary before relocating in 1995 to Veterans Memorial Park, which has evolved through three comprehensive expansions.

50 Years of OYO is no accident. For five decades, OYO has been a proven example of excellence, greatness and dedication in our community. And our families have jumped in the trenches to make it a very special happy place for all by helping rake the fields to completing park prep day projects; being team parents to helping as assistant coaches; leading all star travel teams to coaching full time travel teams; and helping a player or fan in need to serving as a board member. Sure the league has encountered unfortunate trials and tribulations that have challenged the league’s tapestry, but the values and commitment from our loyal and dedicated volunteers have helped us overcome those moments with countless thrills and triumphs that truly define OYO today.

Why We Are Ready to Connect with You!

After all, OYO has a fundamental responsibility to impact our ballplayers’ experiences, our community and the game of baseball and softball for all who experience OYO wherever our teams go.

When the OYO Board convened last November, I asked our vast and diverse OYO Board of Directors to invoke “The Golden Circle” from Simon Sinek’s Start With Why and capture their “why” for becoming more involved. Then, in December we dove into the “Hedgehog Concept” from Jim Collins’ Good to Great for additional perspective on “what can OYO be the best at”.

Valuing the OYO Board’s overall focus, our 43 volunteer board members shared their wisdom and insight leading to several powerfully consistent themes. Recognizing the uplifting power of our program, they all point back to The OYO Way – our long-standing pact with OYO families to prioritize player development, establish respect, teach life lessons, emphasize fairness and promote character.

What’s in Store for 2024 and Beyond?

It’s a golden year for all of us who continue to call OYO home for our baseball and softball experience! Our five biggest priorities all year long will include:

• Comprehensive Team Balance Improvements | Sharpen our processes on how we utilize coach feedback and advanced technology resources
• More Support for Coach and Player Development | Utilize support systems and clinics for all coaches to improve the quality of practice drills and concepts
• Travel Baseball and Softball Program Growth | Develop new opportunities for greater consistency and robust growth of our successful Bombers and Red Storm all-star and full-time travel programs
• Increased Transparency and Consistency | Ensure greater accountability from each and every volunteer board member and coach while ensuring fairness for all
• Maximize the OYO Experience | Prioritize how we deliver the best possible experience, especially on the field

But that’s not all! We want to celebrate! And, we will celebrate often! As our exclusive 2024 logo conveys, we’re recognizing our past, present and future! We’ll have special ceremonies on Opening Day, and we’ll offer special events all season long. We’ll mark our 50-day milestones this spring and fall. And we’ll carry forward the ideals and values that have made OYO the most amazing place to play ball in Central Indiana!

My Ask Is Simple.

“Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision and change.” – Richard Branson

The OYO success story is strong because it is created entirely by volunteers – like you – in every walk of life. We recognize change is never easy, but necessary to adapt and thrive. So, these very individuals – especially you – embrace the opportunities necessary to make important contributions that help OYO not only meet, but also exceed, expectations today and for the future, too!

If you have additional ideas and insights about change and growth, then please consider becoming a volunteer for change. Help drive positive change by participating as a coach, team parent, umpire, board member, grounds caretaker, sponsor, supporter, positive fan, etc. OYO has a place for you!

Thank you for reading this letter. Now, please consider and evaluate what you can personally do at OYO. And, I look forward to seeing you all at the fields soon.

As always, thank you for choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball! Let’s make our 50th year our best year yet!

Play Ball!
Michael DeSanto
President, OYO Board of Directors

Annual Open Letter to All OYO Families | 2023

OYO Fans:

In full transparency, for the last couple months, I confess I have looked ahead to composing this annual missive with some apprehension and overwhelming hesitation. Not that there are not amazing developments happening all around OYO or there would not be meaningful news to report or that OYO’s overall status isn’t highly positive, but that the focus would be it’s coming from the president’s pen.

PLEASE READ! | The State of OYO is strong! I encourage you to read this entire letter, which is written very specifically for you…a member of our OYO Family. In 2022, OYO experienced continued growth in the service offerings to our families as well as extremely high number of young ballplayers throughout our spring season, travel season and fall ball season. This is a testament to the trust and confidence you have in us as a league – and one we accept with great responsibility. And, if you are new to OYO in 2023, then you may discover OYO’s success is rooted in understanding our past, embracing the present and building to the future. This annual letter will attempt to do the same. We understand the need to diversify. We recognize we’re not immune to worker shortages. We value the importance of volunteerism. We know the significance of personal accountability and responsibility. We know the consequences of abandoning our well-documented processes. We recognize the challenging times continue in a tepid economic environment. And, we hear our families loud and clear when they clamor for transparency, fairness, inclusivity and being good stewards of their resources.

OUR HISTORY MATTERS | 49 years is a very long time. In an organization with a tradition of excellence, greatness and evolution like OYO that’s enough to fill a youth’s cherished memory with life lessons, development opportunities and friendships. What’s more, it helps make a small impact on these ballplayers’ journeys in life where they will eventually have a profound impact through their achievements and contributions to the community.

BACK TO THE FUTURE | These goals, hopes and wishes are not new to OYO. They were prevalent 49 years ago when OYO was founded. They were existent 23 years ago when I first joined the league as a Tee Ball coach for my nephew’s team. They were at the core of the board’s focus when I joined 20 years ago. And they are at the forefront of all we do in 2023. I can assure you the OYO Board of Directors will pledge to continue to think proactively, strategically and collectively about how to address these challenges in ways that we convert them into opportunities to ensure we close the gaps where necessary in order to be the fully excellent top-tier youth sports organization we aspire to be for all players and families at every level and from every walk of life.

THE DYNAMIC DIFFERENTIATOR | Over the years, we are often asked what differentiates our program from other leagues in the community. Quite simply, it’s because when families come to OYO, they join the OYO Family. And we appreciate you choosing OYO for your baseball and softball experience. Most of our families look forward to their evenings and Saturdays at the ballpark. They welcome the hospitality, assistance, support and convenience our volunteers work tirelessly to provide. We call it The OYO Way.

WITH MUCH GRATITUDE | Yet, I admit that I have fretted tackling this important communique for another reason, too. How difficult will it be to follow the remarkable and incredible two-year span of growth, achievement and opportunity created by our past president, Brittany Anderson, who proved to be a legendary leader and fabulous friend to all? Through her guidance, OYO improved our operational efficiency and consistently exceeded customer expectations. What’s more Brittany’s vision propelled OYO forward by reimagining how the league operates and serves our players, our fans, our coaches, our volunteers, our families and our community is second to none – and being carried out by a dedicated, engaged and purposeful OYO Board of Directors today. It’s important we don’t let that hard work pass by in vain.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT | It is evident that OYO’s future is strong. Let’s take it from straight from the top and review our line-up to build on our momentum and achieve even more for you and your family, including:

• New field to better meet the needs of our Tee Ball and Challenger programs
• Greater investment in field maintenance and upkeep
• Develop and establish respect on and off the field as well as toward umpires
• Improved emphasis on constructing balanced teams
• Selection and support process for rec league coaches
• Continued emphasis on increased communication
• Continue to build an elite travel baseball and softball program
• Broader adoption of The OYO Way
• Increased enforcement of the OYO Code of Conduct
• Greater accountability and responsibility at all levels

Recognizing there are various programs and activities needing your participation, we appreciate your giving OYO a chance to provide a quality baseball or softball experience for your family. I personally invite you to join us in 2023, too. After observing and learning from eight previous OYO Board Presidents perform their duties with such meticulous magnificence, I am humbled to serve in this capacity, once again. Even more importantly, I’m mindful this league is only as successful as its people. From players to coaches, from fans to visitors, from team parents to dugout moms, from volunteer board members to park day prep volunteers, from umpires to concession workers and from sponsors to tournament teams, you make OYO possible. So, with your ongoing support, we will strive to continue to add to our success and the countless memories your ballplayer will enjoy.

NOW’S THE TIME | The OYO Board of Directors is ready to deliver you the best experience and service possible. And we will provide you with exceptional service, when you pull into OYO’s parking lots for each and every practice, game or special event, we want you to know our dedication to our core values, including The OYO Way and Code of Conduct. We hope to create an atmosphere for you and your ballplayer to truly enjoy at Veterans Memorial Park, but also an environment where you feel welcome and accepted and a place for your ballplayer to thrive and grow.

ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE, TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH | Truth! As president, my commitment to each OYO family is to help deliver a fun, safe, development-oriented baseball and softball experience. However, if there have been times when we have underperformed in this area – or underdeliver going forward – I would like to know so the right OYO board members can help make improvements. Always, on this topic or any matter that you wish to discuss further, please contact me directly.

SO, MY FINAL ASK IS SIMPLE | The OYO experience is nearly exclusively provided by volunteer leaders, some who log hours that resemble a second full-time job outside of their normal careers to make OYO what it is. Take note, every board member is an unpaid servant who goes the extra mile for your family. They will likely log more hours in order to make OYO what it can be! If you have additional ideas and insights about change, then please consider becoming a volunteer for change. Most specifically, help drive positive change by participating as a coach, team parent, umpire, park preparation participant, board member, etc. I have expressed with this letter a Board tolerance to be quick to listen and slow to speak when it comes to new ideas, and I reinforce that with an openness for you to contribute and help, too. There is plenty for us to do and plenty for you to do to help us, too. On a final note, we recognize change is never easy, but necessary to adapt and thrive. As one notable leader once said…

“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

THANK YOU! | Thank you for your continued support. We’re committed to ensuring your 2023 experience is your best yet. On behalf of the entire OYO Board of Directors, I offer much appreciation and gratitude for your engagement and participation. And, if you are not yet registered, then don’t delay, register today! I look forward to meeting or reconnecting with you and your family this spring.

Forever OYO…so let’s Play Ball!
Michael DeSanto
President, OYO Board of Directors

January 1, 2022

Dear OYO Families and Friends,

Greetings! It is so exciting to ring in another New Year at OYO! Welcome 2022!

I believe, of course, there is always, always something to be thankful for. I also believe there is always something to look forward to.

As I enter the second year of being president of this amazing league, I have reflected quite a bit about all of the great things that happened in 2021, and I look forward to seeing what 2022 has in store.

OYO has been the source of smiles, laughs, family time, player development, fun for kids, exciting baseball and softball, collaboration, community outreach, encouragement, coaching and teaching. OYO also has been a source of hope. Hope of being together again, giving high fives again, working as a team again and cheering on our favorite ballplayers again. Being at the ballpark on a beautiful day surrounded by OYO families and friends is a hopeful reminder that life will return to normal following the pandemic and we are all in it together.

It is such an honor to continue to serve this league as President of the Board of Directors, following a very successful 2021! In reflecting on what we, together, accomplished as a league, we…

• welcomed more than 800 eager ballplayers in the spring
• welcomed a record high 712 excited fall ball players
• had more than 150 ballplayers continuing their development in our winter workout program
• saw our full-time travel participation climb to 126 elite players
• offered a successful rec travel program consisting of 10 teams last spring
• raised a record setting $43,000 in revenue through our generous community sponsorships
• brought back the Bomber Bash full-time travel tournament and hosted 22 talented teams
• attracted a record setting 52 teams to the David Manlove Memorial Tournament, and through participation and generous contributions, were able to bless the Manlove family with a sizeable check for The 24 Group, a foundation for those affected by addiction
• reinstated the Bill Sturm Memorial Tournament, a tournament near and dear to our hearts, as it is named for one of OYO’s founders, and provides funds for scholarships
• saw a very successful year in our concession stand, turning a $12,000 profit, as everyone loved (and bought a lot of) the famous “OYO Cheeseburgers,” blue popsicles, and Gatorades

We are most proud of the feedback of those who mean the most to us, the OYO Families. You spoke by way of the survey. We listened. We saw a 10% increase in OYO families’ commitment to the league. That data means the most to us because you and your ballplayers are the reason this league exists. We strive in every way to put the needs of the players, families and community first. We understand there is always room to improve, grow and get better. We encourage every family in the league to complete the satisfaction survey in the spring and again in the fall. We promise to listen to your feedback and do our best make necessary changes to provide a quality, thriving program.

The year 2021, however successful, had its shares of ups and downs. Many of our highlights are listed above, but certainly we experienced a few challenges, also. We did our best to face those challenges head on, do our best to overcome those challenges with solutions and learn from past mistakes. One of the challenges we experienced was coming to the realization that the size and scope of Veterans Memorial Park was becoming challenging to maintain by volunteers alone due to the growth of the league. We overcame that challenge by hiring a Grounds and Facilities Manager. He is onsite most days and he is doing a phenomenal job, along with the volunteer grounds crew, to maintain and beautify the dozens of acres that OYO calls home. This talented individual and his crew can’t do it all, though! We absolutely depend upon the help and support of our families all year long. There’s nothing better than rolling up your sleeves as a family, coming out to the park and working together, alongside other families, to accomplish a task, complete a project or beautify our park. We continue to covet your help and volunteerism in 2022! Another challenge in 2021 was the loss of our fall ball tournament due to immense amounts of rain in late October. We wanted so badly to make that tournament happen for all the hard working ball players in our league. It just wasn’t meant to be. We did learn, however, the threshold of water the fields can and cannot handle, the resources we need to prepare fields for such a weather event, necessary improvements needed on each field, and what it takes logistically to reschedule a fall rec tournament. We will take that experience and learn from it and we will certainly hope for drier weather in the fall of 2022!

In the coming year, my hope for myself, my colleagues on the Board, every coach, every worker, every volunteer and every fan is to:

• Put the kids first always
• Be slow to speak and quick to listen
• Accept responsibility for shortcomings and strive to improve them
• Be invested and involved in our roles within the league
• Roll up our sleeves together and pitch in when and where needed
• Use our voices to bring about change, advocate for needs and share new ideas – every person plays a part because without each of us, our league is a little less effective than it could be and should be

OYO continues to have an excellent relationship with the City of Lawrence. We will continue to do our part to care for Veterans Memorial Park, while they support us in every way they are able. Some of our investment asks for 2022 include drainage solutions, new gutters on concession stands, enhanced lighting and paved paths. We will chart a plan for the coming year, in conjunction with the city’s assistance, to complete these important tasks.

Friends, it is my honor to be a part of this league. If you had told me just a few short years ago that I would be back in Lawrence – the city my husband and I both grew up in – be a teacher in a sweet school nearby and be raising our kids here, I wouldn’t have believed it. Even better is to be part of an organization that brings the community together. It’s inclusive. It’s a place where kids can learn baseball and softball, no matter the age they begin. It’s a place that puts character and sportsmanship first, then follows it with quality instruction. OYO is a special place, indeed.

Would you join me, in the coming year, to make OYO the best place for youth baseball and softball in the area? I am asking not because we have the most pristine fields or the spiffiest uniforms or the largest donors, but because we are situated in the great City of Lawrence and we have the kindest, most generous families around! We truly love our ballplayers and families. Our kids are resilient and talented. They deserve the best childhood memories and experiences we can possibly give them. May this year bring us all renewed hope and new opportunities to both enjoy and give back to this awesome community and league!

May this be our best year ever!

With gratitude,
Brittany Anderson
President, Board of Directors
Oaklandon Youth Organization

January 1, 2021

Dear OYO Families and Friends,

2020 was a year unlike any other year. We have been challenged in ways we never dreamed possible. We have become all too accustomed to face masks, social distancing, six-feet apart, remote learning and Zoom meetings. The Pandemic has affected us all in a very real way. For most of 2020, we have grieved the way things used to be, been more worried than usual, been isolated from our loved ones and support systems and, overall, probably not been ourselves. It has been a year of uncertainties, changes, losses and hardships for many, myself included. 2020, we bid you adieu! Welcome 2021!

There is so much hope a new year brings, no matter the circumstances. I believe the challenges of 2020 will make us all stronger, more resilient, more flexible and more tolerant. I believe, more than anything, there is always something to be thankful for and always something to look forward to. As difficult as 2020 was, there is still much to give thanks for and so much to look forward to in 2021!

The Path to OYO | Before OYO, I was a housewife, stay-at-home homeschooling mom of three. We lived in a small town outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and life was pretty slow and simple. I spent my days knee-deep in crafts, Phonics, Play-doh, math flashcards and outside time. As my kids got older, our days were spent of course on academics, but also on real-world experiences. I would not trade that time for anything in the world. I share my past experiences only to say life has indeed changed! My family and I relocated to Indianapolis in 2017 to be near our extended family. In that year, I shared with an acquaintance that I was looking for a great place for my kids to play ball. She shared a great gift with me in OYO. Two of our kids then signed up to play ball here, and I was recruited as a 12U Softball coach. From the very start, I knew OYO was a very special place, far more than just a baseball and softball league. It was a place that brought the community together. It was inclusive. It was a place where kids could learn baseball and softball, no matter the age they begin – my daughter was 12 and trying softball for the first time. It was a place that put character and sportsmanship first, then followed that with quality instruction. It became my happy place instantly. Over the next three years, many, many hours were spent on the ballfields of OYO! My investment in the league grew from coaching softball and baseball to becoming a board member. I served as Junior Rookie Commissioner before being asked to join the executive board as Vice President of Travel, where our full-time player participation doubled in the past year.

One of the greatest blessings for me in 2020 was being given the opportunity to serve as President of Oaklandon Youth Organization. Never would I have dreamed I would go from a stay-at-home wife and mom to the leader of an amazing organization! I am full of excitement and vision for the future of OYO. Along this journey with me is a Board of Directors of 42 wonderful people. They are passionate and invested in this league, and together, along with our support staff of concession workers and umpires and all of our loyal players and their families, OYO is set to have an amazing year in 2021!

The OYO Way Path | My visions for the league are simple. The OYO Way, and all it stands for, is at the core of my visions for OYO’s future. I am also a coach, which I truly enjoy, so I believe a progression of skills helps to develop the players as they move through the baseball and softball program. It is an absolute privilege to coach at OYO, and I intend to continue bettering myself as a coach as I watch my players improve uniquely, as well. As President, it is important to me for OYO to secure excellent, invested coaches who will commit to instruction, help players evolve in their craft and model sportsmanship. I believe respect is the basis for all of the unique relationships at the park, from player to coach to umpire to fans to board members to concession workers. We may have differing approaches to life, but modeling mutual respect for one another is paramount to the success of this league. Life lessons happen everyday, for every one of us. One of the many special things about this league is it is all about the development of kids, both on the field and off. Our main goal is to teach baseball and softball, but also to help set kids on the right path in life. As parents, teachers and coaches, we have the opportunity to teach kids grace, kindness, sportsmanship, humility and camaraderie. This leads to strong character development and the building of a moral compass. Because this is an instructional and recreational league at its core, team balance, the rotating of players and equal opportunities provide the fairness we strive for as an organization. This is the OYO Way, my friends. This is what OYO is all about.

It is my absolute honor to serve the families of OYO. I do not take for granted the chance I have to make a positive difference in the lives of so many kids in our community by helping to provide the opportunity for quality baseball and softball experiences. I promise to be the best leader I can be by:

• crafting plans that stand the test of time
• showing a willingness to try new things while staying true to OYO’s roots
• being fair and consistent, a good listener and a good steward of our resources
• showing grace
• modeling good character

Making a Difference Despite COVID-19 | COVID-19 has certainly left its mark on 2020 and everything in it. OYO was no exception. Our Spring Season was cancelled, which was an agonizing decision, but one that was necessary and right. Come summertime, our travel teams decided to make a go of what was left of their season. They jumped at the opportunity to be pioneers amidst the new protocols and the unknown. They were a huge success! Boys and girls came out of quarantine to play the game they love. They paved the way for thoughts of our expanded Fall Ball season. We were not sure if it could happen. A park full of people every Sunday (and many Saturdays) and registration numbers teetering on some of the highest Fall Ball numbers we have ever seen at 585 was very exciting after a long quarantine, but a bit unnerving at the same time. However, as a league, we rose to the challenge. We made our park compliant, created modifications to our game day experience and employed safety measures never used before. Our Fall Ball season, in spite of COVID, was a raging success! In most divisions, we were pleased to get 18+ games in without a single rainout. But best of all, not one of our teams was shut down and unable to play due to COVID. There were certainly times of high tension during the season, some of those times, not our greatest moments, but putting the OYO Way at the forefront of our minds has allowed us to move forward and look to the future, and the future is bright!

Of Course There’s Still Opportunity for Improvement | In our survey, one of the main areas where we were asked to improve upon was team balance. In our rec league, having parity amongst each division is something our commissioners always strive for, but does not always come to fruition for various reasons. We are welcoming several new commissioners to the board, and have retained others with tremendous experience. Our hope is to have all of our commissioners on the same page on how to build fair and balanced teams across the board in our rec league, so every team is coached well, every game is competitive and every team has a shot at the championship.

Another area we are striving to improve upon is player development. I am hoping a skills progression model, starting at our youngest age groups and moving through each division until it reaches our oldest age groups, will not only help to create the balance we are looking for, but also take our player instruction to a new level. We have a terrific group of commissioners who are working closely with the rules and training chairperson and the coaches to create a list of skills which will coincide with coach training, practice plans and end-of-season player evaluations. The idea is to equip the coaches with skills to work on and provide fundamental ways to achieve those skills. Once the progression of skills is met for each division, the player feels ready to take on a new set of skills and challenges, while nurturing and building upon the ones previously learned. Our hope is that our league will be one that is fun, fair and fundamentally-sound.

The other area we are largely working on improving is the condition of fields on practice nights. I am beyond thrilled to share with you we have a six-person grounds crew at OYO for the first time in a very long time! These dedicated volunteers are sharing their manpower, knowledge of field care, and most of all, their time, to give your ballplayers the very best experience. I have met with this crew, headed up by our exceptional Vice President of Grounds, Justin Sturm. And I assure you, the fields and surrounding areas are in great hands. They have plans to divvy up ownership of the care of the fields and are ready to hit the ground running in the spring. As far as park infrastructure goes, we have made some dramatic upgrades in the offseason. Field 1 has new grass basepaths and has more than 30 tons of new infield mix laid. Field 13 also has new grass base baths. Two of our sheds have been rebuilt, and the other two will follow suit, in addition to a new shed being constructed near Field 5. Batting Cage B is being resurrected, thanks to a generous donation from our outgoing OYO President, Matt Martin. We are working on improving our pitching warm up areas outside of most fields, as well, with better backstops, mounds, and home plates to improve the pitching/catching experience. These are only a few of the projects underway at OYO right now. Little by little, we will make improvements that will add to the overall experience of the players and the aesthetics of the park.

What’s Next | Friends, I cannot convey enough what this league means to me. I’ve never been really exceptionally good at anything, never really had a hobby I loved and have never felt like I was really part of something special. I can say wholeheartedly, although I have much to learn still, I have found my happy place at OYO! It’s so very wonderful to have found something I am passionate about and have the support of my family to go for it! Nothing makes me happier than to be at the ballpark on a hot, sunny day throwing the ball with my son or seeing my family chilling in their lawn chairs enjoying messy popsicles and hotdogs from the concession stand. I’m also happy to pop my headphones in on a cool fall night when the park is empty and turn circles around the infields on the bunker rake. I am equally happy walking the park on a busy game day during an AOD shift and talking to all of the wonderful people at the park. Obviously, this is what OYO means to me. My hope is OYO is as special a place to you and your ballplayer as it is to me. I know we all have sweet memories there. Memories of close games, fun practices, new friends, awesome plays, fun parades and championship matchups. The life lessons our kids learn through youth sports, especially at a place like OYO, are invaluable and immeasurable. Our kids are resilient, clever, talented and imaginative. And, I am often taught far more about life from my kids, students and players than I will ever teach them. The future is bright, and it’s all because of them.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds! Welcome, 2021! OYO is ready!

With gratitude,
Brittany Anderson
President, Board of Directors
Oaklandon Youth Organization