Thank You Brittany and Karen and All Retiring Board Members!

Thank You Brittany Anderson!
Junior Rookie Commissioner | 2018-19
Vice President, Travel | 2019-20
President | 2020-22

Over the past two years, OYO has had the pleasure to know, value and appreciate the very individual who believed in each of us, cheered for our success and made us feel as if we are an integral part of the OYO family. That’s what makes Brittany Anderson so genuine and true.

You learned about her roots playing youth softball under her father’s coaching in Lafayette, you connected with her high school experience as a softball star for Lawrence Central High School, you embraced her passion for youth baseball and softball players everywhere and you discovered how much she cherishes her parents, husband and three children.

Since arriving on the scene as a coach in 2017, Brittany was destined for greatness and OYO would be the beneficiary of her amazing impact. She accepted our invitation to join the OYO board in 2018, which enabled her to share her talents to help OYO experience significant improvement and growth in every aspect of our program. During her five years on the board, she grew our Junior Rookie program participation before joining the executive board to head up our travel program which more than doubled in the number of teams and players during her tenure. Shortly thereafter, she answered the call to serve as president. What’s more, she accomplished so much with such quiet confidence and amazing grace, which were always accompanied by an infectious smile, a kind word, fierce support, a listening ear and an honest style.

More significantly, Brittany always cared for OYO and the experiences we could provide our players and families from the day she arrived. And she did so while making countless sacrifices because she truly valued OYO’s ballplayers, families and volunteers. And it showed through here remarkable compassion and empathy day after day, week after week.

Sure, it is easy to tout the increase in rec league registrations, growth in travel program offerings, improved field conditions and infrastructure, increased survey scores, unprecedented sponsorship revenue, record-setting tournament participation and hundreds of smiling ballplayers roaming the park playing the game they love.

Most significantly, though, Brittany’s single greatest accomplishment can’t be found in spreadsheets, financial ledgers, survey reports or even scorebooks. Brittany has taught us what matters most. Positions are temporary. Ranks and titles are limited. And, the way you treat, listen and care about everyone around you will always be remembered. For this reason alone, Brittany has served OYO in the most extraordinary and exceptional way – and she will always be remembered and appreciated by each and every player and family who chose OYO as their place for baseball and softball.

Rest assured, her efforts and priorities will continue to serve as a blueprint for all of us as we move forward. We will work diligently and tirelessly to embrace her vision for a league to serve ballplayers at every level and from every walk of life. OYO became better and stronger as a direct result of Brittany’s endless care, and her countless acts of volunteerism and leadership will forever be priceless to OYO and, more importantly, to OYO’s ballplayers and families. Thank you, Brittany! And may you and your family be forever blessed!

We’ll still have the chance to connect with Brittany in 2023 and beyond as she will maintain an active presence on the field helping lead one of our truly elite full-time travel Bombers squads as an assistant coach. Best of luck to your 11U Bombers, Brittany! Bomber Up! And, thank you!

 

Thank You Karen Grese!
Uniform Chairperson | 2010-12
Treasurer | 2012-2016 & 2019-22

For more than a decade, one of OYO’s most unsung heroes is also one of our most valuable board leaders, too. Whether we needed a voice of reason or a strategic outlook, a problem solver or a risk mitigator, a team-first leader or a visionary, or a revenue generator or a financial advisor, we turned to a proven veteran in Karen Grese.
Her roots at OYO circle back to the beginning of the century as she enjoyed watching her husband coach our teams annually and all five of her children rise through the ranks of playing baseball and softball in our rec league as well as on our Bombers and Red Storm rec travel teams before eventually joining the full-time travel circuit. And nowadays, she’s back supporting her children serve our youth as part of our umpire crew. Even after her family had exhausted their playing eligibility, she still answered the call and demonstrated remarkable acts of volunteerism and servant leadership that continued to benefit OYO families everywhere and has left a lasting impact for years to come.
Karen joined the OYO Board of Directors in 2010 and immediately developed a uniform fulfillment process that is still utilized today. Then when the stakes were high, the challenges were real and the timing was critical, she answered the call to join the executive board as OYO Treasurer. During our darkest hour, OYO needed a strong, ethical and disciplined leader to restore fiscal prudence and responsibility, and Karen delivered in ways that exceeded all expectations. She jumped in the trenches in 2012 and immediately helped implement many of the safeguarding financial practices we follow today. She served admirably until her term concluded in 2016.
Then while enjoying her OYO retirement, the league needed her time and talent once again when we experienced an unprecedented vacancy in 2019. Karen answered the call to return and restored sound fiscal practices and results while helping us transition to new online systems. Her impact cannot be put into words, but OYO is better today because of her commitment, dedication and contributions.
So, through more than two years as Uniform Chair and more than seven years as Treasurer spanning two terms, Karen has been the consummate volunteer, leader, contributor, teammate and friend to all who have been truly blessed to know her. She has removed hurdles, relieved burdens and resolved conflicts with such natural ease that OYO is stronger, smarter and better today because of her many contributions and game-changing implementation of new processes and procedures.
Not to worry, Karen will not be stepping away from OYO altogether. While continuing to be a consultant to the new OYO Executive Board, you will see her in 2023 and beyond as one of our volunteer Advisors on Duty (AOD), too, because she truly cares about all our players and families…and she certainly can’t miss out on the cheeseburgers in the concession stand, either!

 

Thank You Board Members for Your Service!

We truly appreciate the many contributions and tireless dedication all our board members demonstrate all through the year. As the 2021-22 term concludes, we express our gratitude and appreciation to nine valued board members who are also completing their terms. We are most thankful for all the hard work put forth by the following volunteers for rolling up their sleeves and jumping in the trenches to make OYO an amazing place for your ballplayers and family.
  • Randy Working – 4 Years
  • Larry Stone – 3 Years
  • Brandi Beard – 2 Years
  • Dale Dye – 2 Years
  • Mike Hunneman – 2 Years
  • Arun Murali – 2 Years
  • Kristin Sherman – 2 Years
  • Josh Ward – 2 Years
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Step Up to the Plate! Join the 2023 OYO Board!

The 2023 OYO Board of Directors have rolled up the sleeves and jumped in the trenches to already begin making preparations for next year’s seasons serving all our rec league, rec travel and full-time travel ballplayers. To ensure we continue our success into our 49th Spring Season and 16th Fall Ball Season, we are seeking a few more volunteers!

The OYO Board of Directors is a group of remarkable and incredible people who genuinely enjoy serving the league’s ballplayers and families by sharing their time and talents. If you have ever thought about serving on the OYO Board, we would like to explore these opportunities with you (or others where we can consider co-chair capacities). Our current needs are listed here and detailed “job derscriptions” appear further below on this page:

    • Rec Travel Tournament Chairperson
    • Training Chairperson
    • Ways & Means Co-Chairperson
    • Junior Baseball Commissioner

If you enjoy giving back to the community and teaming up with friends from throughout OYO to create memorable experiences, then the 2023 OYO Board of Directors is the place to be. What’s more, the OYO Board just happens to be one of the largest youth sports all-volunteer board of directors in Central Indiana.

Just simply email us to let us know you’re interested in joining the 2023 OYO Board of Directors. Then, based on your interest, experience and background, we’ll work with you to pair you with the role or need that best fits your interests.
 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL OYO BOARD MEMBERS

    • Attend and participate in monthly board meetings (one per quarter in person, remainder virtual)
    • Serve Advisor on Duty (AOD) shifts during spring and fall seasons (approx. five in spring, three in fall)
    • Represent the very best of OYO at all times (including social media engagement, sportsmanship)
    • Fulfill duties of chairperson role and keep appropriate executive board members informed

 
At this time, the following four board positions are available (and duties listed under each):
 

REC TRAVEL TOURNAMENT CHAIRPERSON

  • Oversee all all-star travel baseball and softball tournament programs and activities
  • Partner with Vice President of Travel Baseball, Travel Baseball Commissioners, Vice President of Travel Softball and Travel Softball Commissioners to maximize team recruitment for tournaments
  • Manage all facets of the annual David Manlove Memorial Tournament (early June)
  • Manage all facets of the annual Bill Sturm Memorial Tournament (July)
  • Provide guidance for full-time travel program to help them coordinate and manage successful tournaments independently
  • Responsibilities include overseeing (and not directly doing) with the help of other OYO Board Members to market the event, field inquiries from interested teams, collect registrations, ensure payments are made, finalize rules, develop schedules, select trophies, recruit umpires, communicate to participating teams and execute event

 

TRAINING CHAIRPERSON 

  • Responsible for training and development of all players and coaches
  • Maintain and update Skills Development Framework materials and resources
  • Coordinate and staff onsite player development clinics with external instructors during the season
  • Coordinate and staff coaches’ clinics before each spring and fall season
  • Oversee and manage the Winter Workout program for baseball and softball participants

 

WAYS AND MEANS CO-CHAIRPERSON (one more needed, one already secured)

  • Responsible for all fundraising, including sponsorship support for each spring and fall season
  • Solicit corporate sponsorships for naming rights to select fields and structures around the park
  • Solicit team sponsorships for each spring and fall rec league team
  • Collect pledged funds and coordinate delivery to the Treasurer via check or online payment
  • Maintain all accurate records, including fees paid, contact information and player request information
  • Coordinate information for uniform printer by stated deadlines and for sign printer for display signs to be posted at Veterans Memorial Park

 

JUNIOR BASEBALL COMMISSIONER

  • Oversee all activities and planning for Junior Baseball division
  • Review rules in advance of season and make recommendations to board for possible changes
  • Recruit coaches, as needed, based on monitoring of coach applications
  • Develop player ranking report for each spring/fall season
  • Attend/facilitate annual coaches meeting for spring/fall seasons and meet with division’s coaches
  • Develop rosters and input teams into LeagueApps
  • Communicate regularly with division’s coaches and, as needed, with entire division

 
Learn more today…

If you have questions, contact Michael DeSanto, President. 

Thank you for your continued support and choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball.

Now, we hope you will answer this call and make OYO the beneficiary of your volunteer service in 2023. Rest assured, more than 1000 families and 1600 ballplayers will greatly appreciate the difference you make.

Step up to the plate and join the board!

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2023 Winter Workouts Now Accepting Registrations

Don’t let the offseason keep your ballplayer from doing what he or she enjoys most…playing baseball or softball! OYO has just the right solution — and in a brand new format!

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM | Every winter, we welcome all baseball and softball players to come join us indoors to knock off that winter rust with our Winter Workouts program!

 

DATES | Friday, January 6 thru Sunday, March 12 (day of week varies based on age group)

 

SESSIONS | 10 weekly sessions running 90 minutes each

 

FEE | $115 per ballplayer

 

PARTICIPANTS | Winter Workouts are open to past OYO players, prospective OYO players and ballplayers in the community just looking for a chance to get some off-season practice in before the spring season starts. It is not a requirement for participants to play in OYO’s 2023 Spring Season — any interested ballplayer may participate.

 

LOCATION | Underwood Baseball, 6782 Hawthorn Park Drive (near 65th Street and Binford)

 

FACILITATION | Each workout session plan will be developed and executed by Underwood Baseball. Led by Dan Underwood (who is also the 13U FTT Oaklandon Bombers head coach), Underwood Baseball will facilitate the workouts for all baseball and softball age groups focusing on hitting and fielding. In addition, softball will enlist the instruction of Morgan Melloh from Champion’s Edge for three sessions. To support the workouts, OYO coaches and volunteers will support the drills demonstrated by managing small group stations.

 

MAXIMUM CAPACITY | Although the workouts don’t start until early January, the number of roster openings in each division is limited to only the first 24 players who register. Once we reach capacity, we will add all interested players to a wait list. Don’t delay, register today!

 

 

Thank you for choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball! We look forward to seeing you soon!
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Now Accepting Applications for Umpires for 2023

Come make the call!

 

OYO maintains a high-quality umpire program aimed for adults and youth. Any individual age 11 (as of January 1, 2023) or older may apply. Umpires are supported through a detailed process that includes rules trainings, online exam, test reviews, mechanics clinics, attire and equipment support and on-the-field simulations.

 

We’re welcoming new and returning umpires to step up the plate in 2023 and become part of the program. By being part of OYO’s umpire program, this is a great part-time opportunity with competitive pay rate in all divisions!

 

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Be a 2023 Rec Travel Coach

 

Step up to the plate! We are currently fielding head coach applications for our 2023 Rec Travel (All-Star) teams.

We are now accepting applications for Red Storm Teams in the 08U, 10U, 12U and 14U age groups .

We are also accepting applications for Bombers Teams in the 06U, 07U, 08U, 9U, 10U, 11U and 12U age groups.

 

Overall, we offer Bombers teams in seven age groups for baseball players (based on age as of April 30, 2023) and Red Storm teams in four age groups for softball players (based on age as of January 1, 2023). Rec Travel baseball teams are established for every year between ages 6-12, and Rec Travel softball teams are established combining two years of players between ages 7-14.

 

Visit OYO’s website to learn more about our Bombers Rec Travel Program (baseball) and Red Storm Rec Travel Program (softball), where you also can complete a coach’s application for one of our Rec Travel teams.

 

If you have any questions, please contact one of the following members of the OYO Travel Committee:

 

Thank you for your consideration and continued interest in OYO! Bomber Up! Go Red Storm!

 

Click Here To Complete The Rec Travel Coach Application Today!

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Real-Time Brackets for Tournament Sunday

OYO operates a single-elimination tournament for all our divisions, except Tee Ball. The tournament is set for Sunday, October 16. To track the results in your division on Tournament Sunday, please click the respective link below to view the bracket with the latest results.

We wish all teams a memorable ending to their season! Good luck! And, as always, thank you for choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball.

Play Ball!

 

Real-Time Brackets

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Remember the OYO Way Because Our Ballplayers Are Watching You!

We hope all our ballplayers, coaches, fans and umpires have had a wonderful and memorable season. We’ve been blessed as a league with wonderful weather, incredible coaching, memorable plays on the field and many new friendships. We truly appreciate you choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball for your family, and we value your participation this fall.
 
It’s Tournament Time – For the Kids!
As we prepare for the thrills of our annual rec league tournament this weekend, here are some friendly reminders about The OYO Way and OYO Code of Conduct. We believe it is important we send out this information so we can all work together to ensure a positive environment for all our hardworking and deserving ballplayers and families. As we often say, it’s about the kids…and that’s especially true at tournament time!

With great anticipation, all our coaches, players, fans, umpires and volunteers are entering the final weekend of our 15th Annual Fall Ball season. The excitement and enthusiasm are on the rise. This is the time of year where teams can showcase what they have learned on the ballfield but also where coaches and parents can teach many life lessons.

As we approach what will surely be a memorable, exciting tournament, we look forward to lots of cheers and exciting finishes. We also want to remind coaches, players, parents, umpires and volunteers to stay focused on the big picture. Here are some timely and important reminders about The OYO Way!

 

Know Your Part – And Approach It Positively

How we each handle ourselves during the games, including how excited we may get over a call or how we interact with umpires, is critical. It will make all the difference between positive memories and life lessons that will inspire these young baseball and softball players to continue playing for years to come or that may scare them away from a game they have truly enjoyed during the rec season.

So, what’s your role? It’s simple. Umpires umpire, coaches coach, players play, and fans cheer positively.

 

Choose Words, Actions Carefully

It is important to remember if a coach or fan demonstrates disrespectful actions toward an opposing team member or an umpire, then the individual runs the risk of being ejected by an umpire and asked to leave the park for the remainder of the day. And, yes, we’ve explained to all our coaches that they are ultimately responsible for their fans. However, if we all work together to make this a memorable experience for the players, then we will create an experience they will truly enjoy and remember!

In addition, each family (parents for themselves, their ballplayer and their guests) signed the OYO Code of Conduct at the time of their registration. If necessary, we will enforce the Code of Conduct when the actions of any coach, player, parent or fan do not represent The OYO Way.

 

Help Make It A Memorable Day, Know The Rules on Game Day

At OYO, we follow the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) rules for all our baseball and softball divisions. That said, we also have some customized exceptions to the rules for each division. As the season rolled along, we’ve experienced more game delays as a result of coaches or parents/fans not being familiar with the rules. Unfortunately, the game clock does not stop during these discussions and only hinders the development of our ballplayers from lengthy stoppage in play.

Before heading to the park on Sunday, we encourage you to review your division’s rules. Download the softball rules. Or, download the baseball rules. Having a very solid knowledge of your division’s specific rules can create a better game experience for your ballplayers, too. The more everyone knows the rules, the better equipped we are to help our players and teams abide by the rules and understand the calls made by our umpires.

 

We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions leading up to Tournament Sunday, please email the OYO Board of Directors and we will help answer your questions. And if you need any assistance at the ballpark on Sunday, please locate any Advisor on Duty (AOD). We look forward to welcoming you at Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, and we truly appreciate you spending your Fall Ball season with us at OYO!

 

With much appreciation!
The OYO Board of Directors
www.oyoball.org

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Your Opinion Matters! Complete Annual Fall Ball Survey by October 21!

The Oaklandon Youth Organization is committed to providing you a quality baseball and softball experience for your ballplayer and family each and every season. To better deliver the value and service you expect, we want to understand your overall experience and identify areas you recognize needing improvement.

We have experienced more growth, new programs and more opportunities for ballplayers and families. So, now, we want to know how we’re doing and meeting your expectations. And, we welcome your feedback from all OYO rec league families who participated in our 2022 Fall Ball Season. This survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Check your email for an invitation from OYO via SurveyMonkey. As with any mass email strategies of this kind, please check your spam filter for an email invitation if you do not receive it in your inbox. And be sure to complete the survey by EOD on Friday, October 21.

We appreciate your consideration for sharing your input and recommendations. Thank you for choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball!

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Challenger League Returning to OYO for the 2023 Spring Season

WHO? | Any interested ballplayer age four and older. This division is open to male and females, and there is no age limit.
 
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGER LEAGUE? | This special division removes the barriers that keep children/adults with mental and physical disabilities off the ballfield and lets them experience the joy of playing baseball. But it’s more than playing a game. OYO envisions the Challenger League being a place where new friends are made, self-esteem is built and our players are treated just like other athletes. There are children/adults in our community who have an equal amount of love and determination as any current OYO player, and we want to help them achieve that dream.
 
WHEN DOES THE CHALLENGER LEAGUE BEGIN? | OYO is resuming the Challenger League for the 2023 Spring Season, and registration begins in January and practices will start in late March.
 
TO LEARN MORE … | If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in participating in OYO’s Challenger League, please contact Nicholas Stellema, Challenger League Commissioner, at nicholas.stellema@gmail.com or 317.402.2699. We appreciate your consideration and interest in OYO!

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Coaches’ Corner | October 3, 2022

First and foremost to all our coaches and volunteers, thank you for all your time, effort and support this fall. We appreciate the difference you’ve been making with your teams and creating a memorable game day experience each and every time you’ve taken the field. Yet, time flies when we’re having fun…and now we’re heading into our final week of the regular season and gearing up for the single elimination tournament on Sunday, October 16.

 

As we prepare for the end of the season, we have five important and timely reminders.

 

1. Player Evaluations Must Be Completed by Sunday, October 9 (For all coaches in all divisions)
The online process of coaches completing the end-of-season player evaluation has been a constant at OYO for nearly 15 years. Please find attached a simple one-page PDF to complete your team’s evals in LeagueApps by Sunday, October 9. What’s more, successful completion of this evaluation helps you earn additional coach incentive dollars, and also keeps you eligible to coach in the rec league tournament next weekend!

 

2. Mandatory Pre-Tournament Coaches’ Meeting Is Sunday, October 9 at 7:15 p.m. on Field 2 | (Tee Ball coaches do not need to attend this meeting)
We ask all head coaches (or a team representative in the event you cannot attend) to join us for this important and required 30-minute meeting, which will help ensure every team approaches the tournament upholding The OYO Way, following the Code of Conduct and honoring and protecting what’s most important to all of us at OYO. This meeting is set for Sunday, October 9 at 7:15 p.m. at OYO on Field 2. Once again, your attendance helps you earn additional coach incentive dollars, and also keeps you eligible to coach in the rec league tournament!

 

3. Download Your Division’s Bracket Today and Know the Rules
If you have not already done so, please download he tournament brackets online for your division and confirm your team will have at least eight players present — and if not, see #4 below. In addition, we have attached a customized a tournament-friendly Rules Overview document of the most relevant OYO “house rules” for your team’s division.

 

4. Need Subs to Ensure an Eligible Team on Tournament Sunday? Work Ahead!
With fall breaks spanning many Sundays in October, your team may have players who cannot participate in the Fall Ball Tournament on October 16. As defined in OYO’s published rules for the rec league tournament, a team must adhere to the following requirements:
  • A team that has 8 or more players present to bat and play in the field is in full compliance and does not have to record an out when on offence
  • A team that has 7 players present to bat and play in the field must record an out each time the team’s eighth batter spot in the lineup is reached
  • A team that has 6 or less players present to bat and play in the field would need to forfeit the game 10 minutes after the game’s official start time

 

That’s the written rule. However, our mission and goal is for all teams to be able to participate in the tournament but in a fair and reasonable manner. So we have established a temporary rule that allows a team to add a substitute player(s) from a younger division only to ensure they have eight players present. For example, a Super Major team can add a player from the Minor division, or a 10U Softball team can add an 08U Softball player, or a Junior Rookie team can add a Tee Ball player. Of course, to ensure fairness to all teams, we also have established several parameters that must be followed when adding these substitute players:
  • Player(s) must be a registered 2022 Fall Ball player in the division immediately lower to get team to eight players present for game(s)
  • Player selected must not miss his/her team’s tournament game to play on your team
  • Player selected must play in the outfield and bat last in lineup
  • Player selected must be approved by OYO President and respective VP

If you believe your team will have seven or less players on October 16, then please contact the respective Vice President by Thursday, October 6. At that time, the VPs will reach out to necessary divisions seeking enough interested players to fill in on game day. We will assign these players on a first come, first served basis for teams that request players on October 16. Assignments will be circulated to the division during the week of October 10 so all coaches are aware of the approved substitutions before the tournament starts.

 

5. Got Questions? Thank You!
If you have any questions or need something more, less or different, please contact any of us for more information. As always, we truly appreciate all you do for OYO’s ballplayers and families! Without your incredible volunteerism and commitment, we would not be able to provide a memorable and quality experience for all our ballplayers and families. Thank you for making a difference, and thank you for choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball!

 

With much appreciation and gratitude!
Brittany Anderson, President | kbamanderson@gmail.com
Randy Working, Executive Vice President (baseball) | randyworking@yahoo.com
Mario Covarrubias, Second Vice President (softball) | mcovar3@gmail.com
Michael DeSanto, Vice President of Game Day Operations (rules, schedules, umpires, equipment) | mdesanto317@gmail.com

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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