Now that the regular season has come to an end, we at Coquitlam Little League would like to send out a big thanks to everyone, players and parents, that helped make this season so successful.
In Blastball and Mini-Minors we implemented a new program to help develop the basic skill set needed for our youngsters to be successful playing baseball. The program includes a 'mentor coach' to help our volunteer coaches learn along with our players on what drills are successful, how to be a coach, and how to keep practices fun. We have rave reviews on this new program at both levels.
Moving up in the ranks, we would like to thank the 'coordinator of the year' Dan Malicki for all his efforts with the Rookie division. We continued the mentor coach program in Rookie and again, it was accepted with tremendous success. The CLL philosophy encourages sportsmanship, team building and personal development, and based on the feedback we have received this has been another successful season in the Rookie division.
Minors and Majors were no exception, as we stuck through a VERY wet season, and somehow managed to play most if not all of our scheduled games! There were a few wrinkles to iron out at the beginning of the season, however once we got rolling there was no looking back! We were commended for our Monday night clinics down at Mackin, where all of our Minor and Major players were given the opportunity to learn and take their baseball abilities to another level. We also hosted another successful Mackin Yard Invitational despite a VERY wet long weekend. Parents and coaches from our neighbouring communities flooded our inboxes with their thanks and appreciation.
At Blue Mountain the Juniors had a season that included a record of 5 regular season tournaments! Unfortunately it was overshadowed by another record, cancelled tournaments. Yes it was a VERY wet season, and there were a number of games that were cancelled or postponed, but from discussing it with the players, our Juniors had one of the most fun seasons in recent memory. We had some difficulty covering all of the parental park duties, however this season we had a core parent group that went above and beyond what was expected of them. We hosted a successful Junior Wood Bat Tournament at TWO diamonds, and our 12/13 year olds had a BLAST at the Mid-Season Classic. Again, we built on our reputation as 'top of class' Little League organization as we received numerous emails of thanks and appreciation from parents in our league and from neighbouring leagues.
The Senior division had a record number of registrations this year, forcing us to field TWO teams for the first time in a long time. Both the Green A's and White A's had tremendous seasons. They battled it out in inter-squad games, as well as took on the likes of Langley, Whalley, North Langley and the Coquitlam Big League A's!
The Big League squad had a slow start, but as their team came together, they clicked and never looked back. Playing as a team they have pushed each other to become better players and they have all had tremendous seasons. Noticing the UBC scouts that have attended a few of their games gives an indication of just how well these boys have been playing.
Included below are a few excerpts from emails that were sent to us over the course of the 2011 season. Thanks again to all the parents and volunteers that have helped out this year. We cannot run this league without you!
"the mentor coaches session was EXCELLENT"
"this was a really good training wession for new coaches, parents, and the kids. I now know what, and how to practice with my child, and we have been having great fun together!"
"games are always fun to watch, but the practices we've had this year are keeping all the kids involved and everyone is having so much fun"
"We LOVE the base race!!"
"It was a great pleasure and I am so thankful for [all of] your support"
"this was the first year my son played baseball. It is quite impressive to see so much support and help for the teams. Our league is very organized and experienced, thank you for your enthusiasm"
"BASEBALL NEVER SLEEPS"
"the league is very fortunate to have some very good people at the top who are committed, caring, and working [very] hard"
"Great tournament! You and your volunteers have done a fantastic job. My wife tonight said how friendly from Coquitlam L.L. is. Thanks very much for having us and for putting together such a great event."
"I know when I'm at the park I will always get a smile and a hello"
"[My son] has been enjoying leaning the responsibility and the importance of team work through baseball"
"Sometimes it's not only about winning, but it is about dedication and team work. Great job guys!"
"[I've seen] a lot of improvement in some of the players and most of all, I saw an excellent culture and a fun atmosphere to the team. Great job, keep up the great work!"
"thank you for a great weekend of ball. [Your league] once again did a great job of bringing it all together ... and [I] will be highly recommending next years Jr coaches to enter your tournament."
If you have any other comments PLEASE include them in the comments section below.
Thanks again - the 2011 Coquitlam Little League Executive
