2009 Opening Day will soon be here (Sunday April 19, 2009)!  We held our annual Coaches' Kick-off meeting last night, and we'd like to communicate/reiterate a couple of important messages.

First, a reminder that the mission of the MSSL is "to promote friendship among Jewish men through sport."  Pretty simple but meaningful.  Please note that "promoting friendship" is underscored and is the main purpose of the League.

 

Second, we wish to congratulate Temple Beth Elohim 1-Wellesley for winning the the 2008 Kiddush Cup Championship!  We'd also like to recognize Temple Israel 1-Natick as the runner-up.  Both teams are to be commended for not only a hard fought championship game, but for their contained emotions and display of good sportsmanship during and after the game.

Third, if you are a member of LinkedIn, please join the MSSL Professionals group that was started last year.  Thanks.

Fourth, as a reminder, the MSSL is a no-contact League.  The responsibility not to make contact is the runner's -- even if a fielder is not abiding by the rule not to block the base or path of the runner.  If any contact is made, other than incidental contact, the runner WILL be called out.  Additionally, if the umpire deems the contact to have been excessive, intentional or avoidable, the player will also be ejected from the game.

Fifth, your coach will explain a new Sportsmanship Rule that replaces the Slaughter Rule.  In essence, the Sportsmanship Rule says that if a team opens up a lead 12 points or larger, that team will face a progressively increasing handicap if the lead continues to widen (first, only 9 players in the field, and if the lead continues to widen then the leading team will have only 2 outs at bat rather than 3.)  This also has playoff implications as the tie breaker rules have also been modified.  No longer is the third tie breaker the largest differential in runs, but the average differential closest to 11 runs.

Sixth, you should have all received an email indicating that in cases in which a player is unemployed or deeply under-employed, the League will pay that players fee.  Please see the email, call me or Rich Pomper, or talk to you coach for details of how to request the subsidy.

Seventh, all 30 teams are returning to the League this year.  The Conference (i.e., Jerusalem vs. Tel Aviv) and Divisional (AL vs. NL) structure will remain the same as in 2008. 

Eighth, please make sure your coach has your preferred/correct email address ASAP.

Lastly, the 2009 season begins Sunday April 19, 2009 and will run for 8 consecutive Sundays.  The 9th Sunday will begin the first of four rounds of playoffs.  The first round of playoffs (sweet-16 made up of the top 4 teams in each division), is followed the next Sunday by the Quarter-finals, then the Semi-finals.  The Kiddush Cup Championship Game will be held at a neutral field, and at date & team that is convenient for the two remaining competing teams.    

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

 

Otherwise, have a enjoyable and safe season, and we’ll see you on the field!

 

Best regards,

Bob Alperin, Co-Commissioner (617) 921-9797 (m); balperin@verizon.net

Rich Pomper, Co-Commissioner (617) 308-9117 (m); rpomper@rcn.com