Spring is in the air and another season of WECSSO Slo-pitch is right around the corner.  The Board of Directors have been busy preparing for another season of slo-pitch and would like to welcome back our players-not only our seasoned veterans and also the 29 new players who have decided to join our league for the  first time- Welcome aboard!!  Our league is unique in that we have three divisions of play so that no matter one’s athletic skills we have a division for you to play in for the most part, players will be playing against players of similar skills and abilities.

This season we will have 5 teams in the Red Division, 7 teams in the Blue Division and 5 teams in our Green Division.  Diamond limitations limited us to only five teams in the Red Division, but I feel that our league is even better since the “trickle down effect” has allowed the Blue Division to have seven teams once again and the Green Division to expand to five teams.  This division alignment bodes well for future seasons. 

I would like to thank our Board for their hard work and commitment to our organization.  My job is made much simpler because I have Board members who are always willing to go “that extra mile” to make our program very successful. 

Thanks also to our managers for “stepping up to the plate” to manage a team.  You help to contribute to the success of our league and your efforts are much appreciated by not only the Board but also the players.   Players may not say it, but they do appreciate your efforts on their behalf. 

Finally, a big thank you to our volunteer umpires.  Our league is very lucky to have such a dedicated crew of individuals who find time to officiate our games.  Our league is stronger because of your willingness to volunteer as an umpire.

Every year before the season begins, I like to remind our players how lucky and fortunate they are to still be playing a game they love to play at their age.  Every year we lose players for a variety of health-related reasons and this is very unfortunate. I feel sorry that they are forced to quit playing the game they love and enjoy.  Not only the game itself but the social aspect of our game.  Since we have a draft each season, they get to know several players.  This is a great part of our league.   Teammates one year, may be opponents the next year.  These players would love to continue playing but are unable to do so.  Not only do they miss playing but also the social aspect of our league.   Thus, to me, winning is secondary- being able to play and enjoy the game is primary.  A successful outcome for me is – not to get hurt during the game/season and being able to play the next day/season.   I wish that for everyone in our league. 

Above all – REMEMBER IT IS JUST A GAME

Ron Ottogalli

WECSSO President