All, Yep, you thought you had a few months to rest… nope. As we wrap up tournament season here in Washington State I want to say thanks to so many people for their work this season… First and foremost are the ADAs… you folks make me look good! Stacy Ashcroft and Mark Dixon in District 13 worked their tails off for Districts, AND, a State Tournament. We had one of the best “blue crews” I have ever seen at a state tournament. Real world class umpiring. It was inspiring actually. Stacy and Mark worked together to put on not one BUT TWO tournaments… with little space in between. West Plains Little League really stepped up to help with State… thanks folks. Deer Park (Tri County Little League) was a great host doing their first tournament for Districts in memory. Get well soon Ryan! District 5’s ADA Brennan Moore burned up the phone lines to everyone in the District working with Jim Fry at Walla Walla. Jim, John (Hopkins), and Brennan put on a great tournament and for the first time in YEARS we actually had a Softball component to the District Tournament. Brennan then went on to work with Valerie Hernandez to put together the tournament in Othello for 8-10 State. Don’t underestimate the amount of work that goes into putting on a State Level Tournament. IT’s a ton of work…. BIG BIG BIG applause goes out to Valerie and the City Council in Othello… The Parks and Rec guys JUST ROCK! There have been several “Field of Dreams” moments in Othello. The fields were perfect, the weather was good, and the City of Othello is an incredible host. Brennan and Valerie knocked it out of the park here. People from all over the state are so impressed with the facility, the events for the kids, and the overall experience they have had here in Othello. We play the final games this weekend. Feedback from all participants, presidents, and DAs about our State tournaments in 5/13 has been 100% positive (Well except for the ejections 😊 ) . Good—no GREAT Job to all. I can’t tell you how appreciative I am for all your work and dedication. I can see the glimmer of hope that we are starting to form up as a team and bring better experiences to our players, coaches, and families in 5 and 13. Heck even some of the managers that were “Two and Out” said it was the best experience they have had coaching teams. That praise is on you all for your hard work making this happen. Next come all the presidents…boards, coaches, volunteers, and people that support Little League in the various communities in the District(s). You all are in the trenches each season making your leagues run… Sometimes it’s a thankless job, but not today… Thank You. I am so thankful, appreciative, and feel in your debt for the work you all put in. Thank you. Now on to business… Little League is supposed to function year round. To that end: WE ARE HAVING A PRESIDENTS/BOARD MEETING IN AUGUST . THE MEETING WILL BE VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE. ALL BOARD MEMBERS, PRESIDENTS, AND OFFICERS OF LEAGUES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. THE MEETING IS AUG 31 at 7:00 PM. I will send out an Invitation in about a week. The purpose of the meeting is to get ready for the 2024 Season and discuss some changes and initiatives we will be making in 5/13. PLEASE HAVE PEOPLE IN THE MEETING… more than 1 or 2 from your leagues should attend if possible. Most leagues do their voting for their boards in Sept to line up with the operational year of Little League (Oct 1 – Sept 30). We will discuss the CORRECT and LEGAL way to seat your board. Some of you do not do this, and it puts a dent in all the league operations up and down the line. (How many have all the volunteers they need? – Well the good volunteer stream coming into the league starts with a proper board) We have things to do for next year. Lets build on this momentum from a good year in 5/13 and see what’s over the horizon. Thank you all Regards JP DA WA5/13