Mustangs Baseball 
Diamond Club Meeting
November 13, 2007
Members present: Randy Reichert, Jeff Hershey, John Hoffman, Mike Blumer, Gordy Eicher, Ben Gallagher, Dan Nickols, Marquetta Nickols, Susie Severson, Joe Bothwell, Jennifer Dickison, Sue Blumer, Kevin Stoltman, Allen Barkve, Coach Downey, and Karin Wessberg.
Meeting called to order at 7:05 by Randy Reichert
Minutes from October meeting:
Ben Gallagher made a motion to accept the October minutes; Joe Bothwell seconded the motion.
Treasurer’s Report:
John Hoffman reported that the only activity in October was the deposit made for the grocery bagging, leaving a current balance of $8642. He also noted the following anticipated changes for this year: 1) no year end section program; 2) Rod Carew, this year’s banquet speaker, will cost significantly more than John Gordon who spoke for a small donation last year; and, 3) the lost fundraising efforts will cause a deficit of around $5000. He expressed a hopeful outlook to offset this deficit with new fundraising efforts, including a goal for the banquet/silent auction of $10,000. All in all, we are about $1500 ahead of this time last year.
Coach Downey’s update:
The following items were shared by Coach Downey: Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Meeting; game schedules; SAYB; Spring Break practices; on-campus baseball field; winter youth baseball clinic; and, 2008 coaching staff.
The annual coaches meeting was conducted at the end of October. The topic of switching to wood bats was discussed at length. The general consensus is that the aluminum bat provides for more offense and that going to a wood bat would virtually eliminate the home run. A recent study done in
The coaches also expressed their desires to regain the week at the beginning of the season that was taken away awhile back. If enough pressure is applied to the MSHSL this could perhaps change, but not in the near future.
Game Schedules
20 games have been scheduled for each of the 4 MV teams. Schedules are posted on the baseball website as well as on the baseball bulletin board at school.
SAYB
Mike Anderson, this year’s president, has met with Jeff Larsen at Tri-City to begin the process of administering the 16-19 yr old summer ball program.
Spring Break practices
On-campus baseball field
Following an upcoming meeting to be held this week, some definitive
information is expected to be shared. Stay tuned.
Winter youth baseball clinic
There are plans underway to hold a winter clinic on a series of Sundays in February at the high school. Word on exact dates to come later.
Coaching staff
First choice for Freshmen team head coach is Cardell Poe who will replace Rich Opitz. An initial coaches meeting is to be held next week to discuss the upcoming season. Brian Sprout, of the
Spring Trip update: Ben Gallagher reported that the 2nd deposit of $300 was due tonight. Another $300 will be due the 2nd week of January. The cost of airfare and hotel comes to around $900. Ben, an attorney by profession, has drafted a “Waiver/Release” document that ALL students and parents will need to sign. Medical information will be included on this document.
Old Business:
1. Grocery bagging: Randy Reichert reported that on Saturday, October 27, approximately 30 players brought in a bit over $1400. 2 opportunities to bag groceries remain in 2008: February 2 at the Arden Hills location and March 1 at the
2. Pizza Pals: no report other than to confirm that Gordie Eicher has gotten last year’s packet from Jerry Walen.
3. Banquet/silent auction: It was discussed that there are two distinct components to the success of this – a fundraising component and a communications component. On the fundraising side, Randy Reichert will put a letter together for businesses inviting them to participate. On the communications side, Randy and Jennifer Dickison will mail out “Save the Date” postcards to all who attended last years banquet. SAYB will be contacted for email addresses of their players. The goal is set at $10,000.
4. Game day experience: Gerald LeGarde, Harry Merickel, and Mitch Baran have expressed interest in announcing the varsity games. John Hoffman would also like to announce a game for each of the other teams, as well as doing picnics for each team, much like what was done last year.
5. Captain’s practice: Randy reminded the group that this is something that coaches cannot be involved with. Therefore, a few dads will need to be available to supervise and throw in the batting cage. Perhaps a group of volunteers could be established and rotate.
6. Year end banquet: no report
7. Section program: MVHS has moved out of Section 4 and into Section 5 this year. We are not able to do the programs. Rather, programs for ALL sports will be put out for bid. This had been a good fundraiser for us in the past, so is a big disappointment.
8. Player apparel: Joe Bothwell and his wife have met several times with the captains to finalize the order. The goal is to have everything available as soon as possible.
New Business:
Other fundraising opportunities: Jennifer Dickison will find out what other sports have been able to raise with Applebee’s fundraisers. It was also mentioned that Fuddruckers has a program of giving back 20% of proceeds raised with a team-sponsored “night out at Fuddruckers”.
A motion was made by Ben Gallagher to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 pm; motion seconded by Gordie Eicher.
The next regular Diamond Club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 4th, at 7:00 pm in the Mounds View Forum.
Your attendance is welcome and highly encouraged!