July 30, 2007

Parents of Prospective 2008 Mounds View High School Baseball Players:

Recall the recent email requesting information on the level of interest for a spring trip in 2008.  The purpose of this letter is to follow-up on the status.

First, a review of the background to insure that all have it.

Background

Many high school baseball teams go on a spring trip (most to Florida) during their school’s spring break to be able to benefit from practicing outside, to enjoy the warm weather, and to benefit from the camaraderie and memories gained of being together for a week.  Some schools go on a spring trip every year.  Some schools go every other year, allowing most all students the opportunity to do it one time in their high school years.  And, some schools rarely or never go on such a trip.

At the Diamond Club Meeting in June, the group discussed interest in coordinating a spring trip in 2008, and that further information would need to be gathered before a decision could be made one way or the other.  Ben Gallagher and Randy Reichert subsequently agreed to help lead the effort of researching this. 

My perspective on spring trips: Clearly there is benefit in practicing on a real baseball field versus practicing in a gym/fieldhouse for a week.  There’s also the obvious benefit of enjoying the warm weather and the camaraderie of a trip with teammates.  That said, much can also be accomplished in a gym/fieldhouse; a spring trip is not a necessity to field a competitive high school baseball team.  If people want to put in the effort and expense so their son can experience such a trip, I will definitely support it.  If not, I also fully support working hard indoors in Minnesota for the week of Mounds View’s spring break as we did last year in 2007.  Some people would like to plan a spring trip every other year, and that is fine with me – as I mentioned above, I will support a trip, or no trip, based upon the level of interest each year.  For this year’s sophomores, not attending this year with the thought that they will go in 2010 is completely fine with me.

Level of Interest  for 2008?

Here are the results of the recent survey of returning players:

YES – 24

MAYBE – 6

NO – 3

No Response – 17 (Likely a combination of forgetting to respond, not interested in trying out in 2008, or lack of a current email address such that they didn’t receive the email survey request)

The response indicates sufficient interest to take the next step in pursuing a spring trip for 2008.

What Are the Specifics?

When: The MVHS Spring Break coincides with the first week of baseball; the same as last year.  This is the week of March 17, 2008.

Where: Ben, Randy and I have researched several venues.  The Disney Sports Complex in Orlando has a very attractive situation.  It is highly endorsed by many (including the MVHS Softball Team who is returning there again this spring), and it is also one of the lowest cost options as well.  All hotel (on the Disney grounds), transportation (no need for rental vehicles for the team), and practice/scrimmage accommodations are included.

Itinerary: Depart Sunday, March 16 (or possibly Sat, March 15).  1-2 practices daily.  Time provided for players to use free passes to the theme parks, and attend an Atlanta Braves spring training game.   A couple scrimmages vs. other teams towards the end of the week. Return on Saturday, March 22.  (FYI that Easter Sunday is March 23)

Who’s Coordinating What: Ben Gallagher and the Diamond Club will handle the travel plans and money.  I will be responsible for baseball and player supervision.

Who Can Go: Based upon the level of interest, priority will be given to juniors and seniors.  It is possible that we will have room for sophomores.

Cost: Based upon researching airfare and strongly leaning towards the Disney Complex, assume $800 - $900.  This would include airfare, lodging, transportation, baseball, and theme park admittance.  The Diamond Club would establish some fundraising options to defray some portion of the cost of the trip – an assumption of $200 per player seems reasonable.  Thus, the actual total would be $600 - $700.  Obviously, it is expensive.  It’s also less than many other teams spend on such a trip. 

What About Family Members: Family members are more than welcome and can be accommodated as part of the group.  Or, family members can also make their own reservations if this is preferred.

What If I Don’t Go:  Attendance at practices is expected here at Mounds View High School that week; we will also request use of the Bethel Fieldhouse as we did last year.

How will teams be selected: Player evaluation will occur at both the spring trip site and in Minnesota.  Team selections will be made toward the middle/end of the following week once all players are back together and can be evaluated together.  All players will be evaluated against each other the week following Spring Break; no preferential treatment will be given to those players that make the trip.  Thus, it is possible that a player making the trip could be cut.

What Are the Next Steps?

It is important to reserve airline tickets early to insure we get them (it’s an extremely popular travel week) at the lowest cost (about $300).  Likewise, there is a need to reserve hotel rooms.

Things need to move quickly to determine that we do in fact have sufficient interest in this trip, and most importantly, to make the necessary reservations.

Two informational meetings will be held to provide the opportunity to ask questions of Ben, Randy or myself. 

Tuesday, August 7 – 7:00PM @ MVHS

Thursday, August 23 – 7:00PM @ MVHS

Attending one of these meetings is totally optional.  Subsequent informational meetings will be held for those going on the trip.

The Diamond Club needs a non-refundable $100 check (Seniors and Juniors) for each player and each family member (made out to MVHS Baseball Diamond Club) by Monday, August 27 to reserve a spot.  You can give the check to Ben, Randy or myself (my school mailbox is fine), or you can bring it to one of the informational meetings.  As mentioned above, priority will be given to seniors and juniors.  Sophomores that are interested should provide the necessary down payment as well.  If we don’t have room, those checks will be returned.

While it MAY be possible to reserve a spot after August 27th, there is no guarantee given the availability of airline and hotel.  And, the cost will likely increase.

Feel free to contact Ben, Randy or myself if you have any questions.

Regards,

Mark Downey             markdowney@charter.net            612-716-1088

cc:  Ben Gallagher     ben@glflc.com                               651-222-4466

       Randy Reichert  randall.reichert@wellsfargo.com 651-481-1109