May 14, 2020
RE: Salina Baseball and Softball League and Tournaments to Return Yet This Summer
Thanks to a local group known as Keep Playing Salina, a plan has been developed and approved by the City Commission for Salina to host league and tournament baseball and softball in Salina. The events will begin in June and continue through July subject to the State and County COVID-19 reopening plan and health indicators.
At the May 11, 2020 Salina City Commission meeting, the governing body approved to have Kansas Fastpitch Softball/Independent Fastpitch Association (KFS/IFA) along with a volunteer group, Keep Salina Playing operate the 2020 Salina Parks & Rec Summer Fastpitch Softball and Baseball League programs. The plan calls for a hybrid format with the City of Salina/Salina Parks & Recreation (SPR) providing limited support. This agreement also includes the use of Bill Burke & East Crawford fields for weekend softball tournaments operated by KFS/IFA. Several baseball tournaments will also be able to continue with assistance from KFS/IFA and the Keep Salina Playing organization.
For the Love of the Game
Keep Salina Playing is a local volunteer group getting together to save this year’s softball and baseball season in Salina. Several members of the group are also are members of Kansas Fastpitch Softball (KFS), a non-profit organization that focuses on giving communities across Kansas the opportunity to play fastpitch softball. KFS is affiliated with and sanctions softball leagues and tournaments with the Independent Fastpitch Association (IFA) and would work with Keep Salina Playing to operate league and tournament play in Salina. IFA will also provide the insurance coverage necessary for teams and operations of the events.
Leaders of Keep Salina Playing include Loren Fisher, Chuck Vogan and Daryl Hoelting. Fisher, Vogan and Hoelting have worked to organize and operate tournaments, as well as umpire and coach in and around the Salina area for more than 30 years each. Their combined experience totals more than 100 years of expertise. These gentlemen are donating their time to this year’s season and will not receive financial compensation for their work.
When interviewed about the program, Fisher, Vogan and Hoelting all have the same goal to let the kids play and find a sense of normalcy surrounding the Covid-19 Pandemic. Safety will be a key element, and they believe they have created a great plan for our youth that can allow the love for the game to continue.
Also supporting this effort is the KS Youth Sports foundation. Cale Sharp, Director is pleased to be a part, “This endeavor that the Keep Salina Playing group is undertaking is such a positive opportunity for Salina’s kids for this 2020 Summer. KS Youth Sports is happy to provide support toward this effort and looks forward to helping wherever the program needs.”
Salina League Softball (Ages 8U to 18U) and Baseball (Ages 8U to 14U)
If you are interested in playing in a Salina youth baseball/softball league, please use the following information.
Team Registration begins May 20 with a June 1, deadline. There is limited field availability so please register as early as possible after May 20. The season will run June 15 through July. While subject to changes teams will be given an 8 game, 4- week schedule. Double header games will take place where possible. Following the 4 weeks of play at the end of season all teams will be included in play for an end of year tournament. Keep in mind that the above schedule information may change pending acts of nature, or the State COVID-19 reopening plan schedule or County health indicator updates.
Coaches are required to attend the following Zoom meetings:
Softball Coaches Zoom Meeting: Monday, May 18, 6:30pm, Mtg. ID: 880 2095 3756, Password: 807197
Baseball Coaches Zoom Meeting: Tuesday, May 19, 6:30pm, Mtg. ID: 859 2844 6260, Password: 004039
To register your 8U–18U softball or 8U–14U baseball team for league, please visit: www.ksfpsoftball.com
For additional questions please contact: Loren Fisher, 785-820-6191, [email protected] or
Chuck Vogan, 785-822-1921, [email protected]
In addition, you can join the “Keep Salina Playing” Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/241515430286645/?ref=share
Legion Baseball For 15U – 18U
Tryouts are May 31st at Wilbur field.
Also checkout the Salina Baseball Enterprises / Salina Falcons, Hawks and Eagles Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/pg/SalinaBaseballDynasty/posts/?ref=page_internal
For more information about Legion Baseball, please contact: Tyler Henoch, 785-577-1890, [email protected]
Upcoming Tournaments and their contacts are listed below.
Salina Tournaments
June
6-7 IFA Knights Softball Classic – Loren Fisher, 785-820-6191, [email protected], www.ksfpsoftball.com 13-14 Leonard Cyre Youth Baseball Tourn. – Ryan Kolzow, 785-342-5683, [email protected]
20 SAYSI Youth Baseball Tournament – Daryl Hoelting, 785-577-2907, [email protected]
27-28 IFA Summer Blast Softball Tourn. – Chuck Vogan, 785-822-1921, [email protected], www.ksfpsoftball.com 27-30 29th Annual Grand Slam 17U & 19U Baseball – Tyler Henoch, 785-577-1890, [email protected]
10-12 Hap Dumont 9U Baseball State Championships – Eric Blasdel, 316-393-6918, [email protected]
11-12 IFA State Championships (8U, 10U, 12U) – Chuck Vogan, 785-822-1921, [email protected], www.ksfpsoftball.com July
18-19 Salina Slugfest Youth Baseball Tourn.- Kris Meis, 785-826-7521, [email protected] Sunflower State Games Mens, Coed & Seniors Slow-Pitch Tourn. – Chuck Vogan, 785-822-1921
25-26 Salina Baseball & Softball League Tourn. – Loren Fisher, 785-820-6191, [email protected], www.ksfpsoftball.com August
1-2 Wake & Rake Wood Bat Baseball Classic – Ray Perez, 785-577-1916, [email protected]
