Minutes of League Meeting  April 15, 2020

Prepared by Larry Prosky/Recording Secretary


First Virtual Managers Meeting (via Zoom) for LISSA


Board Members - all present except Bob Gadsden


Team Managers/Representative- total of approximately 18 (including board members) participated in meeting. Cougars, Generals, Seagulls & Bees were not present.


Joe Simeone, shortstop from the Generals, passed away from the CoronaVirus.


Once league gets the okay from the Parks Departments, there will be 2 days allotted for practice before the start of the season to help reduce the chance of injury. There will be no need for preseason games. The LISSA season will start with Game 1 from the schedule (the April 30th game). There will be no All-Star week this season. Field permits should allow for the LISSA season to extend into October/November and we expect that the towns will work with us. There will be no Snowflake season this year.


We have options on schedule, but it will largely depend on our start date. We will re-visit.


Rosters are to be mailed to Bobby Ferrari and should include all new player paperwork.


Joe Pellecchi has application forms from 4 new players who are looking for teams.


Lou Criscione has the new balls in his garage. We will arrange pick up & payment once we get a better handle on the start of the season.


Same (as above) goes for scorebooks, which Al Capelli has.


2020 Schedule will be posted to website.


No new bat stickers were ordered. Teams may use prior year stickers. If teams need more, they can be obtained from other teams.


The Town of Hempstead meeting to approve umpires and sponsorship monies was postponed due to the CoronaViris situation. The LISSA will be informed once they meet and approve. For TOH teams, make sure the entire $500 credit at Baxters is spent or we risk losing future funding.


The league will look into getting the Outlaws (Rich Coy) included in TOH sponsorship for next year as they now play their Home games at Eisenhower Park.


The Pitcher's protective screen will not be used during the 2020 season as there will be no preseason experimental time.


If a team utilizes the Designated Fielder option, they must have a minimum of 12 players in the starting line-up- 11 batters and the non-batting position player.


Minutes of League Meeting February 19, 2020
Prepared by Larry Prosky/Recording Secretary

All Teams represented.
Board members - Gary Leventhal & Sam Sapienza absent

Treasurer's report $12,530 account balance

  • Insurance Certificates - all teams have them. They should be brought to all games
  • Larry Prosky introduced as new Board member replacing Lou Criscione as Recording Secretary. Lou will continue work with website.
  • Playing Fields - Bees to remain at Bay Park - not going to Baldwin Park.
  • Team rosters were handed out. Add/Cross out players as needed. Rosters are to be brought to March 18 Managers meeting, even if it is not the final 2020 roster. A list of emergency telephone numbers for each player required- not just cell phone numbers.
  • Softballs will be $35.50 per dozen - up from $34.50. Order will be placed with all teams getting 4 dozen except for 5 teams who ordered extra. A total of 82 dozen will be ordered.
  • All teams will use Monday as Rain Out dates with the exception of the Bees & Vikings who will use Friday. A Tuesday rain out should be played the following Monday. A Thursday rain out can be played on the 2nd Monday following the rain out (10 days later)
  • Score Books will feature 19 lines and open side to side. Estimated cost $3.97 each. The league will pay for score books.
  • Website update will be made at a future date. A texting option for the league was determined unnecessary.
  • Permits for Oyster Bay to be picked up from Jackie by Bobby Ferrari.
  • No new information available yet on indemnity/league responsibility for player injuries given the waiver that all players sign in order to play in LISSA.
  • Use of screen is suggested, but is OPTIONAL during pre-season games. Joe P. to poll managers in late April for their opinion on continued use of screen during the regular season.
  • All-Star Game field permit received. Picnic permit pending. All-Star game will be July 1 (July 2 rain date)
  • Designated Fielder (DF) must be noted in line-up. DF can ONLY play the field and may not bat. DF can go in and out of game. League to track usage of this new rule.
  • Players must play in 20 regular season games (can be with multiple teams) to be eligible for the end of year tournaments. Manager can apply to board for waiver in the event of a legitimate injury.
  • Batter's box extension- no vote taken. safety issue with extended box may be an ASA/USA issue as well.
  • Schedule for 2020 season distributed.

Minutes of League Meeting January 15


All teams represented


  • Treasurer’s report that there is $12,477.20 in league account. All teams have paid for their League fees.
  • Playing Fields - Rich Coy of the Outlaws reported that there may be a fee for playing at Eisenhower. Paul Grzymalski is taking over the Eisenhower Fields and can be reached at PGgrzymalski@nassaucountyny.gov . League will pursue getting a permit for Baldwin Park with the intention of the Bees making that there home field.
  • The Spring Training games will be played with a Pitcher’s Screen. The screen will be placed about 3 feet from the pitcher’s rubber. Batter is allowed 1 ball to hit screen per at bat. A second ball into the screen during a single at bat will result in an out. On April 23, there will be a phone/email vote by teams to either keep the screen or go back to no screen.
  • The Designated Fielder (DF) option is confirmed. Teams must bat at least 11 players to allow a DF. DF can be substituted for by any player who is not in the batting order. Re-entry rule applies for DF.
  • Discussed liability for pitchers not wearing safety equipment. League will design a Waiver for pitchers who do not want to wear safety equipment., but the prevailing thought is that the waiver would not be enough to stop a lawsuit in case of injury.
  • The All-Star game against the Suffolk league was rejected by them and we will have our usual All-Star Game on July 1 (rain date July 2). Frank Marlow will get permit to play at Eisenhower for those dates.
  • A vote to extend the Batter’s Box 1 foot will be voted on at the February League Meeting.
  • Mike Kuycklinca (USA Umpires) has informed the league that umpires fees will go up to $48 per game for 2020. In addition, no inning may start past 1:30. If the game is tied at that point- the International Tie-Breaker Rule will be put into effect. During each team’s at bat- the last player out in the previous inning will be placed at 2nd base to start the inning.
  • A discussion of solving the talent level disparity of the divisions that included the possible of limiting roster sizes. Also with the consent of both teams- a last place team may remain in the same division if the 1st place team of the lower division agrees to stay.
  • HOF material is available from Frank Marlow.
  • Al Cappelli of the Knights will explore purchasing new score books.
  • New balls will be ordered by Jim O’Gara. All teams will buy 4 dozen with the exception of the Vikings (8 dozen), Outlaws, pirates and Bobcats (5 dozen)
  • Lou Criscione resigns as Recording Secretary. New applicants to be interviewed at, February Board Meeting. 
       

Minutes of League Meeting December 18

All teams represented

Team raffles took place. Division winners of $300 per team were the Bobcats, Lions, Bees ,and Lightning.
Discussion of field permits for Cantiague. Vikings & Generals to talk with Mark LaMarr (516-571-7009) at Cantiague Park.
All-Star game to be played on July 1 with possibility of Nassau/Suffolk game.
Rich Graff (Hempstead Generals) made a presentation concerning running into fielders covering bags. Mike Kucklinca (USA Umpires) explained Rule 8- 8P which states if a runner obstructs a fielder covering a bag- a dead ball is called with the runner and a runner closest to home plate also being deemed out.
Town of North Hempstead’s attempt to add a team to the league resulted in 6 player inquiries with only 1 following up to possibly play. 
Voting of Rules Changes results.
5 Run Limit per inning 14 No 4 Yes (No rule change)
Change to 65 foot bases 13 No 5 Yes (No rule change)
Batter starts with 1-1 count 12 No 7 Yes (No rule change)
Designated Fielder 8 No 10 Yes (Rule changes to allow a Designated Fielder who does not have to be in the batting order)
Re-Touch Rule 6 No 12 Yes (Rule changes to allow a runner on first or third to stand in foul territory until ball is put in play. Runner must then re-touch base before advancing)
Changing balls to Clinchers 11 No 7 Yes (Ball remains the same as previous years)
Mandatory Safety Equipment for Pitchers - Mask 10 No 8 Yes, Chest Protector 13 No 5 Yes, Shin Guards 13 No 5 Yes (No mandatory Equipment for pitchers - it is up to the individual to decide if they want to wear safety equipment) 
* A vote on a Pitcher’s Screen and Elimination of the Batter’s Box will take place at the January 2020 League Meeting.
       7. Larry Prosky (Hempstead Stars) spoke about the new Indoor Facility in Merrick. 
       8. Frank Ozul (Outlaws) resigns as manager and names Rich Coy as their new Manager.
       

MINUTES OF LEAGUE MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 2019

All teams represented
1. Treasurer’s report that $5,455.48 balance in LISSA account after paying Verdi’s
($6040) for HOF dinner and Awards luncheon.
2. Pirates announce that Jim LaCagnina will be assistant manager.
3. Field assignments discussed with eagles moving home games to Salisbury Park
Drive Field (conflict field Cantiague 3). Lions will remain at Burns Park with
conflict field being Allen Park.
4. Gary Leventhal announced that the Town of North Hempstead has allotted $2,500
for forming of a new LISSA team. Town ran adds in local publications to attract
new players.
5. Lou Criscione will form a committee to possibly try a new All-Star game format
against Suffolk senior team. LISSA has procured Gregg Sarra of Newsday to
cover game.After the meeting, several LISSA members volunteered to join
committee including Jerry Nardone, Gene Hennigan, Sam Sapienza, Rich Coy and
Joel Reisch.
6. Dave Goldstein (Bees) presented a plan for a Round-Robin Tournament to
determine realignment of divisions.
7. Discussion of proposal of realignment presented by Ken Fast (Cougars) was
discussed. Several options including 3 divisions (4-8-6) and keeping the 4-4-5-5
alignment with Division 2 playing Division 1 only 2 double-headers per team.
8. Rule changes discussed with voting taking place in December meeting.
a) 5 Run inning - teams would be limited to scoring 5 runs per inning (last inning would be
an open inning) to speed times of games and help keep games competitive.
b) 65 foot bases - could speed games, safer for infielders and keep scores down for
competitive balance.
c) 1-1 count with two foul balls allowed with two strikes.
d) Designated Fielder - a player would not have to bat and could just play the field.
e) Re-Touch rule - runners on First & Third can stand in foul territory (to avoid injury) but
must re-touch base before advancing.
f) Changing balls to Clinchers for safety reasons.
g) Mandatory safety equipment for pitchers (mask, chest protector and shin guards).
h) Extension of batter’s box - extend 1 foot in front.
i) Running through all bases.
9. Irv (I-Man) Goldbaum of the Eagles suggested that league issues & rules be
discussed at the LISSA League Luncheon so that all LISSA members could be involved.
Minutes of League Meeting October 16, 2019

All teams represented.
1. Treasurer’s report that $12,238.40 balance in LISSA account.
Payments to Verdi’s due $5600. Umpire’s fees due $2024. HOF
presentation cost of $376.
2. Awards Luncheon scheduled for 10/18 at Verdi’s from 11:30 - 2:30.
3. The Lightning name Gerry Nardone manager for 2020. The Dodgers
name Mike Scotto manager for 2020.
4. The collection of team dues ($400) due on 11/20.
5. League rules will be discussed at the November Managers meeting.
Topics to include moving bases to 65 feet, changing the balls to
Clinchers, mandatory safety equipment for pitchers, 1/1 count and 5
runs per inning rule to speed up games, Designated Fielder option
and possible realignment of divisions. Managers must inform all
players on their teams of any possible changes in rules or division
changes.
6. Hempstead Eagles will play home games at Salisbury Park Drive
Field and will file for permits. The Tobay Lions will play home games
at Burns Park unless there is a conflict. Conflict dates will be played
at Allen Park.
7. Opening Day will be April 30, 2020.
8. Ken Fast of the Huntington Cougars proposed a realignment and
scheduling of the Divisions for 2020 as follows.
Division 1 (Stars, Vikings, Bobcats & Tigers). Division 1 would play
each team in their division 8 games (24 games), each team in
Division 2- 4 games (32 games) and have 2 position weeks (4
games) for a total of 60 games.
Division 2 (Dodgers, Admirals, Jaguars, Lions, Cougars,
Generals, Bees & Outlaws). Division 2 would play each team in
their division 6 games (42 games), each team in Division 1- 4 games
(16 games) and 1 position week (2 games) for a total of 60 games.
Division 3 (Knights, Pirates, Seagulls, Lightning, Panthers &
Eagles). Division 3 would only play teams in their division 12 games
each for a total of 60 games.
Minutes of League Meeting September 18, 2019

All Teams represented
1. Treasurer reports over $16,000 in LISSA account.
2. Umpire Play-off Bill - $2,024
3. Canvas of teams to find out if any new managers will be in place for
2020. John Reilly will be the new Bobcats manager. Jim Lacagnia will
be the new assistant manager of the Pirates.
4. All four Divisional Winners will receive a $1,000 credit for jackets at
South Shore Sports. A credit award of $400 is given to each division’s
tournament winners at South Shore Sports.
5. Bob Gottlieb (manager of the Lightning) wants teams to consider less
of a team award in future years.
6. It is announced that Bob Gadsden will be in charge of the 50/50
Raffle at the Hall of Fame Dinner.
7. Table arrangements for HOF Dinner will be done by Joe Pellecchi.
8. Mike Kucklinca (USA Umpires) urged that all umpire pay forms be
sent to the respective towns in a timely fashion so that umpires can
be paid.
Also announced that the USA Dinner dance would be held at the
Jericho Terrace and asked for representation from LISSA.
Mike K. also indicated that there will be a raise in umpires fees for the
2020 season and strongly recommended that LISSA go to a 1-1
count to cut down on the times of games.
9. Bob Monteleone (Assistant manager of the Admirals) suggested that
LISSA have a formal procedure for player placement should a team
disband.
10. Bob Gottlieb suggested that the LISSA Snowflake games be
played with wins and losses counting towards standings.
11. A Hall of Fame and Rules Committees meeting will be held on
10/9 at Allen Park. All are invited to attend.
Minutes of League Meeting August 21, 2019 
All teams represented. 
1. Teams are advised that they must call in if they have a rainout. 2. End of season Tournament set: Division 3 & 4 play-in games (teams 
finishing 4th & 5th) will be played on Thursday August 29. Semi-Final Games will be played on September 3 (at team with best record”s home field). Final/Championship games to be played September 5 (at team with best record’s field). 3. Awards dinner date announced (Thursday October 18 @ 11:30AM). 4. Awards dinner will cost $22 per person for all LISSA members. 
Guests cost will be $35. 5. LISSA Snowflake schedule handed out. 6. Rich Coy announced the Annual St. Jude’s Tournament will be 
October 1 & October 2 (rain date October 3). Cost for playing is $50 per person. Teams will be made up by St. Jude’s Board. Teams are asked for donations. 

Minutes of League Meeting July 17, 2019

All teams represented.
1. There was a request that all teams review email addresses for league
contact.
2. Hall of Fame Dinner scheduled for September 26, 2019, at Verdi’s
from 5:30- 10:30. The fee has been raised to $50 per person.
Headcount from teams requested by August 21 league meeting.
3. The end of season Division Tournament dates will start on 8/29 for
Divisions 3 & 4 (teams that finished 4 & 5 in standings- rain date
8/30). The tournament will conclude on 9/3 and 9/5 for all
divisions.Games will be played at the home fields of teams with the
best record.
4. The Awards Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 18 at Verdi’s
from 11:30- 3:00. League members fee is $22. Non-league member
fee is $35. Team headcount requested by August 21 League
Meeting.
5. Fall League will allow players who are 59 years old to play. The
following teams will be playing in the Fall League: Bobcats, Dodgers,
Cougars, Generals, Jaguars, Lions, Pirates, Stars, Tigers, Vikings,
and Lightning.
6. Bob Gottlieb of the Lightning suggested that the Fall League keep
records of teams and possibly have umpires. This will be discussed
again in the August League meeting.
7. 2019 Hall of Fame inductees were announced by Frank Marlow.
8. A discussion about the 3rd base running lane was brought up by the
Bees.
9. A re-evaluation of the Divisions will be discussed after the season to
hopefully find a solution for more competitive play.
MINUTES OF LEAGUE MEETING JUNE 19, 2019 

1. All teams present. 
2. Treasurer’s report $10,850.77 in LISSA account. 
3. All teams paid for league raffle. 
4. Frank Marlowe spoke on HOF candidates and the information needed for 
consideration (including reached on errors, extra base hits etc). HOF committee will meet on July 10 at Cantiague Park to discuss potential inductees. 
5. Player movement from team to team must be done on or before June 27 
games. A player must get release from old team. 
6. Ejections from games discussed. Rule states that if a player is ejected by 
an umpire during the first game of a double-header - he is also ineligible for the second game. If a player is ejected from the second game of a double-header - he is only required to sit out the remainder of that game. More egregious offenses could result with possible suspension by the LISSA Board. 
7. Rain-Out dates. Games rained out on a Tuesday should be made up the 
following Monday if fields are available. Thursday rain-outs should be made up ASAP with managers agreeing on playing date. All teams make up their games on Mondays except the Dodgers (Wednesdays), the Eagles, Lions and Vikings (Fridays). 
8. All-Star Game picnics discussed and All-Star players from each team are 
handed in for game July 2. 
9. League meeting to be held at Cantiague Park for July & August. 
10. Run rule discussed with possible “flip-flop” batting if team is down 20 
runs after 3 innings. 
11. Website update with rescheduled games to be added. 
12. Alan Finchley gave a presentation on a new “Over-65” league (South Shore Senior Softball League) that would play in September through October. 
13. The annual St. Jude’s Tournament will be played from October 1 
through October 3 at Cantiague Park. 

MINUTES OF LEAGUE MEETING MAY 15, 2019

All teams represented.
  1. Treasurer’s report -$11,790.13 in LISSA account.
  2. Team rosters were handed out
  3. Raffle monies from each team due at 6/20 League Meeting. A suggestion was made to increase the winning raffle amount. Board will make a determination.
  4. All-Star Game to be played on 7/2. Each team will select two representatives. All-Stars from Division 1 & 4 will combine and be managed by Joel Riech & Irv Goldbaum. All-Stars from Division 2 & 3 will be managed by Jim Weilmann & Gene Hennigan. Teams should have All-Star representatives handed in at the 6/20 meeting. Picnics will be hosted by the Generals, Knights, Lions and Panthers/Tigers.
  5. Length of games discussed. A proposal that if the 1st game of a double-header ends after 11:15, pitchers will be allowed only 1 warm-up pitch between innings with no infield practice. 
  6. Teams were reminded to call in scores immediately after the end of the games. They are to call Bob Gottlieb’s office at 516-922-0502.
  7. Website update. Teams are urged to send in a team photo, their team’s schedule,logo and their roster with player jersey numbers to Lou Criscione at sharlou28@aol.com  
  8. The Admirals field was discussed. No tape allowed for commitment line. Admirals will look to try to replace field bases with less slippery ones.
  9. Lightning will host the next meeting. They will bring 3 dozen donuts instead of 4 and supply napkins. 
  10. July & August meeting will be held at Cantiague Park.



MINUTES OF LEAGUE MEETING APRIL 17, 2019

All teams represented except for the Bobcats.

  1. 2019 Schedules handed out.
  2. Balls were distributed to all teams.
  3. The scorebooks were ordered by Al Cappelli and should be ready for the opening of the season.
  4. Stickers for the bats will be available for the opening of the season, but old stickers can still be used.
  5. There was an update on the new LISSA website which is now up and running. Additions and improvements to the website will be made throughout the year.
  6. Admirals home field (Salisbury) should be ready by May 7, 2019. Dodgers do not seek to play there and will stay at Eisenhower Park. 
  7. A suggestion was made by Bob Gottlieb (Lightning manager) to make the LISSA Snowflake games more official. It would include umpires and keeping standings. 
  8. Bob Gottlieb also suggested that invitations to the yearly Dinner/Dance should be mailed to all members of LISSA to increase attendance. 


MINUTES OF LEAGUE MEETING MARCH 20, 2019

All Teams Represented.

No Treasurer’s Report

  1. Checks for balls were requested from all teams.
  2. Balls will be ordered and sent to Lou Criscione who will bring them to the next meeting.
  3. Checks for the new website requested from all teams.
  4. Discussion of pricing of scorebooks. Al Cappelli (Knights manager) to explore making scorebooks.
  5. All team rosters due April 17 (must be in alpha order). Town of Hempstead rosters must have 80% Town occupancy.
  6. Frank Marlowe (Hall of Fame Committee) went over HOF qualifications and procedures. 
  • Candidates must have 5 years in the league.
  • A minimum of 5 years of player and team stats must be submitted. A minimum of 100 Plate appearances for each year. Teams to supply ROE (Reached on Error) stats for the player & team after 2017 season. 10 copies of stats to be supplied to the committee. 
  • Only two players per team can be nominated in one year.
  • Nominations must come from managers or assistant manager.
  • Applications for nominees must be received by June 19 (no exceptions). A photograph of the player is required.
      7. Insurance certificates have been sent. 
      8. Discussion of possible new and exciting All-Star Game format discussed with the president voicing strong sentiments against any change. Managers agree to keep the old format in place. 
      9. Elimination of “batter’s box” discussed and may be brought up again before next year’s rules are voted on.
     10. Players must play in a minimum of 20 games (as per LISSA rule 5:10) to qualify to play in the end of year tournament.
      11. Prospective new players must sign a waiver form and supply valid N.Y. License to be eligible to play in Spring Games.

MINUTES OF LEAGUE MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 2019

All teams represented.

Treasurer’s Report - $12,520.67

All Field Permit Forms and Roster Sheets handed out. Rosters must have 80% occupancy in respective towns ( Hempstead & Oyster Bay). Town of Hempstead funding of $500 for uniforms.
Mike Kuklinka of USA Umpiring Association hands out new rule & scorebooks. No new rule changes but umpires will strictly enforce batters box (stepping out) and offensive & defensive conference rules (1 offensive conference per inning/4th defensive conference in-game will result in mandatory pitching change). 
New Division alignments are determined by the board.
Team rosters due by March 20 and must be in alpha order.
Discussion of purchase of new balls. All teams order 4 dozen balls (Pirates order 5 dozen). Cost is $34.50 per dozen with shipping to be extra. 
Rainout dates - all teams will use Monday for make-up games with the exception of the Panthers who will use Fridays.
Each team will receive 3 scorebooks.
Lineups - teams will exchange lineups before each game with last name & numbers mandatory. It is essential that each team keep scorebooks to help facilitate Play-Off eligibility and HOF considerations.
New website discussion by John Castellaneta results in the unanimous positive vote (18-0) for the new site. Price discussed - approximately $100 one time fee per team.
Proposal of change in All-Star game format discussed. Possible Skills competition prior to the actual game (ie. pitching accuracy, timed running bases & home run hitting contest) with non-All-Star players eligible. Also possible challenge All-Star game with the Suffolk Senior League. All to be reviewed and voted on.
The announcement of Opening Day - Tuesday April 30, 2019.
Cobras petition to change their team name to the Outlaws accepted.
 
MINUTES OF LEAGUE MEETING JANUARY 16, 2019

All teams represented.

Treasurer’s Report - $12,175.37

1.Discussion of League Division Alignment
Knights object to moving to Division 2 citing misinformation given during December league meeting. They propose a new realignment of 4 teams in Divisions 1 & 3 and 5 teams in Division 2 & 4 citing disparity of talent from top 2 Divisions (specifically Division 1) and Divisions 3 & 4. Knights feel they would be at an extreme competitive disadvantage after losing several top players which could lead to potential forfeits against Division 1 teams.

Managers vote to cancel voting of December meeting regarding realignment. The vote is 15 - 3 for keeping the same realignment. After further discussions, it is decided that board members will make a final decision on realignment.

2. Field Permits
Teams are informed that they must obtain field permits for 2019 season in a timely fashion.

3. Managers & Assistant Managers
Teams will inform the board of any managerial changes and will supply board with email addresses of both Managers and Assistant Managers for easier communication.

4. Safety Equipment
Discussion of mandatory masks for pitchers. USA Umpire in Chief Mike Kuklinka strongly recommends mandatory masks. Managers feel it should be optional. League will explore different masks.

5. Playing in Suffolk League
The Manager of the Lightning (Bob Gottlieb) asks if it’s permissible for a player to play in both LISSA and the Senior Suffolk League. LISSA league rules forbid this.

6. New Website
John Castellaneta & Lou Criscione will explore possible new website (cost & maintenance).