Thanks for help on the diamond
To the editor:
On behalf of the Saranac Lake Youth Baseball and Softball Association (SLYB&SA), I would like to thank the many businesses, organizations and individuals who supported our 2008 program. Our numbers were back up to more than 250 ballplayers after being down last year.
The SLYB&SA accomplished many initiatives and improvements that will be enjoyed by many over the next few years. Donnie Ecret and a few of his maintenance staff from St Joe's donated countless time, materials and labor to perform some badly needed renovations at the town-owned building located next to Rotary Field. Eric Wamsganz of Eric's Painting donated his time and labor to paint the entire building. In turn, the SLYB&SA opened and operated a small snack bar for the first time ever to offset association operating costs.
New picnic tables and one set of bleachers (to be in place next year at Rotary Field) were purchased by the SLYB&SA. Special thanks to Mark Farmer who is single-handedly making some very badly needed renovations at Rotary Field.
Sincere gratitude goes out to Danielle Phelan for taking on the entire girls softball program and making it better than ever.
Additionally, the SLYBA would like to extend thanks to the following team sponsors for their generosity: High Peaks Embroidery, SL Volunteer Fire Department, Agency Insurance, S. Curtis Hayes, Inc., Coakley High Peaks Ace Hardware, Specialty Wood Products, Elks Lodge No. 1508, Stewart's Shops, Guide Boat Realty, Suburban Propane, Hyde Fuel, The Ray Brook Frog, Mountain Mist Ice Cream, The Tail O' the Pup, McDonald's, Upstate Auto, Morgan's 11, Veterans Memorial Association, Carcuzzi Car Care Center, McKenzie's Grille (2 teams).
Special thanks to the following for continued support and cooperation: Saranac Lake Civic Center, Saranac Lake Central School District (namely Lee Daunais), Town of Harrietstown.
Finally, thanks to the many coaches, umpires and parents for help.
With all the thanks I've extended here, I now look to some folks to step up and take over the reins of the organization. It takes a lot of work and coordination to have all the pieces fall into place. This year, I operated on my own as the organization's board. I have been the president for three years now. Our charter as a nonprofit organization includes four board members: president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. I hope to see some volunteers step forward when our end-of-season meeting is conducted later this month.
In the summer of 1953, the first organized youth baseball league in Saranac Lake was formed, and this summer marked the 55th season for area youth to swing the bats, make the great plays and create the memories.
Sincerely,
Bob Bayruns
President
Saranac Lake Youth Baseball and Softball Association
Saranac Lake
