Coupeville’s Rhododendron Park is a jewel among local little league facilities.
But, unless new volunteers step up to keep Central Whidbey Little League humming along, parents of softball and baseball players may spend more time driving North and South than enjoying their own diamonds.
That’s the reality, as CWLL will lose most of its board at the conclusion of this season, with the children and grandchildren of current volunteers “aging out” and moving on to high school ball.
League officials are putting out the call for fresh blood, with the promise current volunteers will help prepare newbies for what awaits them.
The statement released Thursday by CWLL President Gordon McMillan:
Good Morning!
We are reaching out to all of you with the hopes that you will consider getting more involved with Central Whidbey Little League.
As we are winding down the 2021 season, it is now time to look forward … to next season and beyond.
Yes, it may seem a bit early, but your current board is concerned about next season and feel it is imperative to share our thoughts with you.
Your current board is presently made up of approximately 10-12 active members.
And, the majority will be leaving the board after this season as our kids and grandkids will be ‘aging out’.
Our kids will no longer be eligible to play little league baseball/softball.
Most of our kids and grandkids will be involved with high school athletics/events/clubs in some form or another, and we will be wanting to watch and participate in those events with them.
What does this mean?
Quite frankly, without new volunteers to fill these positions, CWLL may have a very challenging situation and may face some very difficult and painful decisions.
This includes players/families may have to apply to participate in the North Whidbey and/or the South Whidbey leagues IF these leagues will allow.
Board positions that will be vacant at the end of this season:
President
Vice President
Player Agent
Treasurer
Secretary
Safety Officer
Communications Director
Concession Stand Organizer (*May be filled but could use assistance*)
Umpire Organizer
Field Prep
Equipment/Purchasing
Sponsorship/Donations (*May be filled but could use assistance*)
CWLL usually begins ‘gearing up’ for the new season with monthly (Zoom at this time) meetings in September and then weekly meetings after the first of the year going through early April.
Then back to every other week until the end of the season.
Some of your 2021 board has volunteered to assist/teach/guide, but will be unable to ‘take the lead’ so they can be involved with their high schoolers.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will respond at once.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Your 2021 CWLL Board of Directors
For more info on CWLL:
Home (centralwhidbeylittleleague.com)
To contact the CWLL, email:
centralwhidbeyll@gmail.com
Thank you David for sharing our concerns about the future of CWLL. CWLL has been a vibrant, successful and meaningful part of the fibre of this wonderful community for so many years. How many kids in Central Whidbey…boys and girls…have participated in our League
? How many parents, grandparents and siblings have enjoyed an evening at our ‘Field of Dreams’ watching and cheering on their kids? Hundreds and hundreds for sure! Let’s hope this grand journey continues….thanks once again for your unconditional support of the kids on Whidbey Island…very much appreciated. Gordon McMillan