With plans of focusing more on fundamentals for area youth, the Eureka Recreation Commission (ERC) discussed changing the summer ball seasons to include skills practices, prior to games/tournaments being held, during their most recent monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 30.
“These kids need an organized group, not separate teams with different functions,” stated ERC member Leonard Moore. He went on say, “They need fundamental baseball and softball, then at the end, put teams together and a Round Robin style tournament.” As the discussion continued, ERC members agreed the goal is to develop fundamentals for both players and umpires before competition begins. It was noted that coaches would need to assist with various volunteers who are willing to assist in the skills-based practices.
Community member Clay Crisswell provided in-depth feedback and suggestions for enhancing Eureka’s baseball and softball leagues. For 8U softball, Crisswell recommended full adoption of UTrip rules, as some are inconsistently enforced. He supported maintaining the age group but proposed modifications, such as bringing in coaches to pitch after two consecutive walks—mirroring practices used in the Burlington league.
Crisswell also discussed improving the Ponytails division (ages 9–13), suggesting the use of a 12inch ball to help players adapt to older divisions, and introducing rules such as the dropped third strike and allowing players to steal home, following standard 12U rules.
To improve consistency in officiating, Crisswell offered to lead an umpire training day. Umpires will be required to complete annual training. Additional safety measures, including safety bags at first base and clear guidelines for warnings, will be implemented.
The ERC also discussed the time limit, as well as removing the mercy rule for games (15-run lead after 3 innings, etc.) but maintaining run limits per inning.
It was also noted that moving forward, the ERC hopes to have an Umpire In Charge (UIC) at all fields.
ERC Member and Eureka Aquatic Park Director Jamie Stephens reported that concessions are profitable, and general maintenance is running smoothly. A recent facility issue was promptly resolved. She also highlighted that the interior and exterior painting is now complete, describing the facility as looking “amazing.”
Regarding the upcoming football season, the board made a unanimous vote to change 3rd and 4th grade league back to flag football. Leagues for 1st-2nd (flag) and 5th-6th (tackle) will remain the same, as well as the cost per West Elk participant utilizing gear will remain at $50. ERC Director Derek Larcom noted that two schools may not be able to participate in the traveling tackle season due to a decrease in numbers. It was noted that the league has picked up Uniontown. Larcom shared that an official league meeting was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4, in Fredonia.
ERC Member Brandon Hall was absent from the meeting.
The ERC meets routinely on the last Wednesday of the month; their next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m., at the ERC garage.
