Crush News | Sunday 7/9 Practice Available To Those In-Town
Friendly reminder, I know many are out of town - but I'll be heading down to Aldarra for our typical 3-4:30pm practice this afternoon. If you are around and want to get in some BP, ground balls/pop-fly reps and most likely some pitching from the mound come on down.
-Coach Mike
Crush News | July Scrimmage Updates
Crush families I hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend, and are lucky enough for a long extended weekend (I'm lucky I get the day off tomorrow) - enjoy the 4th.
Some updates:
1. Sunday, July 9th will be adjusting to schedule to practice/BP. I'll be there for any of the few that area around and want to be there. We couldn't pull enough players together for a scrimmage.
2. Sat/Sun July 15/16: We have 11 available and I'm working on securing a scrimmage partner commitment. Would love to get out on the field if we can. Currently in conversation with two different teams to try to make something work.
In terms of the July 22/23 - Monroe tournament. I need to have an follow-up discussion in the background with Coach Kevin. We have 10 players available and trying to find 1-2 potential fill-ins as 10 simply won't be enough for a tournament. The yes's I have for that weekend currently include: Chase C, Logan A, Matt R, Finn S, JD T, Jack C, Joe K, Cade F, Zach H, Jimmy P (fill-in). If this is incorrect please let me know.
More to come post-July 4th. Thanks,
-Coach Mike
Crush News | Practice Sunday 6/18
As a reminder, for those around and available - as previously shared I'll be leading a practice this Sunday 6/18 from 3-4:30PM at ALD1. We will do some infield, BP and weave in some outfield practice. Little League maybe be over, but added reps now will help down the road.
- Coach Mike
Crush News | Budget Reporting
So as not to get buried in the last message, one additional piece of news. In terms of our budget vs actual we are UNDER spent for the entire year. What that means is each family we be receiving a refund. I need to work through the final scenarios based on above changes – but with confidence can state a range of $55 on low-end to $90+ high-end per player will be coming back to each family. This will bring the annual cost under $500 player which when you consider our 19 practice sessions up to this point, the (3) pieces of team gear, scrimmages, potential of Monroe tournament that is something I’m very proud to say we modeled correctly. As Coaches we are very conscious of this element of our Crush program.
-Coach Mike
Crush News | Urgent Scheduling Changes
Based on news of Falls LL All Star announcements earlier in the day, our Crush team would like to congratulate (3) of our team members for being selected to the Falls 8/9/10 All Star team – Zach Hillblom and Joe Kosted as player reps, and Coach Kevin as an Assistant Coach. We are excited to cheer them on as they help represent Falls LL during the upcoming District 9 All-Star tournament. While exciting, this unfortunately impacts our upcoming Crush plans which requires changes. Both myself and Coach Kevin are sorry for these modifications and the impacts to our earlier defined schedule. My hope is that everyone understands as we look to adjust the best we can. Personally feel very proud that our Crush team is represented, and hoping next year we can see additional Crush team members on the Falls All-Star roster.
Changes:
1. Sunday, 6/4: Due to lack of player availability (All-Stars and unavailable) we are going to have cancel our 6/4 scrimmage in Monroe vs the Legends unfortunately. Coach Mike will still be leading a practice session to keep team working hard and improving.
2. Sunday, 6/11: Our scheduled 6/11 scrimmage vs Spartans has also been canceled due to their teams player availability with All Stars selections from various Leagues and our own impacts. That weekend is also my wife’s Master’s Graduation and I personally had low-probability I would even be able to make it – no practice.
3. 6/17-18: Our planned tournament in Issaquah is cancelled simply due to roster limitations. The Falls 8/9/10 All Star team is playing in the same tournament and players can’t be double-rostered and we simply don’t have enough available players. Coach Mike will still lead a practice on 6/18 to keep Crush team active and working.
4. Sunday, 6/25: No planned practice so those that can/want can go watch Falls 10U All Stars play at 12:00pm in Kirkland: For your reference here is the 8/9/10U All Star Bracket: http://www.llwadistrict9.org/Docs/2017/BB_8_9_10_bb_2017.pdf
5. Sunday, 7/2: no practice or scrimmage makeups due to holiday weekend
6. Sunday 7/9: Holding for potential scrimmage makeup – I will do my best to try and find a scrimmage partner giving the team to opportunity to get a game back; based on player availability
7. Sunday 7/16: Holding for potential scrimmage makeup – I will do my best to try and find a scrimmage partner giving the team to opportunity to get a game back; based on player availability
Due to the loss of the Issaquah tournament I spent a many hours investigating alternatives. We have targeted the Legends Mid-Summer Madness Tournament – July 21-23 up in Monroe.
I understand this is a ton of information to digest. I’ll be updating calendars in GameChanger based on the noted changes above. Both Coach Kevin and myself, understand this is a big change – in full transparency when we set the Crush calendar, the potential of All-Star player selection/timing/conflicts with our Crush team/schedule simply didn’t raise higher on the list of variables and I apologize.
Please confirm by 6/5 your availability for:
1. Potential scrimmages 7/9 and/or 7/16
2. Availability for tournament weekend of 7/21-23
-Coach Mike and Coach Kevin
Crush | Tournament Planning
Crush Families - as discussed with the boys following Sunday's scrimmage vs the Spartans we happy to see the transformations from the first time we played back in April. All the winter reps, practices continue to show signs of taking those to the field...but we've got more work to do.
As have previously discussed, we have our targeted tournament coming up in less than a month - Saturday, 6/17 and Sunday, 6/18 in Issaquah. After sending this message will be adding placeholders for 2 games on Saturday and 1 on Sunday onto the GC calendar. We won't know actual games times until 6/14 at the latest. Depending on results we could have additional games on Sunday.
We will be playing in the 9U Division - currently there are 12 teams registered including: IBC Purple and Gold, Spartans White Team (which is the B team of who we just scrimmaged), Legends who we scrimmage 6/4 up in Monroe and a few other team names I'm aware, plus others I have yet to hear their name in my growing database of teams out there.
I'll be honest this tournament is going to be challenge for us and we will be tested each and every pitch, inning and game.
Field location will either be: Dodd, Tibbets, Central Park in Issaquah or potentially Preston Park.
Key Rules:
1. 6 innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes
2. Pitching: 3 innings/game. No more than 6 innings/day. No more than 9 innings per tournament. 1 pitch = inning.
3. Mercy: 12 runs after 3, 10 runs after 4, 8 runs after 5
Pre-Tournament Needs:
1. Will need a copy of all available players birth certificate. Please scan or take a picture and email to mike_tenhulzen@outlook.com and will print in case ever needed during tournament.
I have access to the Pop-Up tent from my work that I'll plan to bring, so depending on where we play we have an option for shade. Once game times are official we can work on the potential of team lunch/snacks/etc.
Enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend. Personally I know my family needs a break as we are in the midst of 8 consecutive days of baseball, with 2 more to go between all (3) of our boys.
-Coach Mike
Crush | Upcoming Scrimmage Attendance RSVP Required
Crush families - a few scrimmage updates:
1. This morning solidified our previously TBD plans for the 5/21 scrimmage vs Spartans 9U Green. We are booked for a Aldarra #2 - arrival no later than 12:00pm, first pitch at 12:45pm.
Please RSVP via email availability status for 5/21. Based on my tracking: Matt Rittenhouse is unavailable and Jaxon Barlament is TBD (was dependent on time).
2. Following the Memorial Weekend break, we have 6/4 @ Monroe Legends - arrival 2:15, game at 3:00pm. Please confirm status via RSVP email notice.
3. Our last planned scrimmage is again with Spartans 9U on 6/11. That time/field location is still TBD.
For the 10 we have confirmed for this Sunday 5/14 at Issaquah Dodd, arrival 9:15am game start 10am see you then.
-Coach Mike
Crush | Sunday 5/7 Practice Confirmation
In the background have been trying to see if we could swing a scrimmage this Sunday (5/7) but have come up empty. The W. Seattle Steelheads team were were due to play against last Sunday is booked elsewhere, we tried an alternative path with a Falls LL Coast team (knowing there might be cross-over) and they couldn't get enough commitments.
Net result we will go with our standard Sunday Practice Plan: 3-4:30pm at Aldarra- Field 2. Structure will be situational drills/conditioning and then live BP with boys pitching in a modified scrimmage structure.
Thanks,
-Coach Mike
Crush| 5/14 Scrimmage Confirmation
Based on our available responses, we are confirmed for our scrimmage Sunday 5/14 at Issaquah Dodd Field vs IBC 9U "B" Team. Arrival time 9:15 for BP, offically don't gain access to the field until 10am so will be doing a modified warmup and start the scrimmage around 10:10am.
Understanding this is Mother's Day - THANK YOU Moms! We will be arranging for coffee/bagels/doughnuts/fruit for Mom's to enjoy during the game. Dad's I maybe to reaching out to you directly for some support - TBD.
Matt Rittenhouse - still need to hear from you in terms of availability.
-Coach Mike
Crush | Response Required 5/14 Scrimmage
Parents this morning have been emailing with the Mgr of the IBC Gold, discussing the planned scrimmage on 5/14. For awareness this is the "B" team of IBC - two weekends ago we played the "A" team.
When looking at the calendar, understanding this is Mother's day, and our goals of scrimmages to play/compete need honest opinions if we keep or cancel.
Currently know Milo and Jaxon are unavailable, anyone else? Please email your availability by EOD 5/1 so we can make final decision.
In terms of this upcoming Sunday, waiting to hear back from W. Seattle Steelheads if they can re-join us for a makeup.
-Coach Mike
Crush | 4/30 Sunday Scrimmage Canceled
Unfortunately Aldarra is Lake Aldarra the 11U team has already canceled their 1pm scrimmage and based pictures, the projected forecast no relief coming.
Enjoy the day with your family. At this point practice next week, but trying for backup scrimmage.
-Coach Mike
Crush | Sunday 4/30 10am update
Coach Kevin checked Aldarra and not looking over promising. I'll go check the field by 12:15, evaluate and based on forecast make decision.
Look for next update around 12:30pm.
-Coach Mike
Crush | Reminders for Sunday 4/30 Scrimmage
Crossing my fingers the projected rain on late Saturday doesn't impact things for our planned Sunday 4/30 scrimmage.
A few reminders:
1. Arrival by 2:45pm for warmup. Early BP with Coach Kevin will be 2:20-2:45 if you arrive early.
2. Thanks to Todd S for earlier offering support with field prep, if others arrive early will gladly use the additional hands. I'll plan to be there around 1:15 to start.
3. Steve K - are you willing to run GameChanger? If not available anyone willing to be backup?
4. Pre-game will be speaking to team about player rotation plans for the game, discussing their full effort and focus not matter the game situation, etc.
4. You will see modifications, taking into consideration all of our winter sessions, spring practices and first two scrimmages. Players will be positioned into best possible 1-2 positions, positions that give the TEAM the best possible opportunity to be competitive.
If my tracking is correct all (12) are available, if I have missed something my apologizes but if incorrect please let me know.
Looking forward to seeing the boys put their best effort together and play to the best of our ability and get the first Crush W of the year.
Thanks,
-Coach Mike
Crush | 4/30 Scrimmage Availability Confirmation
Looking ahead to next weekend (Sunday 4/30) - if you can not attend our scrimmage 3:30pm (arrival 2:45pm) at Aldarra vs West Seattle Steelheads please let me know for roster/lineup planning.
If you are good - no response is confirmation you will be there.
Thanks,
-Mike
Crush | 4/23 Scrimmage - Arrival Time Change 9:00AM
Hope everyone has had a good week of Little League baseball, I know for some of the Crush team members we've had a few times of teammates vs teammates.
For the scrimmage tomorrow (Sunday 4/23) heard from the IBC Manager and there will not be a team practicing before us as previously described so a minor time adjustment:
Arrival 9:00am - 1B Dugout
9:10-9:25 Crush Batting Cages
9:25-9:40 Crush infield
9:55am Meet Umpire
10:00am First PItch
Our roster during the course of the week has had some fluctuations; for tomorrow we are set with 9 Crush members + 1 additional player from LL. The reason for this was as at one point in the week we were down to 8 players and don't want to pull the "play-in" offer. This will be one-time scenario, as needed the 9th player to keep the game for our boys.
Remember: Full Crush Jersey (#/Name on back), Crush Hat, Grey Pants.
Dodd Field is a turf infield and grass outfield, and per the IBC coach unless something really bad we should be able to get in the game.
Sorry we will miss Jaxon, Matt, Logan. See the rest of you tomorrow.
-Mike
Crush | Sunday 4/23 Scrimmage Confirmed
Thanks for the quick responses earlier today. We are confirmed for a scrimmage vs Issaquah Baseball Club (IBC) 9U Purple team this Sunday 4/23. Unfortunately we will be short Joe Kosted, Matt Rittenhouse and Logan Aiken but we will give it out best - sorry you boys can't make this one.
Online Game Schedule has been updated.
1. Gear: Grey Pants, Crush Jersey, Crush Hat
2. Location: Dodd Field North, 565 NW Holly St Issaquah, WA 98027 - we will be on 1B dugout, place gear on outside as there is team there before this game.
3. Arrive: 9:15am. We will have access to batting cages from 9:25-9:40. We will do brief infield from 10:00-10:05 and first pitch at 10:10am.
Thanks again...good luck in your LL games this week and see you Sunday morning.
-Coach Mike
Crush | Response Required Sunday 4/23 Scrimmage Availablity
Crush families - was connected with a Issaquah Baseball 9U team, and there is a possibility they are looking for a scrimmage partner for this Sunday (4/23) 10am-12pm.
Please respond ASAP (no later than 7pm tonight 4/18) to mike_tenhulzen@outlook.com if you can make this proposed scrimmage time.
I need official count of players availability as I work on final logistics with the other team - sorry for the rush.
-Coach Mike
Crush | 4/30 Scrimmage Confirmed
Apologizes for the recent slew of messages, but want to keep everyone informed to plan accordingly. We are finally 100% confirmed for scrimmage #2 on Sunday 4/30. We will be playing the 9U West Seattle Steelheads at Aldarra #2.
If you cannot attend this game please let me know for roster planning.
Arrival time: 2:45pm, first pitch at 3:30pm
Gear: Grey pants, Crush Hat and Crush jersey with name/# on back
Anyone willing to arrive early (2:00-2:15) on game day will need support preparing the field (dragging, chalking lines, etc)? Coach Kevin and myself could use the support.
Crush | 4/16 Practice Cancelled
Thanks for the quick responses...enjoy the Easter Sunday with your families as we are officially cancelling practice.
Next time we are together will then be Sunday 4/23 for practice. The week after, still on target for a scrimmage #2 with a team from West Seattle on Sunday 4/30 (at least they better not rescind). As of today 4/13 don't have official time or field but pushing in the background.
-Mike
Crush | Sunday 4/16 Practice Availability?
Crush families - I'll be honest never connected that our planned Sunday practice 4/16 was on Easter. Please respond by Friday 4/14 by 2pm with your availability - will tally the results and make decision; happy to go either way depending on how many can make it.
Thanks.
Crush | 4/9 Practice Reminder
For those of us who are not away at a beach or resort soaking up Vitamin D, as a reminder we will be still be having our Sunday afternoon (3:00-4:30 Aldarra #1) Crush practice.
Currently know that Finn and Cade are out of town - anyone else?
Thanks,
-Coach Mike
Crush | 4/2 News
We are "green light" for practice 3pm, Aldarra 1. Field is going to need some care before hand. I'll be there by 2:15, if you can arrive early to help it we will need it.
Can't make it please inform, so far only know about S. Martindale.
Thanks
-Coach Mike
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