News
Updated April 22, 2008

Saturday, April 19 - From League Sectional Meetings:

*EJECTION RULE FOR THE HOME TALENT BASEBALL LEAGUE FOR 2008*

"A player may be ejected for various reasons in the course of a game.
Reports will be filed on each ejection with the league president who
will then share the reports with the executive board. Reports will be
REQUIRED from both managers and the umpires working the game. A part of
the report will include an assessment of the ejection with the question
"does this incident warrant further penalty?" If the majority of those
reporting feel that the player acted in a professional manner and left
the field without comment or incident, there will be no further action
taken. If the majority feels a further suspension should be levied
there will be further penalty. Also, if a player is ejected more than
once in a season there will be at least an automatic one game
suspension. Reports must be field by Monday and all appeals will be
handled by Thursday."

*NOTE: THIS WILL BE THE RULE UNLESS EJECTIONS GET OUT OF HAND. IF THAT
HAPPENS THERE WILL BE A SUSPENSION LEVIED OF AT LEAST ONE GAME. *
Managers--discuss this with your players and lets see if we can have a
zero ejection season.

*HELMETS ON BASE COACHES*

The Major Leagues have adopted a rule that all base coaches must have a
helmet on to coach the bases. We play under Major League rules,
however, we will operate this season under the following:
The Home Talent League Executive Board strongly recommends that all base
coaches were a protective helmet while coaching the bases. This is only
a recommendation for 2008 but will be studied for following seasons.
Tell your base coaches to stay alert at all times while on the field.

*ALL-STAR GAME*

This will be held in conjunction with the Madison Mallards who will host
the Northwoods League all-star game this season. The HTL web site will
keep teams updated and announce the criteria for selection along with
expectations of how the league will support this event. Pat Reilly and
Kent Adler will co-chair this event for the HTL.

*REPORT YOUR GAMES*

Call your games in to the Wisconsin State Journal by 5:45 p.m. Sundays
and immediately after your games at night and for Night League. Teams
not observing the deadlines or not calling in at all are subject to
fines. The toll free number to call is 1-800-686-1339. The local call
is 252-6170. We are fortunate to have coverage in a daily paper so make
sure you respect that and call in your games on time. Games played on
dates other than Sunday that are called in Sunday will only have a score
reported if there is space available.
The Capital Times is going to a web based product this week. I
anticipate they will be covering the league as well and I will keep you
updated on what they expect from us to help them cover our league.

*ROSTER CHANGES/PLAYER MOVEMENT/FEES*

The deadlne for adding players or for players to move to a different
roster/team is July 1. After that, rosters will be final. All second
half fees are also due to be paid by July 1.

*BATTING TITLE REQUIREMENTS*

League statistician Jerry Murphy has announced the following at bat
requirements for consideration for the sectional batting titles. This
is figured on a minimum number of AT - BATS and NOT PLATE APPEARANCES. The Eastern Section plays 18 games and has a 54 at bat minimum. The
Western Section plays 16 games and has a 48 at bat minimum. The North
and Southeast play 16 weeks but have a different amount of byes as they
play as two divisions. The minimum for both is 45 at bats.

* *ADOPTED RULE CHANGES* *

The following rule changes were adopted at the 2008 Annual Meeting.

The Umpire Coordinator will be hired to serve for the same length of
time as the umpire salary agreement (currently 3 years). The employment
of the Umpire Coordinator can be terminated at any time. Either party
can notify the other in writing 30 days before the actual ending of
employment.

College Players without permanent addresses within the boundary of the
league must establish residency in the league on an annual basis until
they graduate or their eligibility is completed. At that time they must
have residence within the boundaries of the league like any other
player. They will not be grandfathered into the league for one year
after leaving college.

Teams who are on inactive status have five years to be reinstated before
their franchise is terminated. Teams can apply for reactivation within
those five years but may not be guaranteed a spot in the league until
there is an opening through attrition or realignment.

*The following will be taken into account for new teams applying for
league membership

1-There must be a vacancy in the league and in a section
2-The applying team must be able to demonstrate the ability to field a
team (playing or played in Night Leage. Town has good baseball tradition) 3-Affect on other teams in the league (will it weaken other teams for
force a team to go inactive)
4-Ability to show financial strength
5-Guarantee of longevity (Current requirement is three years) 6-Distance for other teams to play or to secure umpires 7-Condition, acceptability of playing field

August 11, 2007

Adlers honored

Home Talent League Treasurer Kent Adler and his wife, Linda, were the
grand marshals for the Waunakee Waunafest recently. They presided over
the weekend activities.

Night League Hitting Leaders Needed

Night League batting titles will be presented at the Home Talent League
Awards Banquet set for Sunday, October 14. Send the leading hitter from
your team to Pat Reilly, HTL President via email, phone or mail Please
have your hitting leaders reported by September 1.

August 8, 2007 - Home Talent League umpire and Umpire Coordinator Dave Thom has been selected to umpire in the Little League World Series. He will be on the field when the Series starts August 19 and should be seen umpiring every day. Tune in and watch Dave umpire on National TV in a very prestigious tournament.

April 26, 2007 - Message from Pat Reilly, HTL President:
New managers along with veteran managers are reminded it is a league requirement to report the results of our games, both Sunday and Night League, to the Wisconsin State Journal. You are also required to report your box score to League Stats person Jerry Murphy. To report to the Wisconsin State Journal call 1-800-686-1339 by 5:30 on Sunday or as soon after a non-Sunday or night game as possible. Have your line score, runs-hits-errors, pitching info, strikeouts, leading hitters and extra base hits ready so the whole procedure will not take over 5 minutes. Home managers or a designated representative are the ones responsible for making the call. To report to Jerry Murphy, email him at mjmurphy@sdgmadison.com as soon as possible after a game. Have first and last names on what you report. He needs full name, at bats and hits. There is a fine for not reporting to the Journal or to Jerry Murphy. Reporting scores and stats is a responsibility connected with playing in the best baseball league in existence. You are also strongly urged to report your scores to any other news/sports source that covers your area. Channel 3 and Channel 15 will run scores. I provide them a recap every scheduled Sunday, holiday or double weekend but feel free to report to them, too if you want to. Let's make sure our league gets the exposure and the respect it deserves. Report scores and stats in a timely, accurate manner. It is a good idea for both managers to go over the home book at the end of a game to see if you agree. What seems to create the most problem is having the correct at bats when a team uses its bench. Make sure your players get the proper information filed on their behalf.

April 25, 2007 - Message from Dave Thom, HTUA Co Umpire Coordinator:
This season Rich and I are adopting the procedures that both High School and Collegiate teams use when games are either cancelled or the start time is moved back. On game days when there is a cancellation for any reason or you are moving the start time the home team will be responsible for communicating with the assigned officials. This must be done no later than 2 and a half hours prior to the scheduled start time.

This change will reduce the confusion on those days when we experience rain that results in the greater part of the games being played that day being either cancelled or moved back. Rich or I will also need to be notified at some point of the change. If the game is cancelled we will do the rescheduling of umpires. If the start time of a game is moved back and the umpire(s) are not available Rich and I will help find an available umpire as our schedules permit.

If you have any questions about these changes please contact me.

Good Luck this season,
Dave

HOME TALENT EXECUTIVE BOARD MINUTES
February 18, 2007 noon at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee

The Home Talent Executive Board met prior to the annual meeting. The meeting was called to order at noon by HTL President Pat Reilly. Present were Kent Adler, Scott Knorr, Don Biwer and Clarence Buss. Umpire co-coordinator Rich Fronheiser joined the meeting at 12:15. The board was asked to clarify the number of innings that must by played when teams schedule double headers prior to the start of the season as part of the regular schedule. The board determined the games must be nine innings with the 10 run rule after seven. For double headers that are scheduled for make-up purposes because of rain-outs or unusual circumstances, the games can be seven innings if they have no play-off implications and both teams agree. The board reaffirmed that games that are rained out or postponed must be rescheduled within two weeks. Teams are to contact the umpire coordinators, their sectional representative and the league president
with the make-up date. Games do not have to be played within two weeks but must be rescheduled. In the case of ejections during a game, umpires are to file a report
with the umpire coordinators within 24 hours. The umpire coordinators will then contact the president and executive board with the report and their recommendations. The report of the umpires will be heavily considered when deciding if further suspension or fines are in order. The board reviewed the slide rule. It was determined that if a player slides and can reach the base it is a legal slide. There can be no malicious contact.

The board reviewed night league make-ups. To be eligible for post-season play-offs, games must be made up by the last game of the season. If the last scheduled game is rained out or postponed, it must be made up during the week before play-offs start. The board discussed umpire availability and shortages with Rich Fronheiser. They agreed to a slight salary adjustment and will consider a request to evaluate and hire the coordinators by January 1.

2007 HOME TALENT MEETING MINUTES (Draft)

The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee by president Pat Reilly. Motion by Stoughton, second by Verona to approve the minutes of the 2006
Annual Meeing. Motion passed. The board recommended that Dave Thom and Rich Fronheiser be rehired as Umpire Coordinators. Motion by Cottage Grove, second by Middleton to approve. Motion passed.

Pat Reilly spoke on behalf of the Western Section asking that the coordinators work to make sure there are two umpires at every game. Cross Plains asked how pay is determined for substitute umpires working a suspended make-up game prior to the regularly sceduled game. Fronheiser explained the procedure.

Kent Adler gave the treasurer's report which was accepted.

Jon Frey reminded managers to keep him updated on managerial changes and anything that needs to be put on the web site.

Pat Reilly made the following announcements:
-the designated hitter can be re-entered once. If the player the dh is batting for enters the game, the dh is done.
-the HTL slide rule was clarified. A sliding player must avoid malicious contact but the slide will be legal if the player can reach the base when he slides.
-Double headers as part of the regular schedule must be nine innings.
-Dates for rain-outs or postponed games must be on the schedule within two weeks of the postponement.
-Night League make-ups must be completed by the last game of the season. If the last game is rained out, it must be played during the week prior to play-offs. Teams with games not made up are not eligible for post season play.
-Night League members who are not Sunday League members must pay $100 as their Night League dues.
-Dates for the 2007 National Baseball Congress Tournament are: Friday July 13, 6:30 and 8:30 at Sauk and Middleton Saturday, July 14, 10:30, 12:30, 2:30 and 5:30 at Sauk and Middleton Saturday, July 21 at Sauk City, 10:30, 12:30 and 4:30. NBC World Series at Wichita, KA, July 28-August 12

2007 Sectional Meetings Schedule April 14
8:30--North
9:00--East
9:30--Southeast
10:00-West
Meetings will be at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee

Board Meeting Minutes

The Home Talent Executive Board met Saturday, January 6, 2007 at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee. Present were Pat Reilly, Kent Adler, Scott Knorr, Clarence Buss and Jerry Murphy. The board discussed a proposal from the Home Talent Umpire Coordinators for a pay adjustment for 2007. After discussion the board voted unanimously to keep the compensation the same for 2007 and open negotiations next year. The board discussed dates for the annual meeting. It was decided to hold the 2007 annual meeting on Sunday, February 18 at 1 p. m. at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee. It is planned to have the schedules ready to present at the meeting. Teams have until March 1 to make changes. All special dates need to be to the schedule makers by February 5. The following are in charge of scheduling for their section: West-Pat Reilly Southeast-Don Biwer and Jim Winter East-Scott Knorr North-Kent Adler The Night League alignment was presented and approved. The alignment will be:

Play-offs for Night League will be semifinals-August 16 and finals-August 23.

It was also decided to raise the fee for Night League participation for teams not in the Sunday League to $100.00. The fee for Sunday members remains at $50.00. It was also decided if Night League games are not made up within two weeks, the host team will not be eligible for play-offs Night League special dates should be sent to: Pat Reilly-West and South, Matt Towns-East, Kent Adler-Central

The four sections will meet to pay fees, turn in player cards and rosters and pick up baseballs on Saturday, April 14 at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee. The sections will meet at the following times: North-10 a.m. East-10:30 a.m. Southeast-11 a.m. West-11:30 a.m.

The board heard a request from Monroe to be able to use players on the Monroe Legion Team with Orangeville, IL addresses. The request was denied. The board discussed Baraboo's status after being suspended last season. It was decided to have a five year suspension period and they will be put on a waiting list after that. The board received a request for league membership from Belleville. It was decided to add them to the waiting list and encourage them to play some exhibition games with area league teams. The board will meet at noon prior to the annual meeting.

Brett Magritz JEFFERSON - Brett C. Magritz, 24, of Jefferson, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, as a result of an automobile accident. He was born on Oct. 14, 1982, in Fort Atkinson, son of Steve and Deb (Hirschfeld) Magritz. Brett was a 2001 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 2005 graduate of Viterbo University in La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in business management. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Brett loved playing baseball, and played on the high school and college teams. He was the catcher for the

January 7, 2006 HTL Executive Board Meeting was held at Rex's
Innkeeper, Waunakee and started at 10 a.m. Present were Pat Reilly, Scott Knorr, Kent Adler, Clarence Buss, Don Biwer and Jerry Murphy.

Dave Thom and Rich Fronheiser were present to ask for funding to obtain The Arbiter – www.thearbiter.net package which would be a big help in scheduling umpires. The program would allow umpires to manage their availability better and keep everyone informed if changes need to be made. It would also be a base where the Official League Schedule could be kept and updated. Motion by Adler, second Knorr to lease the Arbiter for 2006 and make it the official place for the official master league schedule. Motion passed. Kent mentioned that the use of the umpire website and email saved the league $1000 last year. It was agreed that the umpire coordinator salary will remain the same for 2006. Umpires will receive $70 per game for the next two seasons.

The following were discussed with Dave and Rich by the HTL Board:
-There is need for more communication from managers as to games being cancelled and rescheduled.
-To allow for the umpire coordinators to set up a workable assignment roster for games, the schedules will be presented to them by March 1. -MANAGERS MUST PUT FIRST NAMES OF PLAYERS ON THE LINE-UP CARDS.
-The home manager should make sure the scorebook is signed. If it is not signed by the official meeting at home plate the book should be presented at that time for signing.

The HTL Executive Board set the Annual Meeting for Sunday, February 26
at 1 p.m. at Rex's InnKeeper, Waunakee. Schedules will be presented at
that time.

Rooney Janacke and Lon Scheuerell appeared before the Board as
representatives of the Monroe Brewers. They asked the Monroe franchise
be reinstated in the Western Section in 2006. The Board granted the
request.

The Board agreed that Baraboo will be suspended for 2006 and future status of Baraboo being reinstated will be reviewed by the Board. That action created a vacancy in the Northern Section. The Northern Section had indicated to Kent Adler they would like to see Richland Center return to the Northern Section for the 2006 season.

The Official Baseball for 2006 with be the PRO NINE NHFS. Cost will be
$32.00 per dozen.

The Board will have the slide rule clarified by the start of the season.

The Board determined the league fees to be: -$150 for dues -$70 per umpire per game -$32 per dozen for baseballs -$45 for Night League membership -$5 per player card up to 25. $10 per card if team has 25 players and removes someone from roster. The Roster and Card Turn-In meeting along with baseball pickup will be Saturday, April 22 at REX'S. The meeting times will be: NORTH-10 a.m. EAST-10:45 a.m. SOUTHEAST-11:30 a.m. WEST-12:15 p.m.

Minutes of the December 3, 2005 Home Talent League Executive Committee meeting

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Pat Reilly, HTL President. Present were Pat Reilly, Kent Adler, Scott Knorr and Jerry Murphy. Excused were Clarence Buss and Don Biwer.

The Committee met with Dave Thom and Rick Fronheiser, the 2005 Umpire Coordinators, regarding how the season went from both the league and umpire perspective. Three different situations concerning umpire scheduling problems were discussed. Dave Thom said the first month was the hardest with confusion about the change-over and the availability sheets already sent out. No one was sure who was working early. The creation of the Home Talent Umpires website was a lot of work but seem to save money and cut down the confusion. Dave and Rich said they are planning an umpire clinic for HTL umpires at which they could also obtain WIAA credit. The Board discussed rule differences with WIAA, NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, MLB and HTL. Dave will prepare information concerning the differences. The Board also discussed interpretation of the league slide rule. Kent Adler moved, Jerry Murphy second to recommend Dave Thom and Rich Fronheiser serve as coordinators for the 2006 season with a review November 1, 2006. Motion passed.

Juan Guerro was present representing Columbus which has requested reactivation for the 2006 season. Juan said he presently has 16 players committed for the season and finances are falling into place. The Board determined that Cambria will be inactive per their request for the 2006 season and that Baraboo will not be allowed to play in 2006 due to forfeits and the use of illegal players. After discussion Columbus was placed in the Eastern Section.

The Board then met with the Southeast Section concerning boundary determination. The Section wanted to clarify their feelings about the status of Beloit as to how it relates to the Section and how it relates to eligible players. It was determined that Beloit had been a legal area years ago when teams such as Lake Geneva, Delavan, Orangeville, IL and Lena, IL had active franchises. Since then the geographical boundaries of the HTL have changed. Orfordville manager Jan Toubl said he felt taking Beloit out of the eligibility area would be the end of the Orfordville franchise. He referred to a meeting when Orfordville was in the Western Section held by the Executive Committee, saying he felt that because Beloit was an eligible area then, it should still be. After discussion Jim Winter moved, Matt Towns second that the City if Beloit and the school districts of Beloit be off limites and thst the boundaries be six miles or the school districts and the HTL grey area be the drawing area for legal players. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned until January 7, 2006

February 21, 2004 - HTL 2004 Infromation

EXECUTIVE BOARD MET

The Home Talent Executive Board met on Saturday, February 21 at 10 a.m. at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee.

The agenda included:

Application from Wisconsin Dells for a franchise
Review requests from Lake Mills and Deerfield
Meet with Tim McIntyre for 2004 umpire considerations
Finalize agenda for 2004 organizational meetings
Discuss play-offs and alignment
Discuss player eligibility request
Vendor requests to attend meetings with merchandise
Any other business before the board

If anyone has anything they would like discussed, contact one of the board members.

SUMMARY OF JANUARY 17, 2004 BOARD MEETING

The Home Talent League Executive Board met Saturday, January 17, at Rex's Innkeper, Waunakee. Present were Pat Reilly (president), Kent Adler (treasurer), Don Biwer (Director), Davy Tomlinson, Jason Pertzborn, Jim Hellenbrand, representatives from Lake Mills and Deerfield. Lake Mills representatives appeared to request league membership for the 2004 season. Pat Reilly will check with them prior to next meeting to see how their finances are coming. Deerfield requested reactivation for the 2004 season. Rick Matheson will be involved in helping the people who want to be involved and an adult board of directors will get the finances, equipment, etc. Pat Reilly will check with them prior to the next meeting to see how their finances are coming. Reilly informed the directors that Columbus has requested inactive status for the 2004 season. Kent Adler presented the treasurer's report and noted the league about broke even this past year. He updated the board on teams not paid in full at this time. It was decided if teams are not paid in full by March 1, 2004 their franchise will be on review and may be pulled for the season. Teams not paid up may also have to pay in full prior to the season for that season if they wish to play. Kent suggested raising the entry fee to $150.00 (up from $145.00) to handle price increases in insurance, etc. A vote will be taken at the annual meeting. The board discussed the current play-offs after receiving some requests to shorten them, if possible. After a lengthy discussion the following proposals were offered:

1. To keep everything as is, starting the round robin August 29.

2. Put in extra rounds or doubleheaders in the sections so that the sectional championships are decided by August 15 (or the weekend after that if there are rainouts on the 15th). The round robin would start August 22. If three teams are tied after play Sunday of Labor Day weekend they will draw for a bye with two teams playing Monday and the winner playing the bye team the next Sunday.

Teams will vote on the proposals at the annual meeting.

The Board discussed some Night League issues and decided the following: -There will be no "2 for 1" games in Night League anymore, that is teams cannot play a game and have it count for both Night League and Sunday.

The board discussed make-up procedures. The following will be reaffirmed and followed: -Teams will have two weeks following a rainout or postponement to establish a make-up date. If the two teams cannot decide on the make-up date in two weeks the president and/or the board will pick the date. If either teams involved cannot play at their site(s) the Board will pick the site and the teams will split any costs.

FUTURE MEETINGS

The Annual Meeting that all teams must attend will be Sunday, March 7 at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee at 1 p.m. The Schedule Meeting will be held Sunday, March 28 at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee. The Sectional Meetings for card and roster turn-in will be Saturday, April 17 at Rex's Innkeeper. The times will be determined. Meetings will be set at one hour intervals

BASEBALLS

We have a partial shipment of baseballs ready to be purchased for league play. They will be available for purchase at the annual meeting. Teams wanting to request a certain amount should contact Pat or Kent prior to the March 7 meeting. The complete shipment will be here by the end of March.

NATIONAL MASEBALL CONGRESS STATE TOURNAMENT UPDATE

The Wisconsin State National Baseball Congress Tournament will have a new look this season. Games will be played at Warner Park at The Duck Pond and the tournament will be under the direction of the Madison Mallards. There will be 16 teams making up the field. Games will be played July 8-9 with the finals July 16. Teams will have access to the locker rooms. There will be promotions, etc., making it a real tournament atmosphere. Entry fee is $175.00 unless teams come through district tournaments. Contact the Mallards office for details.

October 3, 2003 - League Updates

The annual awards banquet has been moved to Sunday, October 26 at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee. Cocktails at 5:30, dinner at 6:30, awards to follow. Contact Kent Adler or Pay Reilly for tickets. Tickets are $13.00 each with each team getting two which were paid with your dues. Make reservations by October 22.

Night League
Teams please send Pat Reilly your night league hitting leaders. Count league games only and average two at bats. Send by October 10.

July 21, 2003 - Legion & Madison Moo Players

If a Legion player plays for your team, he cannot play during the Legion tournament series until his team is eliminated. A letter of understanding should be filed when the season starts next year. Information will be posted on the web page.

Madison Moo players cannot play with a Home Talent team and the Moo at the same time. Even though they are independent, they play a schedule and are an organized team and play competition similar than Home Talent. According to their web page they intend to seek Wisconsin State League affiliation next year.

June 8, 2003 - HTL Web Site Stats

May 4, 2003

CELEBRATING OUR 75th SEASON IN 2003!

The Home Talent Baseball League opens its 75th season this week with 22 games involving 44 teams in four sections. The season is dedicated to the late Clem Ziegler who passed away prior to the organization of this historic season. Clem, a longtime player, manager and business manager at Ashton, served the HTL for 50 years and was the league's first treasurer. Clem was very dedicated to amateur baseball. He served as a membef of the HTL executive board, was commissioner for awhile then treasurer. Clem will be remembered as a very honest, dedicated, hard working man. He was a friend to many and will be deeply and sorely missed.

Notice to Managers

Home teams are responsible for reporting the results of your games to the Wisconsin State Journal immediately after the game. If games are not reported fines will be levied. The number(s) to call are 1-800-686-1339 or 608-252-6165. Home team managers are also responsible for sending or emailing the box scores to League Statistician Jerry Murphy. Stamped envelopes are provided as are box score sheets. Murph's email is mjmurph@chorus.net. Managers remember to market our web site on your schedules, posters, etc.

March 8, 2003

2002 season info moved to History page

HTL Web Site Statistics

February 18, 2003 - Home Talent Baseball League to organize for 75th season

The Home Talent Baseball League 2003 organizational meeting will be Sunday, March 9 at 1 p.m. at Monona's Village Lanes.

Every team wanting to play in the HTL this season MUST be REPRESENTED. Teams not represented will be placed on inactive status and not included in the league schedule. An agenda will be available prior to the meeting.

The Home Talent League managers will get together again Sunday, March 30 at 1 p.m. at Village Lanes for the schedule meetings. Sectional meetings for card and roster turn-in will be set at one of these two meetings.

Commorative Items Available

Teams and individuals will be able to purchase commorative bats with a 75th Anniversary Logo. They will be $35.00 each and are made out of pro ash. The bats can be purchased as a collector's item, for game use or both. The bats are being manufactured by Wagner Bats of Appleton, WI. Lengths are 32-32-34 and colors are navy, red, black, natural or a combination. Other colors and lengths may be available if requested.

Contact league president Pat Reilly or any manager to order.
There will be a 75th Anniversary logo cap available for $14.00 each and team names can be added for $2.00 each. A minimum order of 144 must be placed. Contact Pat Reilly or any manager to order. Caps are a stretch-fit navy with the embroidery red and white.
There will also be commorative t-shirts and polo shirts available. There may also be a 75th Anniversary patch.

League book

Plans are to publish the league directory this year in a larger format. Managers are asked to submit a one-page history or write-up on their team that will be used in the book. The book will also include a directory of managers and officials, umpires, schedule and the constitution. Information requests have been sent to the managers and MUST be turned in by the annual meeting.

Board to meet February 22

The Home Talent League Executive Board will meet Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 a.m.. The meeting will be at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee. The thrust of the meeting will be to finalize the schedule proposals, prepare the agenda and continue planning for the 75th Anniversary.

There will also be discussion on filling the vacancy left by the untimely death of Clem Ziegler.

Anyone wanting to attend the meeting should contact Pat Reilly to be put on the agenda.


Highlights from the January 25 Executive Board meeting

1. Met with Tim McIntyre to discuss recent problems he has encountered.

2. Discussed the NCAA, NIAA, NJCAA and WIAA positions on player eligibilty and will attempt to have documentation available from each to distrubute at the annual meeting.

3. Heard from Jan Toubl, Jeff Hilleshiem and some other managers about schedule ideas for both regular season and play-offs. Will meet with them again February 22.

4. Settled boundary issues for player eligibility for Orfordville on a concern by Wiota.

January 30, 2003 - Clem Ziegler

The Home Talent Baseball League was saddened Wednesday, January 29 when long-time executive board member and league treasurer Clem Ziegler died at a Madison hospital. Clem was taken by ambulance and admitted late Tuesday with an apparent heart attack. He later developed complications during treatment and died Wednesday around noon.

Please join us all in offering sympathy to Clem's survivors. He was a friend to all of us and he will be greatly missed.

Clem was part of Home Talent Baseball for 50 years, starting as a player and business manager at age 16. He has held the positions of commissioner, treasurer and sectional representative.

January 23, 2003 - Home Talent 75th Season Planning Starts

The Home Talent League Executive Board will begin planning for the historic 75th Anniversary Season of Home Talent Baseball with a meeting this Saturday, January 25 at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee.

The meeting will start at 10 a.m. The board will meet with Umpire
Coordinator Tim McIntyre about some issues then will meet with Orfordville and Wiota to settle a protest and work out boundary agreements. The rest of the meeting will involve planning for the season. The board will discuss the schedule for this season and review how NCAA rules impact the beginning and ending of the season and play-offs.

Managers wanting input should call a board member or notify Pat Reilly they want to address the board on this or any matter.The rest of the meeting will be spent reviewing results of the wood bat survey and planning how to promote the 75th anniversary. The annual meeting and schedule dates will be set.

Managers will be receiving packets next week with information concerning the season, the 75 anniversary and other information. There will be order forms for a special commerative bat and commerative caps and shirts. There will be information for the league schedule and directory. Each team will be asked to provide a short history and/or information about your club. Plans are for the schedule/directory book to be published this year along with the
histories and a copy of the constitution.

Anyone wanting to address the board is welcome but is encouraged to call to get on the agenda. Anyone with questons or comments they want relayed should contact Pat Reilly.

August 25, 2002 - League Notes

REALIGNMENT COMMITTEE

We need people to serve on the realignment committee. It is anticipated that there will be requests from a few teams to join the Home Talent baseball league. If this happens we need representatives from each section to help determine the best course of action. The committee will meet with those requesting a franchise then recommend to the board if they feel the requestors will field a strong franchise, where they would fit and who would be candidates to be moved to a different section.
Contact Pat Reilly at htlpres@hotmail.com or phone 608-935-2331 days or 935-2508 evenings to volunteer or with questions. Existing committee members will serve if they want to and volunteers will be added.

75TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

The Home Talent League still needs some people to serve on the 75th anniversary committee. Members at present are the executive board, Jerry Murphy, Jay Thompson, Jon Frey and Scott Knorr. If interested contact Pat Reilly at the above email or numbers.

AWARDS BANQUET

The annual Awards Banquet will be October 6 at the Innkeeper, Waunakee. Cocktails 5-6 p.m., dinner at 6, program to follow. Each team has two tickets but must contact Clem Ziegler to obtain them. Additional tickets are available at a charge. Mark that date on your planner. If the play-offs are not done in time the banquet will be moved to October 20.

NIGHT LEAGUE

Pat needs all Night League teams to send their leading hitters ASAP. Teams should send their final Night League records to Jon Frey.

LEAGUE AWARDS

Pat also needs nominations for the various awards. If you have someone in mind, let him know soon. The executive board will meet to make final selections soon.

ROUND ROBIN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

The four teams that win this weekend and enter the round robin championship series will be guests of the league Wednesday, August 28 at Fitzgerald's in Middleton. Cocktails 6-6:30, meeting at 6:30 and dinner at 7 p.m. This meeting is held to set up the play-off procedure, so everyone operates the same.

August 10, 2002 - League Notes

Night League teams are asked to send their leading hitter(s) to President Pat Reilly by August 25. Only regular season games are to be considered. Minimum of 20 at bats. Trophies will be awarded the top hitter in each Night League section at the annual banquet.

Post season awards...
If you have nominations for them, please contact a member of the executive committee. Awards include Manager(s) of the year, Joe Dommershausen Award, Cloyence Zweifel Award, Dennis Morgan Award, Kendall Murray Award, Jim Peterson Award.

Morgan award is for courage, Murray award is for pitching, Dommershausen award is for service to the league and usually is media related, Peterson award is for service as a manager or team official. Zweifel award is for service and goes to someone who does something extra for Home Talent baseball.

The executive committee will be meeting soon to consider the nominations. Please make nominations by September 25.

August 8, 2002 -- News from Pat Reilly, President

75th Anniversary of Home Talent update

So far the 75th committee consists of Pat Reilly, Jerry Murphy, Jay Thompson and the executive board. If you want to help, please contact Pat Reilly right away. A meeting will be scheduled during the play-offs.

Do you have memorabilia from past Home Talent seasons? Would you be willing to have it displayed at the annual meeting and perhaps during the year? Bats, balls, gloves, uniforms, scorecards, photos, etc. would be nice to have on display. Some of that could be included in a memorial pamphlet or book that will be published. Contact Pat Reilly with what you have available. Everything will be returned.

Jerry Murphy honored

League statistician Jerry Murphy will be enshrined in the Madison Bowling Association Hall of Fame on Thursday, July 15. Contact Jerry if you want information on tickets. Congratulations are in order.

July 1, 2002 -- News from Pat Reilly, President

Teams are reminded to pay all remaining fees by July 10. Send money to Clem Ziegler. Teams not paid up or have not made arrangements to pay by that date will be considered delinquent and will not have umpires assigned.

Volunteers are needed to help plan for the HTL's 75th anniversary in 2003. Call or email HTL President Pat Reilly to volunteer. Please volunteer by July 15.

Call in your games the day/night they are played to the Wisconsin State Journal. 1-800-686-1339 or 608-252-6165. Sunday games be called in by 5:45 p.m. Late call-ins could result in a fine.

Send you box score sheets to Jerry Murphy in the postage paid envelopes no later than the day after the game. You can email them to him at stats@hometalent.org.

Email your Night League results to webmaster@hometalent.org. Standings will be updated by Jon Frey. Call your Night League games in the night they are played to the paper.

Special Night League Rule

The use of an extra hitter is allowed in Night League play. All the position players can bat along with the extra hitter, giving you the opportunity to bat 10 players.

Non-league Night League member...
Baraboo River Dogs
Jim Horman-General Manager
1026 6th Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
608-356-5305(H)
608-356-3966(W)

February 16, 2002 -- Bat Committee and Executive Board

The Bat Committee and Executive Board met Saturday, February 16 at Rex's Innkeeper, Waunakee. Present were Pat Reilly, Kent Adler, Clem Ziegler and Clarence Buss of the board and bat committee members Davy Tomlinson and Jeff Armstrong. (Reilly and Adler are also on the committee).

Bat Committee met first. Badger Sporting Goods will carry the Rawlings bats, same models as last year, for the same price. Samples will be available at the annual meeting for teams to see. They can order there and the order will be forwarded to Badger.

Hoosier bats will supply the league again but teams must contact them and place their own orders.

Baum bats will be legal for the year and can be ordered from the company direct. The best deal is for six so teams should consider combining orders.

The only criteria for legality of wood is that they must be adopted by NHFS, NCAA and some level of professional baseball.

Composite bats again are legal. Maple bats are legal.

Teams can get bats from any source. Remember, the key word is "WOOD"

The executive committee reviewed baseball proposals and voted to stay with the same ball--Dynaflite 855.

Ed Liegel was present to request a franchise for Plain. Plain had been in the league previously in the 1970's. He was given an update of league expectations and felt the financial obligations will be met. The committee voted to recommend to the membership that Plain may have an active framchise.

The board discussed Deerfield's two forfeits from last year and Pat Reilly will contact them with a series of questions pertaining to their future.

The play-off procedure was discussed as several teams had expressed interest in finding a way to shorten them. Some of the media also asked it to be addressed as football and high school coverage makes space at that time of the year hard to guarantee.

The committee voted to have the play-offs remain the same this year but asks managers, etc. with ideas/proposals to submit them in writing to the League President and they will be addressed for the 2003 season.

Umpire coordinator Tim McIntyre said in discussion with staff that they would like to see payment go to $60 per umpire per game in 2002. The committee said they would like to see a three-year lock on that amount. They will address a change in compensation for rain-outs where umpires drive to a site and for games that are rained out prior to reaching the required number of innings for completion and must be replayed.

The annual meeting will be Sunday, March 10 at Monona's Village Lanes. The schedule meeting will be Sunday, April 7 at the same place. Sectional meetings for card/roster turn-in will be set at one of those meetings.

Pat Reilly asked the committee to think about promotions, etc. that can take place for the 2003 season, which will be the league's 75th year.

March 25, 2001 -- League Organizational Meeting

Dan Strause is writing a book on the history of the league to be published sometime in 2003 season for the league's 75th anniversary.  He is looking for stories, legends, team history, memorable games, etc. He needs each team's information. For more info click here.

Schedules were passed out and reviewed.

Bat orders were taken.

March 23, 2001 -- The Capital Times Bat article

PDF file size: 600KB

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March 4, 2001 -- League Organizational Meeting

At the annual HT League meeting in Monona at the Village Lanes, Cambridge was voted in as a new team to the league.  The total of teams in the league is 44.  

The realignment committee presented a suggested realignment proposal to the league and it passed, click here for 2001 season alignment.  

Also in new business the league voted to use only wood bats for the 2001 season.  The motion passed by almost a 2 to 1 margin.

January 15, 2001 -- Web Page Created

November 5, 2000 -- Realignment Committee Meets

March 5, 2000 -- New Teams in Home Talent League

At the annual HT League meeting Columbus and Deforest were voted in as new teams to the league.  

March 5, 2000 -- Commemorative 2000 Year Patch

The HT League players will wear a patch celebrating the new millennium on their uniforms.  Marshall's Jon Frey had the idea and design for the patch.