Hello HMBR Families,

Even though what passes for winter is still here, baseball is just around the corner. Welcome to the 2012 Hopkins Minnetonka Babe Ruth season! 

We particularly welcome those new families coming into our program from the Big Willow, Hopkins, Glen Lake, Golden Valley and other youth baseball leagues in Hopkins School District 270.

Registration information for the upcoming season for Prep (age 13), Majors (age 14-15), Tournament, and Travel Teams (ages 13, 14, 15) can be found on our website.  Also still available is registration information on the various HMBR Winter/Spring development sessions.  Please note the important dates and deadlines for clinics, registration, and tryout/evaluations.

You are also invited to attend our first meeting of the general membership for 2012.  This meeting schedule has not been finalized, but the meeting details will be communicated to you as soon as the logistics have been set.  This meeting will include a brief discussion of the outlook for the coming season and we will answer questions about the league from new and returning parents. 

Please remember, our league is run by committed volunteers who put in long hours. Their efforts are supported by generous sponsors.  Working together, they achieve great things. We really need YOUR help.  Please strongly consider helping us in one of the following areas:

1. Coaching.  This league cannot survive without the coaches.  Historically, we have been lucky enough to find great coaches.  However, it has too often occurred at the last minute.  Please consider this important position, particularly if you are the parent of an incoming 13 year old.

2. Player Evaluations.  In addition to our coaches and evaluators, we need a number of parents to help coordinate the events during the tryouts.

3. General Help.  We have activities throughout the year where additional help is needed...  Some examples are winter clinics, spring field clean up, mowing our infields,  board membership and opening weekend activities.

Please indicate on the on-line registration form if you can help in any of these areas. 

Please complete your registration on-line at www.hopkinsbaseball.com.  This year, all on-line registrations will be processed via debit/credit card. If you need to make other payment arrangements, please contact Mike Pavelka (contact information is on the registration page.)  Expectations and guidelines for players, parents, and coaches are posted on the HMBR website (“Handbook” section). 

 If you have any additional questions regarding the upcoming season, please contact me.  The board of directors and I feel very strongly that we are here to serve YOU and your family.  

On behalf of the Hopkins-Minnetonka Babe Ruth Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your continued support and participation.  We look forward to a great season!

Regards,

David Cousins,
President, Hopkins-Minnetonka Babe Ruth Association