Gold Swarm

In discussing the option of Cal Ripken vs. Little League, the article in the paper stated that the kids that played Cal Ripken could also play Little League if they so choose. I have been told by some Little League parents that it is against Little League rules to play in another league while playing Little League so I checked the rule book. 2005 Official Regulations and Playing Rules for Little League states on page T-4: Participation In Other Programs- Little League, 9-10 Year Old Division, 11 Year Old Division: A player may participate in other youth baseball programs prior to the first game involving that player's team. Once play begins for a tournament team, players named on that tournament team's affidavit may not participate in any other youth baseball program until that team is eliminated from tournament play. It appears that you can play both, however if named to all-stars, you must stop playing in one if you are playing all-stars in another. Looks like some kids will play both.

According to the Paintsville Herald- New board members for Paintsville Little League are: 1. Bob Lyons 2. John Doug Miller 3. Lance Daniel 4. Randy McCarty 5. Bob VanHoose 6. Wayne Arrowood 7. Tod Scarberry 8. Matt Williams 9. Joe Sloan 10. Tucker Howard 11. Jack Salyer 12. Bryan Auxier 13. Edsel Preece 14. Craig Ratliff 15. Brad Frisby 16. Bryan Sublett

Why does two leagues have to mean a split in talent and a harm to both leagues? Paintsville has Junior Pro basketball and Johnson County has Pee Wee programs, Junior Pro and/or Buddy Basketball. All of these are independent of the school teams and both high school programs are successful. Paintsville has the city recreational league in football and they are successful. Johnson County is making strides to do the same in football. Prior to this year only 4th, 5th and 6th grades played elementary football and the 4th graders played their opponent at halftime in a scrimmage situation. Now they have two divisions, 3rd and 4th grades play on Saturday and 5th and 6th grades play on Tuesday. The more advanced 4th graders also play on the 5th and 6th grade team. It is remarkable how much this one move has increased talent and fan support. Prior to this happening people said that this was too young and no one would come out to support. Both were wrong. The same can be true for baseball. Many kids will play Cal Ripken that never would have played Little League. Is it really about the kids, the adults or the money.

I read in the article that the Cal Ripken League would be open to all kids in Johnson County regardless of their school system, kids from surrounding counties that does not offer Cal Ripken and kids that participate in Paintsville Little League. Will Paintsville Little League allow the kids to play in both? The reason that I ask is that I have heard that members of the Paintsville Little League Board of Directors have said that they would not allow anyone that plays Cal Ripken to play in Paintsville Little League. Can these kids be denied the opportunity to play both? Could be an interesting winter in Johnson County.