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I am writing on behalf of the Mission Valley Mariners of the American Legion Baseball Association. At the May 2 Polson City Council meeting, it was stated that the Mission Valley Mariners were an elite team and the Sr. Babe Ruth was the blue-collar team, and that only the rich kids could play for the Mission Valley Mariners. I have heard this from people in the community for years, and this is so far from the truth I wanted to set the record straight.
These organizations serve different purposes for the players. With no high school baseball program in Montana, American Legion fills that purpose. We play 70-plus games for the A team and 40-plus games for the B team; we attempt to manage these teams as the equivalent of the varsity and junior varsity programs at the high school level. With the amount of games and practices, our player and parent commitment level is high. We consistently play a high level of competition and that not only builds our skills, but allows our players to be seen by college and professional scouts. This was the case on Sunday, May 7; we hosted the Missoula Mavericks AA team and had two scouts from the Diamond Backs at our field. The Sr. Babe Ruth program fills the role for players that want to continue playing baseball, but not on the same commitment level with practices and games. This allows them more free time away from the field for jobs and the like. This program is viewed around the state as more of a recreational team. Each program has quality players, and they both serve a purpose in the Mission Valley.
We ask our players to help with raising the funds needed to operate. So it is those boys that are willing to raise funds, not just the rich kids, that get to play on the Mariner teams. The boys are expected to raise $500 for the B team and $750 for the A team. This fundraising still only represents only 25 percent of our budget. Knowing this can be a struggle for families in the valley, the board of directors has given the boys several avenues to raise this money. The boys are given season tickets at the beginning of the season, and when they sell them, all that money is credited toward their fees. They also have the ability to sell banners that hang in the outfield to raise money towards their fees. The boys can also have car washes or simply ask for donations on their behalf. Each year, the majority of our players raise all their money, and there is limited out of pocket fees for the boys. We do on occasion have boys that are not able to raise their player fees, and the board of directors helps them raise their money. I have been involved with this program for seven years, and each year the board of directors finds ways to raise money for the players that may be struggling. We don’t want to see anyone not play due to money.
I would also like to thank the community members over the years that have supported our players and have donated to our organization. These donations make a huge difference in maintaining a quality stable organization that can support two baseball teams and maintain a prized ball field. We currently lease the large O’Malley Field (commonly known as the Mariners field) from the City of Polson. We have a team of volunteers that provide all the maintenance, but supplies to maintain the field run approximately $5,000 a year. So any and all donations would help. Since 1989, our organization has raised more than $150,000 to improve the Mariners field. From all this hard work and dedication from parents and board members, I am proud to say we have the finest field in the Valley.
This year we are hosting two state tournaments at the field. The Mission Valley Mariners are hosting the State Class A American Legion Tournament. The Sr. Babe Ruth organization is also planning on hosting their Montana State Tournament at the field. Working with the City of Polson parks board, in preparation for these events, the Mariners organization will be completing several improvements to the field such as; installing a covered awning, concrete slab, revamping the bleachers, play area for small kids and much more. This project is in excess of $24,000 and through large donations from primarily the Rotary Club, and including Whetzel Concrete, Treasure State Concrete, Wilson Homes, Midway Rental and your hometown lumberyard – WBC — and the Mariners, we are able to complete this project. This will not only be great for the City of Polson parks, but will bring additional revenue to the community as well.
Each baseball organization, from T-ball through minors and majors, to Babe Ruth, to Senior Babe Ruth to the Mission Valley Mariners serves a different but valuable purpose for the players, parents and community. Mission Valley Mariners players have a good time at what they do, but maybe we are considered elite only because a higher commitment level is expected from our players, parents and coaches. This commitment level is what has secured the support for enhancing the improvements at the Mariners field. If the Mariner way of working hard, being committed and having fun is being elite, then I really don’t see a problem with being elite.
In closing, I would ask you to support any and all baseball organizations in this valley. Baseball is a great summer activity. Through being involved in baseball, our youth have the opportunity to learn many things about teamwork and pride in the community. So some summer evening when you are looking for something to do, I suggest you swing by any field, have a hot dog and see who is winning. Again, I ask you to support all the teams whenever possible.
Robin Wallace, President
Mission Valley Mariners
