Clark Fork Valley League revamps
PLAINS - Matt Feliska, the new president of the Clark Fork Valley League, has big plans and is trying to create, in his eyes, a better Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth Baseball League.
The leagues are comprised of seven towns from Sanders and Mineral County.
“We’re the largest Cal Ripken League in the United States, the largest in area... that presents some new challenges.” according to Feliska.
Feliska’s plans to help revamp the league are centered around two main goals: to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for the youth and a more cohesive organization to increase community participation and retention.
Feliska feels what has been plaguing the league is lack of communication, people not knowing roles and town rivalries between coaches or the towns in general. “It doesn’t benefit the kids.” said Feliska.
The first major change that interested parents and players will find,, for the first time, will be a website where coaches, umpires, and players can find all the information needed during the season. “Knowing who to talk to and just having it all be on the web is helpful... Just getting everybody talking to each other.” said Feliska.
It is Feliska’s belief that by creating a set, more focused organization, with a transparent central leadership, parents and volunteers will be able to fill positions, such as umpires, coaches or leadership roles more easily.
To eliminate miscommunication, Feliska feels that the organization will grow stronger and thus become, a more stable, community oriented organization.
As of right now, on the new website, people interested in becoming umpires or coaches can find information to become certified. To secure a safer environment, starting this year background checks will be performed on certified coaches and umpires. All teams are required to have a certified coach and assistant. “We want to create a pool of umpires...” said Feliska, explaining it will allow for tournaments and other special events.
As part of the website, to eliminate some of the headache of registering, there is also the opportunity to pre-register before the 28th of February.
Registration can also take place in person on the 28th.
“We’re trying to get a Babe Ruth League built. We don’t have enough kids playing Babe Ruth right now.” said Feliska. He believes making a more enjoyable Cal Ripken League will make players and parents/volunteers come back to join the Babe Ruth Leagues, instead of joining a Mission Valley League team or quitting entirely.
Cal Ripken League is for ages 4 through 12, with T-Ball from 4 -6, Rookies 7 - 8, Minors 9 - 10 and Majors 11 - 12. Babe Ruth, which has its own incremental age groups, is from 13 - 18.
Feliska said that prices have gone up for registration. “Each town has their own way of doing things.” said Feliska. He described that each town has their own registration prices, but the new prices are for better equipment, website upkeep, and to provide a better experience overall.
The last change that will be felt will be try-outs at the end of the season for the All-Star team. Based on last year’s All-Stars team’s great performance, Feliska believes an even stronger team can be made.
With enthusiasm, Feliska feels hopeful about the growth of the league. “We have some of the most beautiful, iconic baseball fields in the country... And we have some really dedicated coaches and volunteers out in the league.” said Feliska. It is his feeling that the fields and community should be utilized to make a great experience for the youth.