Miami Little League needs help to continue

Miami Little League has put together a successful program offering baseball to local young people, but now finds itself at a crossroads and in need of volunteers to keep it going next year.

Board President Tony Dsuban is one of four board members who remained on the board this year even though they had no children involved in Little League; however, the four are now moving on.

“This is my last year as president. … My youngest will be in eighth grade so it is time to teach and move on,” Dsuban said.

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This year also marks the last for the league’s treasurer, secretary and field manager. The positions of vice president, juniors coordinator and sponsorship were unfilled this year.

The problem has been too many jobs and too few volunteers, according to Dsuban.

Dsuban said the board discussed these concerns at a recent meeting and may be forced to turn over two of their programs to the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department, which would mean forfeiting those players’ ties to Little League.

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“This change would come with many disadvantages,” Dsuban said. “Boys divisions would most likely not be enrolled in Little League International as they have rules that it must be run by volunteers.”

Also, participants up to eighth grade would only be accepted if the program is run by OPRD, he said.

“If no one is willing to step forward, we will need to look at alternatives,” Dsuban said.

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Miami Little League had 377 participants this past season, and the program drew strong support from local businesses and local government entities, according to Dsuban.

“Thirty-nine businesses, community organizations and nonprofit foundations provided financial resources to the league by sponsoring teams, purchasing banners for outfield fences and/or making donations,” he said.

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Little knowledge of baseball or softball is needed for positions such as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, sponsorship and registrar, according to Dsuban.

Dsuban said anyone interested in volunteering can contact the league through its Facebook page.


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HOW TO GO

The annual end-of-the-year celebration for Miami Little League will take place Aug. 3 at Stricker’s Grove amusement park. Admission is $5 each, maximum $25 per family, cash paid at the door with food and a fund-raising raffle extra, cash only.

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