Hingham Travel Baseball has conducted Hingham summer baseball programs for more than twenty years through the Suburban, South River and most recently our newest addition for eight year olds the Friendship league. We will do the same again in 2011. Hingham Travel Baseball operates with its own officers, directors, coaches, finances and web site. These are not Hingham Little League, Little League District 8 or Williamsport bound teams. Hingham Travel Baseball Teams are entered in the Suburban League for ages: 9, 10, 11 & 12 and the South River League in the 9/10, 11/12 and 12 year old levels depending upon interest levels. In addition, we will enter teams in the eight year old Friendship League if there is sufficient enrollment and enough coaches. There are many reason that Hingham Travel Baseball is and has always been operated as separate entity from Hingham Little League and its predecessor Hingham Youth Baseball. Fundamenatally, Suburban and Friendship League teams are highly competitive and select players and make cuts based on a combination of player tryouts, manager’s observations and spring season coach evaluations. South River teams are balanced through a draft and do not make cuts so long as we have sufficient coaches. This procedure is contrary to the Little League philosophy of an all encompassing program. Little League also prohibits competition against non little league programs such as those that in exist in a number of area towns. For instance Hingham Little League would not ordinarly have insurance coverage when participating against a Cal Ripken team or an unaffiliated All-Star team and therefore can't participate in those type of activities. Little League also has certain playing rules that are great for operating a town-wide spring season but may be more problematic in playing in an all-star summer tournament. The operation and commitment of time and money to Suburban and South River teams by coaches, players and families is generally more extensive than the commitment to play on Little League teams, including Little League summer leagues. Often our Suburban teams play 1-2 tournaments in addition to the Suburban schedule. Generally forfeits are not allowed and a degree of professionalism exists among the coaches. This is not simply a matter of zero tolerance for bad behavior. Little League has a great role to play in town sports. Little League offers a very unique tournament for a very few select players who may participate in the Williamsport Tournament in August which is broadcasted on national television. Only one Little League team from Massachusetts will even find its way to Bristol, CT. for the New England/North East regional competition with the hopes of going to Williamsport. This leaves a great void which in this area was filled by the Suburban and South River programs many years ago. Little League District 8 also provides summer baseball in some of their participating communities. The Hingham Travel Baseball coaches are selected by a committee of the past season's managers and Board. Selection is based on a person's demonstrated abilities, leadership qualities, team commitment, and an ability to treat players fairly and rationally. Coaches and Managers like players, are expected to act and play like "all-stars". Managers and coaches are appointed on a yearly basis and reviewed each year for reappointment. Because the teams carry the reputation of being from Hingham all who participate are expected to honor those who came before them and all those who will come after them to build and mainatin a great reputation for sportsmanship. This is not a win at all costs activity. These coaches must not simply be focused on their own child's skill or appearance or desire for their child to be an "all-star" they must understand the awesome responsibilty of molding all of the children who are left in their care. These teams require a commitment to attend games and practices which may be on weekdays and weekends both in Hingham and the surrounding towns. If a child attends overnight camp or will be away in July or will miss several games, we suggest that parents consider not taking a roster spot. Games begin at the end of June or early July and continue until the playoffs which may last until the second week of August. Because these summer teams are independent from Hingham Little League and maintain separate finances, web site, etc. they pay for all of their own expenses including Hingham Recreation field permit fees. Teams are totally self funding. In some cases a team may incur additional costs for additional tournaments. Fee waivers are available for families with extenuating financial circumstances. Little League District 8 league summer league presents a viable option for some. It should be an individual family choice as to what meets your child's needs and desires. Every year including this year there are players on the Hingham High Varsity Baseball teams who played South River or Suburban Leagues and you would never know the difference. Our goal is for the kids to have a great summer experience, leave with good memories of their childhood and a love of the game of baseball so that as they move through the ranks of Babe Ruth and high school and develop into good citizens and good team mates. Elliot Sherman, Director Hingham Travel Summer Baseball; Brendan Brazel - Manager, Suburban 12's; Joe Craven - Manager, Suburban 11's; Bob Beniers - Manager, Suburban 10's; Ed Ring - Manager, Suburban 9's; Ron Hutchins and Mark Tedeschi - Managers, Friendship 8's; Mike Swanson, Manger South River Majors North; Joe Bierwirth, Manager South River Minors; Ed Colbert, Manager South River Minors; Steve White, Manager South River Minors. _______________________________________________