Milford Junior Major League 8 Year Old

2020 Hardball at the Harbor

LABOR DAY WEEKEND TOURNAMENT

Milford, CT

Team Information Package

 

Milford Junior Major League (MJML) is proud to host the 2020 Hardball at the Harbor 8U Machine Pitch Tournament. This year’s event will take place from September 4 through September 7.

 

We would like to thank the following teams for their entry into the tournament:

 

Host - Milford Bombers

Bethel Wildcats

New Canaan Rams

Bethel Wildcats 7’s

New Milford Hornets

Bridgeport Caribe

Newtown Nighthawks

Easton Baseball

Norwalk Travel 8U

Fairfield County United

Stamford Bombers

 

 

Tournament Officials


Tournament Director

George Spescha

(203) 619-3149

ggsjrls@yahoo.com


Tournament Chairman

Bob Wheway

(203) 606-0309

rwheway@optonline.net

 


MJML President

George Spescha

(203) 619-3149

ggsjrls@yahoo.com

 

Pre-Tournament / Arrival Information

The following information is to be provided electronically to Bob Wheway (Site Director) prior to Thursday September 3.

·         Team Name

·         Manager name, e-mail address and cell phone number

·         Coaches names, e-mail addresses, and cell phone numbers

·         Team roster, including uniform #, player name and birthdate. A pdf of the roster from your tournament book would be best.

·         A separate roster of the phonetic pronunciation for each player and coach.


National Anthem

If any team has a parent or child that would be interested in the singing of the National Anthem before a game please e-mail the Site Director with the team name and person interested in singing.

Hotel Accommodations

For those wishing to stay overnight the following hotels are within 10 minutes of the fields.

 

Local Hotel Options:

Hampton Inn

129 Plains Road, Milford, CT  06460

203-874-4400

 

Hilton Garden Inn

291 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT  06460

203-783-9988

 

Springhill Suites

50 Rowe Avenue, Milford, CT 06460

203-283-2107

Hyatt Place

190 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT  06460

203-877-9800

 

Red Roof Inn

10 Rowe Avenue, Milford, CT 06460

203-877-6060

 

Residence Inn by Marriott

62 Rowe Avenue, Milford, CT  06460

203-283-2100

 

 

 

Tournament Website: 

The 8U Labor Day Weekend Tournament website will contain all the information you will need for the Tournament. Directions to the fields, tournament information, updated brackets with scores and more, can be found there. You can inform your teams that the website will be updated with results and schedule changes (if necessary) as well.

 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/MilfordJMLBaseball

Hotel information, restaurant information, things to do, and daily schedules will all be posted and updated as the tournament gets closer and during the tournament.

 

Fields

All games will be at Francis and Benard Fields located behind the Milford Public Library at 57 New Haven Avenue. Both fields are enclosed with grass infield and lights.

Parking for out of town visitors is available adjacent to both fields. Do not park at the boat ramp, as you will be subject to ticketing and possible towing.

Detail directions to all fields can be found at https://www.milfordbaseball.org/fields. A full service concession stand and restrooms are available at Francis Field. The concession stand is cash only.

Coolers and Alcoholic beverages are Strictly forbidden on any part of MJML premises. The City of Milford Recreation Commission bans all smoking at all recreational facilities including ball fields, beaches, parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails.

 

Medical / Safety

Francis Field is equipped with an A.E.D. and first aid kit.

The fields are also equipped with an early warning lightning detection system.

Special Covid-19 policies will in place for the tournament and are included at the end of this document.

 

Nearby Urgent Care Facilities

 


St. Vincent’s Primary Care
Walk-In Center

199 Cherry Street

Milford, CT

203-874-0248

9:00am – 5:00pm


Milford Hospital Walk-In Center

831 Boston Post Road

Milford, CT

203-876-4101

8:00am – 7:30pm

 

Nearby Hospitals (24 hours)


Milford Hospital

300 Seaside Avenue

Milford, CT

203-876-4000


Bridgeport Hospital

267 Grant Street

Bridgeport, CT

203-384-3000


Yale New Haven Hospital

20 York Street

New Haven

203-688-4242

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Tournament Specifics:

·         The tournament format will consist of pool play and single elimination bracket with a minimum of 4 games per team. At the completion of pool play, the four teams from each pool will advance to a single elimination seeded bracket. Teams will be seeded according to their position in pool play.

o   Tie breakers will be as defined in section 11.05 of the Babe Ruth Rule Book. The number of teams to advance will be included with the pairings.

o   In the case of a pool where each team has not played one another, all levels of tie breakers will only apply to common opponents.

Disclaimer:

The Tournament will be played in adverse weather conditions. The format may be changed to lesser time limits or fewer innings to complete the tournament. Coaches and players accept these conditions when entering the tournament.

The Tournament Director shall have final decision on all tournament questions.

In the event of weather cancellations, if a team has played or started 1 game there will be no refunds. $175 will be refunded if no games are played or started. (There are fees associated with running the tournament). All teams accept this policy upon entering.

If games are suspended that have already started they will resume at the point of suspension at a time to be determined by the tournament director. This may require playing beyond 9/7 if necessary.

Rosters:

Tournament Rules:

T1.      Starting time is forfeit time, unless delay is created by Milford Junior Major League. Game time starts at completion of coin toss.

T2.   A protest committee must be selected prior to the start of each game.  The committee will be comprised of a person from each team and the Tournament Director.  All protests will be settled on the field before play resumes.  The decision of the protest committee is FINAL. Only book rules may be protested. There will be no protest of judgement calls by the umpire.

T3.      Max of 4 coaches/managers per team.

T4.      Coaches and managers only are allowed to coach the bases.

T5.      Players shall remain in the designated areas during games.

T6.      Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the park including in the stands. This includes tobacco and/or cigars. No alcohol is permitted.

T7.      No spectators are permitted in the dugouts or behind home plate.

T8.      Player/Coach/Spectator Ejections. All ejections carry a mandatory 1 game suspension regardless of the offense. If a spectator is ejected, they will be removed from the premises and unable to return for the remainder of the event. If a coach gets ejected, they will be sent to the parking lot, and will serve their one game suspension during the next scheduled game for their team. If a player gets ejected from the game, they will serve an additional one game suspension during their next scheduled game. The ejected player may not enter the field of play for any reason until the game is completed. This rule is strictly enforced and will not be waived.

T9.      All teams are encouraged to warm-up as much as possible before game time. PREGAME INFIELD between games may not be allowed based upon time between games.

T10.  Teams shall provide all game balls (Cal Ripken (RCAL1)). Typically two new balls and one used ball per game are sufficient.

T11.  Unique numbers on uniforms are mandatory, matching uniforms recommended. Coaches need not be in uniform.

Game specific Rules:

G1.     Unless noted prior to the tournament, “2020 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules and Regulations & Official Playing Rules (Babe Ruth Rule Book)” will be used with the following exceptions.

G2.  All games with the exception of the final championship game will have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit. No new inning may start after 1 hour 45 minutes. If the home team is up to bat and is winning the game when the time limit expires, the game will end immediately. If an inning is started before the time limit, it must be finished. Time starts at the completion of the coin toss at Ground Rules. The umpire is the only one that keeps the official clock. As soon as the 3rd out is recorded in the bottom half of the inning, the next inning officially starts. If there is still time left when the third out is recorded, the next inning will be played.

G3.     Mercy Rule - 10 runs after 4 innings, or 8 runs after 5 innings. If the visiting team takes the lead by more than 10 runs in the top of the sixth inning, the game shall be over with the visiting team declared the winner. If the home team is trailing by more runs than they have at bats left in the 6th inning plus runners on base, the game shall be over and the visiting team declared the winner. Example – Home team is batting in the bottom of the 6th trailing by 10 runs, as soon as the first out is made, the game will be over since they can only score a maximum of 9 runs in their half of the 6th inning.

G4.     If a game is tied after all innings have been completed (or at the time limit), each team puts the batter who is scheduled to bat last in their offensive half of the inning on second base and plays out a full inning. This happens until the tie is broken and the game is complete. After two complete innings with the runner starting on second base and still no winner, the runner will move from second to third and the inning will be played out.

G5.     Jewelry is prohibited. Player shall not wear jewelry. Medical alert and religious bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. If worn, they must be taped to the body so as to remain visible.

G6.     No metal cleats are allowed.

G7.     Wooden, metal, graphite or ceramic bats manufactured for baseball play, which are round and not more than two and five eighths inches in diameter at the thickest part, are acceptable. Non-wood bats must have the USABat marking. If the marking is illegible in the umpire’s opinion, the bat is illegal.

PENALTY

a.         If the illegal bat is discovered prior to a batter completing his “at bat” the bat is simply removed from play and the “at bat” continues.

b.         A player who uses an illegal bat or non-conforming barrel dimension and hits a fair ball will be ruled out.  No advancement on the bases will be allowed, and any outs during the play shall stand.  This is an appeal play.  The “at bat” will be considered legal once a pitch is thrown to the next batter.

c.          Any bat discovered prior to the game that does not conform to the above rule shall be directed to be removed immediately and not be allowed for use during the game.

G8.     A team can start with a minimum of 9 players but cannot finish with less. An automatic out will occur in the vacated batting position. Should a player show up late, the team may go to 10 players without penalty. If less than 10 players are present to start the game an extra player will not be permitted.

Batting

G9.     The pitching machine supplied by JML will be a Louisville Slugger UPM with the following settings for pool play:

Power 6
Micro Adjustment 4
Release Arm 3

For the Championship bracket a Power setting of 8 will be used, other settings remain the same. The back leg of the pitching machine will be placed against the 46’ pitching rubber.

G10. No called strikes or balls.

G11. No walks.

G12. No drop third strike.

G13. No bunting will be permitted.

G14. Each team may choose to bat either a conventional ten (10) man lineup OR their entire roster of players present for the game and have free defensive substitution. This choice must be made prior to the start of the game.

G15. If using a conventional lineup, each team may elect to add an extra player (EP) to the batting order and be treated as any other starter. An out will be recorded if any batting spot is vacated during the course of the game and no eligible substitute is available. An EP is considered a position player and can enter the game defensively at any time, while staying in the same spot in the batting order.

Any of the starting players may withdraw and re-enter once provided such player occupies the same batting position when he is in the lineup. Re-entry of already used players will be allowed if all substitutes have been used and injury occurs, or a player is ejected. Selection of the substitute will be made by the opposing manager. This type of injury substitution can only take place when an injury prevents a player from continuing in the game or a player is ejected. The injured or ejected player, once removed from the game, cannot re-enter.

G16. The designated hitter will not be permitted.

G17. Each player will receive a maximum of five (5) pitches. Three (3) strikes constitute an out. An out will also be recorded after five (5) pitches unless the pitch is fouled off at which time the batter will stay “alive” until putting the ball in play of fouling it off again on subsequent pitches.

G18. A hit ball striking the pitching machine will be treated as umpire interference, with the batter being awarded first base. Runners remain on their base unless forced to advance by the batter being awarded first base.

Base Running

G19. No leading or stealing.

G20. Once a ball is controlled by an infielder and not making a play as determined by the umpire, the ball becomes dead and no further base running will be permitted. If a runner is past the midpoint between bases he shall advance to the next base, otherwise will return to the previous base.

G21. An errant throw back from the catcher to pitcher shall be considered a dead ball with no advancement of runners allowed.

G22. Courtesy runner - The last batted out will run for the Catcher. MANDATORY WITH TWO OUTS!! OPTIONAL otherwise. This rule is intended to speed the game up, please adhere to it.

Defense

G23.  Ten (10) players will be used defensively in the field with four (4) players positioned in the outfield. The outfielders shall not play close to the infielders and shall be moved back at the umpire’s discretion.

G24. A half inning shall consist of three (3) outs OR ten (10) batters. If the tenth player comes to bat, the outs shall be adjusted to two (2). The half inning will be over when an out is made on a player or the ball is secured by a player touching home plate.

 

 

 


 

Things To Do

 

Milford, a “Small City with a Big Heart!"

 

If you would like to extend your trip, Milford is a wonderful vacation spot. Milford has 17 miles of shoreline, offers a unique shopping experience with specialty boutiques, a quaint downtown with a variety of restaurants and a great birding site at the Audubon Center. Strolling through downtown you get that small town feeling coupled with the charm and sense of history of an English settlement dating from 1639. Walk over the Hotchkiss Bridge, gaze at the gorge framed by the arch of the Memorial Bridge, stop for an ice cream cone, and take a tour on a rented bike or kayak, then return to treat yourself to dinner. Milford is the sixth oldest town in Connecticut, has a meticulously maintained town green, the second longest in New England, where memorials salute those who have served in past conflicts dating back centuries. Lots to see and do in Milford:

 

Beaches

Parks

History, Arts and Culture

Golfing

Kayaking

Festivals, Food and Fun!

 

 

www.milfordct.com/website/publish/visit/todoandseeList.php?4

 

www.ctvisit.com/listings/town-milford

 

 

 

 

Places to Go

 

Silver Sands State Park

Located at Silver Sands Park Way Milford, CT 06460 on Long Island Sound

Sandy beaches, boardwalks, seashells, and shore birds dominate the attraction to Silver Sands' beaches in Milford.  Over a half mile of shoreline and three quarters of a mile of all-weather boardwalk make this a popular four-season waterfront destination.

 

Restaurants and Eateries

Milford offers a wide variety of restaurants and dining options for any taste or appetite. There are a handful of restaurants within walking distance of the fields with some of them shown on the map at the end of this document.  A listing of local restaurants, including contact information, will be available on our Facebook page prior to the tournament start.

 

League Sponsors

Frosty Twist – Tournament & League Sponsor

Frozen Yogurt, Waffles, Crepes, Baked Goods, Beverages

22 Broad St

Milford, CT 06460

203-693-3888

 

Dockside Brewery

40 Bridgeport Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-693-3900

 

Bonfire Grille

186 Hillside Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-693-2777

 

Bridgehouse Restaurant

49 Bridgeport Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-878-2800

 

Seeley’s Deli

554 Boston Post Rd

Milford, CT

203-874-3853

 

Subway of Devon

609 Bridgeport Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-877-4082

 

Subway of Woodmont

1367 New Haven Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-878-4059

 

Founders House Pub and Patio

117 S Broad St

Milford, CT 06460

203-693-2912

 

Jimmy’s Apizza

315 New Haven Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-877-6300

 

Dunkin Donuts

364 Bridgeport Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-882-8800

 

Dunkin Donuts

275 Boston Post Rd

Milford, CT 06460

203-876-8600

 

Reggiano’s Ristorante

487 Bridgeport Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-713-8300

 

Milford Diner

886 Bridgeport Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-693-2033

Donut Crazy

785 River Rd

Shelton, CT 06484

203-538-5560

 

 

 

Eateries Within Walking Distance

Scratch Baking

84 Broad St

Milford, CT 06460

203-301-4396

 

7 Seas

16 New Haven Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-777-7327

 

SBC

33 New Haven Ave

Milford, CT 06460

203-874-2337

Flipside Burgers & Bar

1 Schooner Ln

Milford, CT 06460

203-283-7282

 

Archie Moore’s Bar & Restaurant

15 Factory Ln

Milford, CT 04640

203-876-5088

 

Colony Grill

36 Broad St

Milford, CT 06460

203-876-1935

 

Stonebridge Restaurant

50 Daniel St

Milford, CT 06460

203-874-7947

 

Scoopy Doo’s

37 Helwig St

Milford, CT 06460

203-882-8009

 

Eli’s Tavern

21 Daniel St

Milford, CT 06460

203-693-2555

 

Cafe Atlantique

33 River St

Milford, CT 06460

203-882-1602

 

Bistro Basque

13 River St

Milford, CT 06460

203-878-2092

 

Jakes Diggity Dogs

40 Broad St

Milford, CT 06460

203-283-1199

 

Citrus Restaurant

56 Broad St

Milford, CT 06460

203-877-1138

 

 

 


Houses of Worship

 

 


Calvary Church

273 Orange Avenue

Milford, CT  06461

203-874-9064

 

Christ the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church

325 Oronoque Road

Milford, CT  06461

203-878-7431

 

Cornerstone Christian Center

349 Wheelers Farm Road

Milford, CT 06461

203-877-1007

 

Cornerstone Christian Center

192 Meadow Street

Milford, CT  06461

203-877-1007

 

First Baptist Church

28 North Street

Milford, CT  06460

203-878-1178

 

First Church of Christ

18 West Main Street

Milford, CT 06460

203-877-4277

 

 

 

 


First United Church of Christ

34 West Main Street

Milford, CT 06460

203-877-4277

 

Grace Baptist Church

400 Burnt Plains Road

Milford, CT  06461

203-874-8928

 

Kingdom Life Christian Church

1455 Naugatuck Avenue

Milford, CT  06461

203-877-3999

 

Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church

168-176 South Broad Street

Milford, CT 06460

203-874-1982

 

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

283 Bridgeport Avenue

Milford, CT  06460

203-874-2701

 

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church

501 Naugatuck Avenue

Milford, CT  06460

203-874-0634

 

 

 

 


St. Mary Roman Catholic Church

70 Gulf Street

Milford, CT  06460

203-878-3571

 

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

71 River Street

Milford, CT  06460

203-874-8562

 

Trinity Lutheran Church

21 Robert Treat Pkwy

Milford, CT  06460

203-878-2002

 

Wildermere Beach Congregational Church

133 Broadway

Milford, CT  06460

203-874-9289

 

Woodmont United Church of Christ

1000 New Haven Avenue

Milford, CT  06460

203-878-3885

 

United Presbyterian Church

109 Seaside Avenue

Milford, CT  06460

203-874-7088

 

 

Milford JML – Francis & Benard Fields

 

 


 

Covid – 19 Policies

Introduction –

The aim of this protocol is to ensure the health and safety of all players, coaches, umpires, officials, volunteers and spectators.  This protocol is a live document and subject to change with local, state and federal regulations.

 

Field Guidelines –

Seating – JML will designate seating areas for players throughout the tournament. The league will be following a 6 feet rule for players and will use a combination of dugout and individual seating for the players throughout the games.  Players should bring a folding chair to sit socially distanced outside the field of play due to limited players being allowed in the dugout at a time.  Players can place their baseball bags/equipment in front of their seat.  While one player is at bat, the player on-deck will be allowed to warm-up in foul territory.  Meanwhile, no more than 3 players at a time will be allowed in the dugout no less than 6 feet apart.  One coach is also allowed to be in the dugout. Dugouts will be marked for player seating.  The rest of the team will remain outside the field of play until rotated in accordingly. 

 

All spectators must keep a minimum of 6 feet of distance from players.  Spectators must practice social distancing and follow the 6 feet guidelines.  Spectators are encouraged to bring their own seats and maintain social distancing.  Bleachers seating is available, however there is limited space due to current social distancing restrictions.

 

No Food allowed in Player Seating Area – No gum or sunflower seeds allowed. Only individual water/drink bottles allowed.

 

Masks – All spectators are required to wear masks if sitting in the bleachers and when not able to maintain a 6 foot social distance.  Players shall wear a mask when not engaged in active play.  Coaches and staff are required to wear a face mask when unable to easily, continually and measurably keep 6 feet distance from all others.

 

Hand Sanitizer –  Players, coaches, parents and spectators should bring their own hand sanitizer.  Soap will be available in the restroom facilities.  It is required to sanitize hands before playing and again after each game.

 

Playing Rules & Guidelines –

Milford Junior Major League will require coaches, adult members, players, umpires, officials and spectators to do a daily heath checkup prior to arriving to the field.  If symptoms are present, individuals must go home and contact their healthcare provider.

 

Playing Equipment – Players should each have their own helmet, gloves and bats.  Sharing of equipment is discouraged.  In the event of players sharing equipment, the equipment will be sanitized by team personnel prior to switching it from one players possession to the other.

 

There shall be no team huddles on the field.

 

End of Game Procedure – No Handshakes. Players may lineup along each foul line and tip their hats. Individuals shall not congregate in common areas or parking lots at the end of the game. Players requiring assistance with their equipment will be identified before the game and a coach will be assigned to assist the individual player.  Coaches wanting to meet with their teams must do so by maintaining 6 feet of distance between individuals.  In the event 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained, masks must be worn.

 

Coach Responsibilities –

Ensure health and safety of all players.  Before each game, coach to arrange players seating so that players belongings are kept 6 feet apart.  Before each game, coach to ask players how they are feeling and if experiencing any signs or symptoms of Covid 19.  If symptoms are present, athlete must be instructed to go home and contact healthcare provider.  All state and local health protocols always followed to ensure social distancing.  Coach to wear face mask when not actively coaching.  Maintain social distance requirements for players.  No sharing of equipment allowed.  Coaches will maintain 6’ distance with all players when at all possible. 

 

Parent Responsibilities –

Ensure your child is healthy.  Check child’s temperature daily.  Ask if they are experiencing any Covid symptoms.  Parents & spectators not permitted in player designated seating area.  Parents and spectators must wear a mask.  Sanitize child’s equipment.  Notify team manager, coach or designee immediately if child becomes ill.  Do not assist coach with equipment.  Ensure child has necessary sanitizer with them.  Bring and use your own hand sanitizer.  Bring a folding chair for your child to sit in due to limited players allowed in the dugout.

 

Player Responsibilities – 

Take temperature daily.  Sanitize hands thoroughly before and after games.  Bring and use your own hand sanitizer.  Wear mask to and from the field.  Make sure you use your own bag, water/drink bottle and equipment.  Do not share equipment, snacks or drinks.  Observe social distancing.  No group celebrations, high fives, handshakes or hugs. 

 

Spectator Responsibilities –

If you are experiencing any Covid symptoms you must stay home.  Spectators must wear a mask.  Do not assist coach with equipment.  Bring and use your own hand sanitizer.

 

League Contacts –

Tournament Director/JML President - George Spescha – (203)619-3149

JML Vice President - Al Stacy – (203)556-6846