Blue Flames

Several people have asked about rainouts. Here's the scoop on days of imminent weather: - First, walk outside.* Is the ground thoroughly soaked with rain (or are you getting that way)? If so, the fields are bound to be closed! - If it isn't raining steadily, your next step is to call your manager, who has access to the Manhattan Little League weather hotline. We don't give out the number so that the line doesn't get overly busy. We will be attempting to provide a copy of the weather hotline message at mbll.org so that everyone can have access to this information. Much of the following is meant for the managers, but may be of general interest. - If the MLL weather hotline is outdated or seems inconsistent with the current weather, you can call 802-5454.* This is the City of MB Field Closure Hotline, which is supposed to be updated by the Parks & Recreation staff at Manhattan Heights throughout the week and weekend. Again, if the message announces the current date and says fields are open or closed, then they probably are. If the message is outdated, then either the fields are open or the message hasn't been updated yet. If the line is busy, etc., etc. - Still not sure? Then drive by the field in question.* On busy days, such as Saturday, you can be guided by whether the teams assigned to that field before you are using it or not. If the fields are going to be open, then the games or practices before you should be in progress. If they're closed, then the fields should be empty. On slower days, it's a little more difficult because field use varies. However, the MLL and City of MB weather hotlines should be updated, so you can loop back to those steps if needed - It's not a bad idea for the managers of a scheduled game to check with each other by phone when uncertain about a possible rainout to make sure they're on the same page - Once it's determined that fields are open or closed, managers will notify team families by whatever means they have arranged in advance. What if you start playing or practicing and then it begins to rain? Then it's up to the managers to decide what to do. Finally, as a reminder, there are no make-up games except during playoffs and in lower level leagues like T-ball and Cal we have no make-up games. Regards, David *(shortly before your game or practice)