Throughout the season, and over the years, we do get feedback and comments on our program. Admittedly, not all of it is positive, let alone constructive, but here's some unsolicited comments that make us feel it's all worth while. (None have been edited but any names have been deleted.)
"Thank you for such a terrific season (part A). We enjoyed being back with your league so, so much. It was great to see the kids out having fun again!"
(It was made public that we had over $3,400 in unrecoverable costs and processing refunds could add another $1,000.)
"Thank you very much for the valuable contribution you make to the community each and every year. I can tell that it's important to you and as such this must be a really tough thing to do. I wish to apply the full amount, including the donation that we had already paid, as a contribution to your organization to try to recoup the costs already incurred. Best of luck and we hope to see you in 2021."
"Sorry to hear that this season is not going forward. I'm not sure what my son's plans will be for next year at this point. I would like to donate his entire registration fee and require no refund. Your organization is fantastic, we really appreciate everything you do. Hopefully will see you next season."
"Too bad guys, see you next year - I've filled the form out to apply the payment for the 2021 season."
"We love your organization and are super sad it won't be a go this year. Thank you for the amazing work that you all do!"
"Wishing you the best in wrapping up all of these loose ends for this season and in planning for next year. We are sad the kids can't play ball this spring but will be excited to get back at it next year."
"I am so sorry to hear about the season, but you need to take care too. I hope that we can do a bunch of games next year but, for now, stay happy, home and safe."
"Thank you for all of your hard work managing this process!! You guys are rockstars!"
"Thank you for all the work you are doing. We are all disappointed and I appreciate the time it takes to coordinate, whether we play ball or not. Let's hope next year we are back in full force!!!"
(Each year we buy some new equipment to replace "the tired " items that are still safe to use. We also accumulate various balls that aren't used in our program and accept donations of equipment that others can use.)
"My employer went on an annual trip this year to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. My manager was on the trip and he was able to bring down the bases, bats, gloves and helmets you gave me last yr. It all made it down safely and we donated it all to a local school. We normally renovate a local school in the area. The Principal had to hide the equipment because they knew the kids would fight over it. So I wasn't able to get any pictures but my manager let me know it's all in the possession of the school of grade 4 to grade 8's. Thanks so much again." (2016)
(As a recreational house-league program, we offer players the opportunity to play with some of their friends. Our games are officiated by youth who are "learning the game" as they gain experience under supervision. As advertised, we stress good sportsmanship rather than winning.)
"On behalf of our team (wet or dry) , we would like to thank you, the umpires and the supervisors for volunteering your time to allow our young athletes to play softball. I'm sure we all had our moments of stress and controversy, but for the majority of the season , it was full of fun and excitement. We appreciate the effort put by all and hope to improve next year. Our season has officially ended and it's time to take a well deserved break. Please pass this on to everyone."
"Thank you so much for all your hard work! We had a great time this season. My kids haven't been very involved in organized sports until this year, and it's been so much fun for all of us to get out there and play. I can only imagine how much work it is to organize it all. Thank you for giving us all this opportunity."
"My two boys have been playing baseball for the last few years and were very disappointed this year in some of the calls made. This also happened last year but we just ignored it. Two years in a row cannot be ignored. Not all teams were treated the same and the referees were not calling the correct shots. Most kids did not notice but my grandson did as he was one of the ones that was called out when he had his foot on the base in time. If this unfairness is not corrected for next year we will not be playing with your association. There are plenty of other leagues that they can join."
"We just wanted to say how impressed we are with this incredible organization! Our son had an absolute blast participating in BlastBall this season, and we recognize this opportunity would never be possible without all of the volunteers, organizers, team sponsors and so on! Thank you for introducing our son to the world of organized sport in such a positive, well-run, laid back atmosphere! We are eternally grateful!"
"I am writing a bit late but wanted to say thank you. My daughter played for the first time this year, junior 3 pitch. She is a very shy kid, who wanted to play so much but was so nervous! The first practice it took me 5 mins to get her out of the car and onto the diamond. The coaches had her smiling in no time that first practice, after it was over she couldn’t wait for the next one. She made new friends and loved every minute of playing! Practices and games! She’s already talking about playing next year. I’m very happy we signed her up. I also was the sportsmanship rep for our team, I was happy to help and be involved. We had a great team and great parents! Made my job very easy. There was only 1 team we played where issues arose. Anyway I just wanted to say thank you! And let you know how happy I was with our coaches and the optimist club."
"Thank you to all the volunteers at Stanley Park Ball this season! We had a great time at blast ball."
