October River Valley League meeting notes

By CJ Siewert

The River Valley League held its annual year-end meeting Monday night in Belle Plaine. Here are the main points that were discussed: 

- Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $4,450.90.

- All 15 teams have committed to continue their membership in the league with the exception of Winthrop. Winthrop expressed its concerns with the lack of players for the 2013 season and will explore all options for next year. Those options include combining with another team, joining another league or staying the same. Winthrop hopes to have a decision made by January.

- The make-up of the league’s divisions will remain as is.

- Some of the Class B teams would like to see increased scheduling with Class C teams. One possible solution that was discussed is to require each Class C team to schedule at least two games with Class B teams. A questionnaire will be sent out to each team on the issue.

- Josh Anderson, manager of the Mankato Mets, made a request to join the league as a Class C team. He noted that their current league, the Southern Minny, has only three C teams left and they need to find a new league. The Kato Cubs are likely to fold and Anderson feels it will offer an opportunity for local Mankato kids to join the Mets, while the Mankato Twins (Class B) will have the “pick of the litter,” so-to-speak. The projected 2013 roster includes 20 players, 17 of which are Mankato natives, the other three players have lived in Mankato for at least 10 years.

- With the uncertainty of the direction Mankato amateur baseball teams are headed, the league decided to decline the Mankato Mets’ request to join the RVL.

- Mike Keenan of Le Sueur was voted as the league’s new vice president.

- Lon Berberich was voted to another term as league secretary.