TO:         ALL TIGARD BASEBALL FAMILIES

 

FROM:    RANDY CLARK    

 

Since we formed Tigard Baseball Boosters four years ago, I have been privileged to serve as the organization's president. At our regular May meeting last week, I tendered my resignation which was accepted.

 

The primary reason for my resignation was that, on May 2, Steve and I were elected co-presidents of the Tigard High School Athletic Boosters and we are jazzed about helping develop that organization which supports baseball and lots more for all Tigard student athletes. The secondary reason is simply that it's time -- time for others to step up, time for others to get involved. I will continue to represent the class of 2008 on the Baseball Steering Committee as long as they will have me.

 

I want to personally thank the parent volunteers who saw the need and still share the vision for pride in grounds and facilities, and strength in competitive spirit and integrity for competitive baseball for our Tigard boys. Many people gave a lot in time and more to help build a program in transition and saddled with the debt of a new turf field. I hope you can see and feel a difference. To those of you who were unable to give your time -- for whatever reason -- I hope you will step up to help make a difference in other kids' lives besides your own kids, and give back to those who given before you. It's important and it brings great satisfaction.

 

What a small group of parents has been able to accomplish is tremendous.  We've raised enough to heavily subsidize summer baseball, make $11,500 in annual payments on the field, save for new batting cages which begin construction this weekend, and invest time and money to improve three baseball fields that receive little support or time from the school district. We have established traditions that mean a great deal to young baseball players as they come up through the ranks. We have also worked each year to build a stronger and growing competitive youth program -- Tigard Junior Baseball for kids in grades 7 and 8. Critical to this success are the four baseball tournaments we hold in May and June, so please offer what time you can to those beginning this weekend.

 

Mark Herndon has been elected president of Tigard Baseball Boosters. You can reach him at mark@pointofexcellence.com. Please follow his and the other class reps' lead in helping to develop a strong competitive baseball program for Tigard boys in grades 7 through 12.

 

For the boys who continue to play baseball in college, for the memories of participating in state playoffs, for the tears shed by parents at last night's Senior Celebration . . . thank you all.

 

Randy Clark