Dear Beehive Kickballers,
This past season was a great one. Mostly that’s thanks to you showing up each week ready to have some childish adult fun. Another reason it was great is, near the end of the season, we were able to corral the attention of almost every team and ask what could’ve been better.
It seems so simple but it’s the first time we’ve asked such a question in a systematic way. Well, the feedback was great so you’ll hear us asking it in every league from now on.
We’ve consolidated the feedback below and, as a staff, discussed what we can and can’t do about each topic raised. As with any changes we make, they might be great, they might not. Either way we promise to constantly monitor the situation and make adjustments to make the league more and more fun for everyone involved.
If you have any follow up questions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to send us an email at whatsup@beehivesports.com!
Feedback:
“The pitching is too tough”
Response:
This has been discussed by many in the Beehive community and all involved have agreed to try a new rule for summer SUPER SOCIAL division kickball. That rule is guys always pitch to guys and gals always pitch to gals. We believe this favors a more offensive friendly style of play (more runs is a good thing) while giving everyone who signed up a great chance to score every game.
We tested this rule in a game a few weeks ago and it was a big hit. Let us know what you think!
Feedback:
“Don’t play in low light or lightning.”
Response:
Agreed. We stopped games at Rosewood park due to lightning and will continue to do so. We have reviewed with all staff the following:”Once you see a strike, stop play immediately. If there hasn’t been another for 15 minutes resume games. If there is a strike within 15 minutes, start the timer over and keep waiting. Players can choose to wait in their car or by the fields. The car is safer but we can’t/won’t force people to go there.”
In low light situations we use our best judgement. We’ll be more conservative moving forward unless both teams insist on playing. If you don’t feel safe playing or think it’s a bit too dark please tell the referee so we can stop and reschedule the games.
Feedback:
“The bases can slide around if they are stepped on in certain ways.”
Response:
Yep, the bases aren’t perfect. Bolting them down is time prohibitive. Painting bases on the grass isn’t allowed by the city. Luckily, a wonderful group of players helped us test out using the thick, white, waffle-bottom home plate bases as the base solution everywhere. After an hour of play not one base had slid. We’ll be using this solution for all summer 2017 leagues.
Feedback:
Bars that are closer to events
Response:
Picking a great league bar is an art. It’s only one part proximity. We also look for bars that will give the league specials and we always do our best to mix it up every season or two to keep the surroundings fresh. Next season we’ll be at Twist on Wednesday nights. Thursdays are still TBD but we are considering The Spot, Big Willies and Faces Lounge. Let us know if you have a preference!
Feedback:
“Don’t do any ‘special rules’ again” AND “liked the special rules”
Response:
Sorry you didn’t like them or if you did, great! The only thing we can say here is we are committed to playing around with the formula of adult sports that we’ve all come to know. It’s great, don’t get us wrong, but who knows. Maybe it could be better. Any tweaks that we think will lead to more laughs or friends, will be attempted. You’ve been warned Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Feedback:
No 6:15 or mix it up for all teams
Response:
That’s fair. We get it. It sucks to hustle from your office to the field only to do the awkward “get undressed and dressed again in the front seat of your car” move. We will be reviewing all teams’ schedules this season to make sure they have a healthy mix of early and late games.
Feedback:
People aren’t showing up on time.
Response:
Ya, that’s a toughie. We’ve had rules that give penalties to late teams but they’ve never really worked. The best fix we’ve found here is to schedule games a bit earlier than we plan on starting. That way if games are at 6:15, we are shooting to start by 6:25pm. Let’s just all do our best and bring an extra beverage just in case it doesn’t work out perfectly.
That was the stuff we can improve on, it’s all valid and appreciated. We’re gunna do it better next season Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Before this letter ends, check out all the positive feedback:
“Great season, no complaints!”
“Refs have been better than ever”
“Lots of fun! My free agent team was lots of fun”
“I met a dozen new friends, thanks”
“You guys rock”