Letter: Coventry Cal Ripken League To Be Discontinued

Good Evening,

I would like to start off by saying thank you to all of you that have supported Coventry Cal Ripken over the years, and in particular, the last few years. As many of you know the overall participation in the league has been on a steady decline due to several factors: 1. more kids opting to play other sports including soccer and lacrosse, 2. a steady pressure from the little league and their success and 3. an overall decline in participation in youth baseball nationwide.

As the Board and I considered this upcoming season we had to make an assessment on the viability of the league not only for this year but for future years as well. We considered several factors, but the overriding factor was to make sure we did what was best for the kids, their future development, and their continued love for baseball.

While we had hoped for a different outcome, we now believe it is in the best interest for all to discontinue Coventry Cal Ripken.

I have discussed the situation with the current president of the little league, Gary Tavares, and we have worked to ensure that all of our children will be playing baseball in a positive environment this coming season. We will have representation on the board of the little league and they will work with us to make the transition as seamless as possible for our kids and the Cal Ripken families, coaches and volunteers.

This was obviously a very difficult decision for all of us, but the support we received from the Little League, and the idea of all the kids in town playing baseball together has made it a bit easier.

I hope to see all of you next year in our new league! Please contact me with any questions or concerns you have in the meantime.

Thanks,

Lou Simon

President of Coventry Cal Ripken