NEP to Offer Girl's 8 and Under Softball League

I'd like to first say "Congratulations" to all League Champions and all NEP girls softball teams in each division for a successful 2002 season.  As you may know, NEP hosted the Mid-Season Tournament in 2002.  By all accounts, the tournament was a great success.  Many countless hours were put in by volunteers and parents to make this tournament, as well as our regular scheduled season games, to happen.  With that in mind, I'd like to give a special "Thank You" to all the parents, family members, and friends for their dedication to the children and the NEP softball program.  It takes a lot of time, energy and expense on your part to make it all happen for the players.  Also, not to forget all the Managers, Coaches, Sponsors and team moms for their hard work and patience with the players and the park.  Without the help from everyone, the softball program at NEP could not function.  I believe having your child involved in our softball program at NEP can be an important part in their life.  They learn teamwork, build self-confidence and make long-term friendships.  I want to promote a fun, safe, and positive learning experience for returning players and future NEP softball players.

 The participation of softball players at NEP has dropped off over the past several years.  That is why myself and Brenda Demet, Assistant Softball Commissioner, have gotten involved and joined the Board of Directors at NEP for 2003.  Our main goal is to increase player participation at the park for our softball program.  We will be promoting our park's softball program by dropping off fliers to all local schools in the NEP area.  I have also implemented a 8U Coach Pitch League for the girls.  This will help players in the transition from T-Ball to Fast Pitch Softball.  Family members and players can also help by talking with friends and relatives about our softball program at NEP.

11 Year Old All Stars World Series Runner-up

NEP's 11 Year Old All Stars were the 2002 Dizzy Dean World Runner-Up. Congratulations Players and Coaches!                                       

NEP Continues Tee Ball Dominance

NEP 5 & 6 year old Gold Team captured the World Series Title. The final day of play saw NEP Gold & NEP Blue battling for the championship. Both teams gave an outstanding performance with NEP Gold displaying timely hitting to claim the crown.

Cody Henry took the homerun championship trophy.

NEP Gold Wins Tee Ball Crown -- Again

An NEP team once again won the coveted Tee Ball Baseball Championship at the Tee Ball World Series in Milton, Florida. The NEP Gold All Star Tee Ball team won NEP's 22nd tee ball crown in the tournament's 33 year history by playing in NEP's 27th Tee Ball World Series Championship game at Gospel Project Ballpark off Highway 87 in Milton.

Gavin Henke named 2002 Tee Ball World Series Home Run Champion Gavin scored 12 home runs during the tournament.

Advertisement Signs

The NEP family continues to grow with many locals business supporting our program.

Ball Park signs assist in fundraising for our teams while providing an economical advertising program for our business partners. The Park showcases 124 signs this season.

To increase the value of our advertising investment, all signs will remain on display during Fall Ball Season and the Dizzy Dean State All Star Tournaments in July!

Thanks to the NEP family for your dedicated involvement.

10 & 11 Year Olds Compete for DD State Crowns (2002)

Twenty-two teams from five counties participated this past week in the Dizzy Dean State All Star Tournament held at NEP Ball park.

Fans enjoyed some of the best baseball play in the region during the five day tournament. The players all displayed great sportsmanship and all were true winners.

In the 11 year old division, NEP won the championship with Milton taking the runner up position. Pace received the tournament sportsmanship trophy during the tournament.

In the 10 year old division, Pace won the championship with Brent taking the runner up position. Pace also received the tournament sportsmanship trophy during the tournament.

Congratulations to all coaches, players, and fans who participated and supported the tournament. A special thanks goes to all the volunteers who made the tournament a success.

Advertisement Sign Campaign Gears Up (2002)

Thanks to everyone who has participated in the advertisement sign program in the past. The signs not only benefit local businesses but also help support NEP programs, which hundreds of children participate in annually.

During the 2001 Season, to increase the value of our advertisers' investment, NEP extended the display period to include the Fall Season. Thanks to the popularity of this effort, NEP will extend the display period during the 2002 Season as well.

Please note several changes in the format of the signs for the 2002 Season.

Cost : $100.00
Design: NO LOGOS
Color: Royal Blue & Black ONLY
Font Style: TWO STYLES ONLY

The new criteria will increase sign VISIBILITY and enhance the businesses Advertising dollar.

Order forms will be available at registration tables or for downloading at the NEP website.

NEP Back With Dizzy Dean in 2002

Welcome to the 2002 NEP Baseball Season. This year will be a very successful season with our re-affiliation with DIZZY DEAN.

Last year the NEP Board researched numerous affiliations in search of an organization that would accommodate a two-track league program. The decision was USSSA that offered many benefits for both leagues. Our teams were not only exposed to a higher level of play, but the experience of traveling, tournament play in large sports complexes and competition with new players.

However, the experiences in postseason play had our NEP teams challenged by multi-city recruited teams. NEP All Stars actively participated in tournaments, but at a great disadvantage.

After reviewing the enormous differences in the competition level and the NEP tournament results, the Board of Directors concluded it was in the best interest of the Recreational League to reconsider it affiliation.

Ultimately, NEP wants to ensure the success of our Recreational League. This goal has created an opportunity to re-affiliate with Dizzy Dean. We will still continue a two-track system offering a Club League with the traditional Recreation League.

Dizzy Dean will be a great fit for our Recreational Leagues since our teams will have opportunities to compete with area Dizzy Dean teams. The NEP Board anticipates that tournament play will be improved with All Star teams participating at the same level of play.

The focus will return to the basic fundamentals of the game, yet will involve a minimum of game changes with the exception of the 9 and 10 year old league (Minors).

The Board of Directors continues to create the best possible programming and commitment Dizzy Dean has made to NEP will afford this opportunity. We are very excited about the upcoming season. With the addition of Dizzy Dean and our continued commitment to improvements to our complex, NEP will continue to be a pacesetter in Youth Baseball.

NEP To Host Midseason Girls Softball Tournament (2002)

NEP will host the annual Northwest Florida Girls Softball Alliance mid-season tournament beginning Saturday, April 27th at the NEP Athletic Complex at Jones Park on Nine Mile Rd. Games are scheduled each night through Saturday, May 4th.

The annually rotating tournament will be fast pitch softball with play from 90 teams from many of the programs throughout the northwest Florida area to include Bellview, Myrtle Grove, Perdido, Navarre, Pace, Cantonment, Molino, NEP, and Orange Beach, Alabama. The tournament will be double elimination to allow each team to play all other teams in the tournament.

“We hope to promote good sportsmanship, allow the girls to develop friendships with other players throughout Northwest Florida, while raising the level of competition and skill among the players” said Tournament Director Dana Drexler.

NEP Board members and teams will be assisting the tournament by helping with the gates, concessions and field preparations. This tournament will be an opportunity to help raise funds needed to continue the quality programs and facilities at the park.

Fans are invited to the tournament to support the girls and youth sports. Brackets will be posted and updated daily.

Thanks to everyone for your support for what is shaping up to be an exciting week for Girls Fastpitch Softball.

County Recreation Department Continues to Deliver (2002)

Thanks to Escambia County Parks & Recreation Department all scheduled renovations have been completed. The NEP Board of Directors and the County will continue to work closely to develop future plans for our complex.

The projects completed for the 2001 Season:

- Construction of a multi-purpose building that is utilized for equipment storage and meeting room for Board of Directors, Tournaments officials and general ballpark business.

- Construction of a mini concession/restroom building at the upper quad.

- Paved walkways throughout the park for additional safety and handicap accessibility

- Perimeter fencing (white) to restrict vehicular traffic and facilitate flow of foot traffic

The next major milestone is new outfield fencing for Fields 1 through 9.

All these capital improvements are a result of your support to extend the local option sales tax. Annually, 1% of these funds are directed to the County for capital improvements. These funds will assure the continued development of our complex as well as other needed community improvements.

NEP President Speaks on Upcoming 2002 Season

Welcome to the 2002 NEP baseball season. We are very excited about the upcoming season. This year will be a very successful season as we have made a decision to bring back Dizzy Dean baseball to our Recreational League. By bringing Dizzy Dean back to our park we expect to provide an even better foundation for our recreational league. We will still continue to conduct a two-track system offering a Club League as well as our traditional Recreational League. The Board of Directors' ultimate goal is to create the best possible environment for our Recreational League. We feel that the commitment Dizzy Dean has made to NEP will afford us this opportunity.

Hopefully, you have noticed the cleanliness of our ballpark; it looks wonderful from Nine Mile Road. As most of you know, we have a groundsperson that is responsible for the overall appearance of our facility, meaning that we no longer have work days or have to rush to the ballpark for an early game to rake and chalk fields. This is a benefit that I enjoy as I am sure you do. However, as with all luxuries, these must be paid for!! Therefore, we will have a ten dollar increase in our registration fees this season. This will raise our fee to sixty-five dollars. With NEP's wonderful facility, this is still one of Escambia County's most reasonably priced ballparks.

With the addition of Dizzy Dean and our park's continued commitment to facility improvements, NEP will continue to be a pacesetter in youth baseball in our area as well as throughout the Southeast. Please give the Board of Directors feedback by either contacting one of us or by e-mailing us at nepball@yahoo.com. Thank you for your continued support of our program.

Inaugural Club League Season a Success (2001)

The inaugural season of the two-track structure at NEP was an overall success. The Club League side of the park had 6 teams in the 14U age group, 3 in the 12U, and 4 in the 10U age. These teams were composed of players from as far away as Tiger Point to the south and Jay to the north. The high level of competition in this league helped prepare 6 of these teams for their respective National Championship tournaments. Of these 6 teams, 4 of them finished in the top 5 at their national events. Each of these team's results were as follows:

- The NEP Aquasox captured the 9U Super Series National Championship held in Arlington, Texas at the first class Dr. Pepper Park facility. This marks 3 years in a row that a team from NEP has won a 9 year old national title.

- Thunder Baseball fought back from an early round loss to finish a superb 3rd in the 12U Super series National Tournament held in Fort Worth, Texas.

- The Pensacola Timber had to travel the farthest as they brought back 3rd place in the 13U Super Series National Championship from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

- The Pensacola Lightning finished 5th in the 11U division of the Super Series National tourney held in Houston, Texas at the beautiful Baseball USA complex.

These strong showings at the end of the summer by these NEP Club league teams capped a very smooth year as the park was in transition from the previous one league system. Hopefully the experiences and suggestions from this year can make for an even better season for the park in 2002.

NEP Maintains Tee Ball Dominance (2001)

The NEP All Star Tee Ball program continued to show why it is the finest in the area with resounding successes in the Tee Ball World Series and the 5 & 6 Year Old Tee Ball Tournament. In the World Series, NEP Blue faced off against in-park rival NEP Gold for the championship with Blue winning the crown. In the 5 & 6 Year Old Tee Ball Tournament, NEP Gold claimed the tournament runner-up position with Blue taking third place.

This year's Tee Ball championship was NEP's 21st in the 32 years the tournament has been held. NEP has been either Champion or Runner-Up 26 times. NEP has now had at least two of the top three teams the past five consecutive years and has been Champion AND Runner-Up five of the past eight years. In the past 11 years, NEP Blue has played for the Championship seven times, NEP Gold four times, and NEP White four times.

Congratulations. The Park owes its success in the older age groups to the success of its Tee Ball program, which thrives in no small part because of the skill of NEP coaches and NEP players, and the work, patience, and cooperation of NEP parents.

NEP Aquasox Claim Super Series National Title

The NEP Aquasox, a 9-year-old Club League baseball team took the 2001 Super Series National Championship Tournament by storm, defeating the ESI Titans from Tulsa, Oklahoma 12-5 in the title game. The tournament, played in Arlington, Texas, pitted the Aquasox against the best 9-year-old baseball teams in the nation.

Devon Whitney was named tournament MVP, finishing with a 2-0 record as a pitcher and a .400 batting average. Fellow Aquasox players Stuart Todd batted .625, Austen Smith batted .591, and Dakota Smith batted .471. Kris Desposito and David Tyree both pitched their ways to 2-0 records in the tournament, while Matthew Sturdivant and Joe Nims each won one game for the champions. As a pinch runner, Bradley Lowrey scored 15 runs en route to the championship.

Congratulations, Aquasox!

NEP President Speaks on 2001 Season

The Youth Association of Northeast Pensacola would like to extend its greatest thanks to every NEP family in our ballpark. Without the total support of our NEP families, we would not have been able to bridge the gap between local recreational baseball and competitive club baseball play this season. This support has meant that we are enjoying a season of great success for players in both divisions in this transition year. However, we all know that transition means change and as we change the NEP Board has maintained its ultimate goal of insuring the continued growth, success, and stability of our recreational league. In achieving this, it is clear that NEP needs to continue its presence in postseason play while maintaining its role as a venue for developmental training and quality game time throughout the regular season. A late change in the state championship schedule has caused us to make some adjustments in our schedule in the 8-14 year old divisions. However, the NEP Board has devised a plan to allow our recreational teams to recover those games by allowing them to play in the upcoming Midseason Blast Tournament free of charge. Hopefully, this solution will prove to be a benefit for everyone involved. Once again, thank you for your support this year and let's continue to have a successful season.

NEP Board Amplifies 2001 League Format

In May, the NEP Board of Directors approved a committee proposal to host club baseball teams in ages 9 through 14 for the 2001 season. The new league format will lend balance to the recreational league while offering a venue for more competitive teams that need a home where success in baseball has been an enduring legacy. The plan allows for managers to submit a roster of players for their "club" teams in order for them to play in the park. They will play for a flat fee of $1000 to be paid in advance and they can expect to play a twelve-game schedule at the Park. The fee entitles them to umpires and use of facilities and equipment as well as priority over non-NEP teams for tournament hosting in the park. Club League teams will augment their season and post-season schedule with tournament games of their choosing. 13-14 year old teams also have the opportunity for interlocking play with club teams from other parks. Teams in the Club League will provide their own playing equipment.

In making this change, the NEP Board is responding to the range of needs in the youth baseball marketplace and believes that a program as well-organized and maintained as ours can and should be a leader in that arena. This range of demand calls for differentiation on the service side of the equation. By being the only park in the region to offer two fully-committed and backed playing formats, NEP is launching a significant effort to broaden its base while maintaining its commitment to local recreation needs. With the park's year 'round volunteer administration and its proven record of success on the field and in the boardroom, NEP is in a unique position to exploit its many resources. The focus of NEP administration remains the viability and success of its Recreational League program. The addition of the Club League program will provide opportunities for Recreational League players that have not been available before.

NEP 9's Capture National Championship! (2000)

The NEP 9 Year Old All Star baseball team rolled through the Dizzy Dean Florida state tournament en route to a State Championship then headed right off to Mississippi to play for the Dizzy Dean National Championship. Virtually unchallenged in the State tourney, the 9 Year Olds braced for tougher competition in the World Series. The team relied on great pitching and timely hitting to maneuver its way to the championship game, needing two victories to claim the crown. With with a dramatic sweep of a doubleheader on the final day, the NEP 9's found their revenge for the earlier loss with a gutsy and smart performance. Congratulations!

NEP Pair Claims Tourney MVP Awards (2000)

In an extraordinary note of achievement, two NEP players have been named as World Series MVPs in their respective tournaments. Austin Potts of the NEP 9 Year Old National Championship squad and Caleb Gindl of the NEP 11 Year Old National 3rd Place team were both named MVP of their tournaments. Having competed in tournaments that included more than 250 players each, the honor is extraordinary, particularly considering the number of teams and individual players represented in the tournaments. To have two players recognized in this fashion is a fine testament to the work ethic of these players, the coaching and support they've received, and the teams and team members they played with during the regular season and throughout the tournament season. A heartfelt congratulations to both players! NEP is very proud of both of you!

NEP Concludes Another Successful Season (2000)

With the September 6th seating of the 2001 NEP Board of Directors, the Board bids an end to another successful season with a recap of significant events:

The NEP Board began work on the 2000 season in September 1999 and almost immediately discussed the need to respond to growing marketplace interest in a broader range of competitive offerings. The Board decided to take a thoughtful and careful look at the issue for the 2001 season. In May, the Board approved a committee proposal to allow for the hosting of "club" baseball teams in age groups 9 through 14 alongside but separate from recreational teams beginning with the 2001 season. The decision will allow area competitive teams to compete against each other during the season at NEP with the opportunity to host tournaments in the park while recreational teams continue to compete in a more structured developmental program. With the more competitive teams participating in unaffiliated league activities, NEP's recreational league players will enjoy unprecedented opportunities to excel and develop in positions on teams that are reselected each year to facilitate team balancing.

2000 also saw the completion of four projects funded by sales tax dollars through the Escambia County Parks & Recreation Department: sidewalk access throughout the complex, a new concession stand and restrooms at the south end of the complex, a new pavilion near the center of the complex, and a new building for storage and meetings.

NEP also launched a highly successful plan to host tournaments at the ballpark during the season in order to provide the opportunity for NEP teams to participate in tournaments in its home park, to bring teams from around the Southeast to NEP to play, and to provide broader opportunities for teams and players interested in playing more baseball while providing an outstanding opportunity for NEP teams to work at tournaments to raise team funds.

In December, the NEP Board improved upon the Board's previous practice of interviewing managerial candidates by beefing up the interview process, having park volunteers complete a questionnaire, and having them consent to background checks.

The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to careful fiscal practices with continuing reports from Finance Director and Treasurer to ensure budgeting and spending criteria were met. With many park improvement projects completed, the Board decided to contract a groundskeeper to ensure ongoing quality maintenance of fields and facilities and to handle preparation of game fields for the first games of the day. NEP also renewed its concession operator's contract in what has become an arrangement that is the envy of the County. In the meantime, NEP also completed construction of four new batting cages that include padded flooring, nets, L protectors, and padded support poles for safety. With the assistance of Park volunteers, NEP also erected "soft toss" nets throughout the park to facilitate pre-game preparation and training. As the Board aggressively pursued these forward-thinking improvements, it also maintained its position as one of the least-expensive, best-equipped, and most-prestigious baseball and softball programs for children to participate in in the area.

In the midst of all of this progress and development, NEP played through a very successful and enjoyable season, culminating in yet another season of grand all star success. NEP's 2000 all star teams produced the following noteworthy results:

5-6 Year Old Tee Ball Baseball Championship
5-6 Year Old Tee Ball Baseball Runner-Up
6 Year Old Dizzy Dean Tee Ball State Championship
7 Year Old Tee Ball World Series Championship
7 Year Old Tee Ball World Series Third Place
8 Year Old Dizzy Dean Baseball State Championship
9 Year Old Dizzy Dean Baseball State Championship
9 Year Old Dizzy Dean Baseball National Championship
Minor League (9-10) Dizzy Dean Baseball State Championship
Minor League (9-10) Dizzy Dean Baseball National Runner-Up
11 Year Old Dizzy Dean Baseball State Championship
11 Year Old Dizzy Dean Baseball National Third Place
12 Year Old Dizzy Dean Baseball State Third Place
16U Northwest Florida Girls Softball Alliance Championship

Several players from the NEP system also participated in tournament play in various age groups through the age of 14 throughout the year with numerous championships to their credit.

NEP remains a program administered year 'round exclusively by volunteers and the Board looks forward to building on its history of success in 2001. As always, the Board invites your assistance and active involvement. With some Board positions still available, NEP is eager to hear from you!

NEP's Experience in the 32 years of the Annual Tee Ball World Series (2000)

- NEP has won 21 Championships
- NEP has been either Champion or Runner-Up 26 times
- NEP has had at least two of the top three teams the past five consecutive years
- NEP has been Champion AND Runner-Up five of the past eight years
- In the past 11 years, NEP Blue has played for the Championship seven times, NEP Gold four times, and NEP White four times.

NEP Contracts Groundskeeper (1999)

The NEP Board of Directors has agreed to a contract with a groundskeeper over the next six months wherein preseason grooming and preparation of ballfields, pregame (first game) field preparation, restroom upkeep, and general facilities tidiness will be accomplished. The agreement will mean that the level of upkeep and maintenance of the park will be improved dramatically while reducing the need to count on the same volunteers repetitively to get the park's work done. There will still be park work days, but with the signing of this contract, the overall care of the facilities will be dramatically improved on a daily basis. The Board of Directors asks that members take care not to undo the work the groundskeeper has completed. It is his goal to make the park a first-class facility that all of us are proud of. With NEP hosting some eight tournaments teams coming from all over the southeast to play, it will be nice to have them return home with good things to say about our complex.

Since NEP made the move from Guidy Lane to its current location in late 1994 and early 1995, it has paid off the loan for the construction of the new park and subsequently rolled thousands of dollars into tangible improvements to facilities, equipment, and programs throughout the park. The Board has approved the purchase of new playing equipment, to include roughly $1000 in softball catcher's equipment this year alone, new grounds maintenance equipment, four new batting cages (with two additional cages going up soon) and much more since new construction and equipment loans were paid off in 1997.

None of this would have been possible had it not been for the careful planning and diligence of those who crafted and carried out the relocation of the park. Their ability to apportion funds and direct resources at that critical time enabled the park to pay off loans within only a few years without increasing the cost of participation in our program by even a penny. Today, the cost of playing at NEP remains the same as it has for many, many years (less than most other parks in the area) and the 2000 Board of Directors continues to optimize those resources to consistently provide the best baseball and softball program in the area.

NEP To Scrutinize Volunteers More Closely (1999)

The NEP Board of Directors is improving upon the Board's previous practice of interviewing managerial candidates by beefing up the interview process, having park volunteers complete a questionnaire, and having them consent to background checks.

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