Do you post things like the old website did? I am looking for info about games. Are they playing today?

I agree MWA. The asthetics are better, but the info. is lacking.

I would like their to be a designated area for smoking, not in the stands or around children or the fields.

How about a smoke free ball park. Let send the kids a message.

We post all the info we can if we are down at the ball park on the feilds working it is hard to up date the web site but it is updated everynight 90 percent of the time the games are posted on the phone line 265-7772 if you have any free time . We could use some help on the feilds then I  would have more time to post stuff before the games.

Smoke free would be awsome some day it will happpen

I wish there were more parking,  What would it take to get the Mud Lots Graveled across the street?

We do not own the land across the street. Polk County ownes the land. They put the rock in there 2 years ago they are just leting us use it. We sure would like to own the land I think the neighbors have intrest in it also. Thats about all we can do so unless the county brings out more rock  we can't do to much more. You have to understand that the ground has taken in alot of water this sping once we get dried out it will be better and not so muddy.

I would like to see them update the content page to match the rest of the website.  I like the effort that they have placed on developing their softball programs.  I think thus far that my daughter has had a great experience.  Good job during the first half.

I think girls softball has been forgotten about.  We paid extra for umpires and don't get them.  We paid for pictures and they say baseball on them.  Does Grandview really value thier softball program or is it an evil they just put up with to have more boy teams?  Probably won't be back next year.  I'll pay extra for a civilalized game that isn't put across the creek and forgotten about.

We even had the other teams assistant coach ump last week.

Softball mom, I totally agree. My daughter has played for 9 years and it has always been that way. The only reason I continue to have her play there is her friends are there and her bother plays there. She does not want to go anywhere else, only has 1 more year to play. If she was just starting out I would take her to a girls program. Even the boys differ depending on what level they play. The pictures are not Grandviews fault but the photo people I say we need to call and have them redone.

No wonder there is so much cheating by some of the softball coaches, no one watches them or cares when they do cheat.  It is easy to get 1st and 2nd place if you make up the rules as you go along.   Wouldn't it mean more if you played by the rules and won??????

I did call Mullica studio and they said it was grandviews fault but they will redo when asked too.   They were very nice.

I wish again that the umpires would show up for the games. And I am not talking about the volunteer. We are in the Senior girls league and pay for umpires and they did not show the other night. And the night before they were almost 2 hours late starting because of the umpire. We paid our extra money.

I also wish all the kids were treated the same, seems like they put most efforts into a certain field. The other night when we had a t ball game the field was so hard, but it did not get any attention.

so what has been happening with the batting cages being broken in to?  Are they going to maybe install some type of security camera to catch these kids, if it is kids?  Surely they can afford to do that, or maybe install a better door?

They are to worried about catching people in the concession stand, they are installing cameras there. Should do that in the cages too. People just tear it up, it is a shame.

I agree that the most of the boys fields get a bit more attention then the t ball and pee wee girls ones. But i can understand that it is alot of work to take care of the whole place and I know that I don't have the skills or times to offer to help. My 81 year old grandma went over and cleaned up the cigarette butts and trash from around the 2 fields my son plays on ( I didn't know this until I showed up for the pitch hit and run a couple of weeks ago).

I would guess that if anyone wants to help out the guys who do the grounds work would be grateful.

One quick comment on the umpires It isn't just the girls who have umpires missing when it comes to game time it happens to the boys alot and I agree it is VERY frustrating.

They have others that try to help but they only want certain people to do certain things. It seems to be worse this year. I have helped in previous years, but not this year too much politics for me, just let the kids play ball and have fun. A few are there for the kids, but there are some that need to back up and let more people have there say. A few try to run everything.

Better communication to the coaches.  Other than that, our experience as coaches has been very positive.

The girls softball program is being worked on.  In the 2008 season the registration fee was brought down to $30 in hopes to make the program bigger and better.

As far as the umpires this was a problem on both the girls and boys feilds, having to pull a dad from the feild or game delay due to the umpire being late.

The Feilds are worked on my volunteers and a grounds crew.  When it rains they ask for as many volunteers, coaches, parents, ect. so that we can play scheduled games and dont have to make as many games up.  If you notice that the volunteers usually work on the feild they have interest in, perhaps the one they coach on or the one their child plays on.  They could always use more volunteers!!!  No one gets paid to help run things around Grandveiw therefore the people that do help boardmembers, parents, coaches, ect... are there for the children and certainly not for theirselves.  There is a sign up sheet for new board members every year in the concession stand if you would like to help make this a better place for the children you may sign or just volunteer a little time.   Thanks

Grandview was unaware that Mullica was even putting baseball or softball accross the pictures.  I dont understand how Mullica could make anyone beleive that Grandview was at fault for pictures being mis-printed.  That is such a shame.

All in all, I think grandview is a great place to have my children play.    Keep up the good work!!

We will make it all come together sometime it just takes time. hopefully the weather will be nice this spring so we are not makeing the people feel left out in certain leagues. We almost have all the feilds ready so we dont have to break our backs to have them ready. we have half of them done and leveled out  to make it simple,

Lets hope the warm weather starts and we can play ball!!!

I wish the people in charge would do their job i left a message two days ago about cages with both parties in charge and yet to hear from them but everybody else has cage times? Even offered to pay for them.

Have other fundraising possibilities been explored?  The candy thing is a dud.

Just an FYI to Wheels and Lucy the "Jobs" at the little league are all volunteer jobs you are welcome to step up and help any time you would like, you also can request to be on the board the little league is for all of our children so you are welcome to help.  And Lucy the candy has been a good fund raiser for us we have made a profit ,sorry that it doesn't work for you.

Thank you Cubswin....you are absolutely correct. If you have the energy to complain come down and help open the league this weekend and take a few turns at the grill this spring. We are short on board members this year, many people are doing mulitple jobs...Can you make a difference? Please, join!!!

Cronksluvthecardinals, how do you go about joining the board?

What I would really like to see happen at Grandview, and I know this will make alot of people mad but, there is entirely too much smoking going on.  We are these kid's role models and I find it disgusting that, since the parents can't smoke in the bleachers, they all go where?  Just behind the dugouts or along the fences next to the dugouts.  I actually had to ask a board member last year to put his cancer stick out or go else where.  He was standing next to the fence smoking while his disgusting smoke blew into my face, as the coach, and into the dugout, where 3 of the kids were holding their noses.  When I asked him if there was any rules regarding  smoking areas, he told me there was but that only pertained to the playing field. He put his cig out and stormed off. The kids could go back to focusing on the game.  They all heard our discussion and the three thanked me.  I told them it was my pleasure. Banning smoking at Grandview Little league would help bring more of the focus to where it should be, on the kids.

Brcky I agree 100%. Last year I even seen a coach smoking on the field during a game, he thought he was hiding it but some of us seen it. The focus should be on the kids, but sometimes I think people forget that.

I would like to see a specific smoking area also. I don't care if people smoke I just wish it wouldn't be around the kids. The attitude of some coaches is not good either. A coach threw his clipboard down after a call was made by the umpire that agreed to ump because they didnt have one. I was told that this is the "EAST SIDE" and you expect these things. Is that the way it is? I know it's not but I've been hearing that for years. Sad.

They really need to address the smoking issue. Coaches remember the kids watch you and look up to you.

maybe if the kids parents wouldnt rag on the coaches so much about how good their kid is and where he should be playn they wouldnt have to smoke!

Wheres all the umpires equip. masks and clickers? Cant chalk fields without string and battersbox frame!

MANGERS READ THE RULES AND GO BY WHATS IN PRINT INSTED OF MAKING UP RULES AS THE GO .....

I would love for each game to have an umpire assigned...I paid for my kids to play baseball and softball...and I would love to watch them, however, I am always delegated to ump or field ump...I dont mind doing it once, but I have did this in nearly every game...It is horrible to know that you pay all the money then you also have to help ump...what is the money going for?

How can a first place champion team not have 1 single player on the Junior All Star Team?   How does this happen?  How does a first place champion with players on their high school team not be selected as an All Star?  Can anyone answer this???  How does the "champion coach" get away with bullying and intimidating so much that an umpire actually changes a call and when the fans loudly object they are threatened with calling the police?  How corrupt can this league get???  I never thought that baseball league corruption could ever top Highland Park - but I guess some things never change.  Enjoy your trophy, coach.  I hope you can sleep at night.

A total change of board of directors.  I want to be nominated.  What is the schedule for board nominations?

I feel for ya "lucy".  Several of us parents believe that the whole All Star process depends on who is coaching that All Star team.  A lot of it is favortism and not skill.  A lot of those parents knew beforehand that their child was being chosen, when actually they weren't supposed to find out until the day of the closing ceremony.  Especially the major boys 12yr old All Stars.  Our coach played one of our 12 yr old pitchers for most of the last game of the schedule, not even playing the other 12 yr old until the other one had reached 85 pitches.  Goes to prove he knew the whole time that he was being chosen for All Stars and wanted the other coaches watching to see that 12 year old.  And he was more focused on his 10 and 11 year olds anyhow.  And....you have to question some of those picks for the 12 year old All Stars.  We told our son, it's a good thing you didn't make it on that 12 year old All Star because judging by who was coaching it this year, you wouldn't have got to play anyhow..they think that have a world series team..yeah, we'll see how far they can go.  Just you wait, years from now no one will remember those favored boys on the 12 year old majors All Stars and our sons will be making a name for themselves!!  So..hang in there "lucy"!

They usually have sign ups sheets to join the board in the concession stand and we are suppose to vote on board members as a league but I know that did not happen last year or this year which according to the Little League website (national) we are suppose to vote. As far as the all stars it has always been that way, which is sad. They know who they want before we even play the first game, but as was said by Richard Dicks at closing ceremonies no should leave there with a grudge. Kind of hard when you look around and see what goes on. Those coaches probably sleep better than those of us who feel for our kids and worry what they see going on around them. Just keep this in mind the kids know and plenty of comments were made but that does not make it better. My son plays juniors and he was not upset that he did not make it but who did and who did not. But they are there for the kids. Some coaches are but some are not. Lucy, I know what you are taking about I was at that last game and some actions were terrible.

mommywithatude,bluejay4,Lucy

Most of the current board member shave been there for 5 and sometimes 10ys.  Their personal agenda's,  policies and procedures have long been established and untill new members volunteer to become board members and be willing to help this league return back to its roots the KIDS, it will not change only continue to be the talk of the town as the cheaters.  Over the last few years there have been poeople willing to sign up as a board member only as a way to get to coach a team in a certain division.  Once they have accomplished that goal all their desire to helps seems to disappear.  There are numerous rules and policies in place not only by Little League HQ but the league also has their own ground rules, which or voted on by board members every year.  They ALL just seem to forget which rules thay want to play by , it is usually a rule that benefits them in one way or another.  So as I see it, if any change is to occur, there needs to be new volunteers who are will not only to talk and run their mouth but show action.  Maybe mommywithatude can start a crusade to make changes.  I know I would definately be on board

So here's something interesting....the boys that did get chosen for the Major All Stars...9, 10, 11, and 12....we know for a fact some of them live OUTSIDE the grandview district, so according the Little League HQ, they are to show proof of residence in this area in order to participate in the All Stars...hmm..how is that being done when some live in Altoona, Bondurant, Saydel, etc.  How is Grandview getting around this??? I had a mom from another little league in the city ask me about this..

I was on the board a few years back, but it did not work out because I would not go with the crowd they push you out if you don't agree. I worked hard to try to change but had no back up. Those meetings are a joke go to one sometime you don't have to be on the board to go. But if a "outsider" was there they maybe on their best behavior. I have always wondered about the kids living out of district there is a waiver I guess that they can get, but I am not sure how that works.

Lucy,

Lucy,

I don't know what games you have been watching on the junior field but how ever I'm the caoch to the braves we had beat you in a three game play off to see who was the champions and we WON so i'm thinking you have know idea what is going on. i sleep well, if you don't like it see ya go back to highland park.

Again another moment of real truth from a mediocre coach who hinks he has the right to tell others how to think and behave and if it is not in line with the coaches lack of mentality you should go.  typical grandview mentality

Is there any interest in a Parent's Organization at Grandview.  Please let me know so we can meet to discuss such organization.

I am appalled at the corruption going on at this League and intend to do something about it.  I am in contact with the Central Region Headquarters.  I am now representing the entire team and am requesting time to make a statement at the Grandview board.  Be ready board members to produce the Bylaws, Constitution, and Mission Statement.

If you have Facebook and have a desire to organize a Parent's Organization, there is a group you may join called Grandview Little League Parents Organization.

Hey - I just heard that the Braves are going to the Junior County Championship.  Wow, what an accomplishment.  Congratulations boys!  You should be very proud of your coaches.  They worked very hard to make this happen for you!  But wait a minute - are you playing in your championship or have they replaced you with other players who are better than you?

Not to worry though - the official scorekeepers will be provided with a roster of who's who on the team - you may get to play afterall!!  Good luck!

You should be made to take the team that you have all season and should not be able to add players. I hope it is a fair game.

The best thing that could happen is our web site is used for the informationit was intended for. Schedules, weather, rain outs, board schedules, concesssion schedules,information everyone can enjoy and need, not just a select few who use it for their own gain..

I know but that information was not posted very often. No schedules were on here this year.

I may be one of the "select few," but I assure you I have nothing to gain from it.  I'm just the grandma.  I'm not a coach.  When I personally witness cheating, foul language, bullying/intimidating, manipulation, etc., how can anyone remain quiet.  At this point in time, this is the only forum we have to communicate.  Trust me, I really don't need to involve myself - but I love those kids and I love the Little League program.  I have plans for the Board - except it will not be with the current Board.  They are power hungry and eager to build their own trophy cases.  It is a sad, sad display of leadership.  I, along with others, are in the process of forming new leadership with values that can be passed along to the next generation - values.  It's a shame that some of our boys will only learn that "you have to do what you have to do to win" and then continue on that same tradition.  I know that my blogs have not been looked upon as being a positive force, but the greater good is yet to come.  Join the Parents Organization and have a voice.  Lucy is signing off from the blog and moving on to the next step.  Greater things are yet to come to Grandview!

Avcoice on an blog site that you don't have to show your face or do any of the work it takes t okeep things going?  Thats chicken.

I have worked down there plenty of times. I would let you know who I am but then my kids will really be treated badly.

Let me introduce myself:  My handle is Lucy.  My name is Mona Fiscus.  My son is Jason Fiscus.  My grandson is Kaine Fiscus.  I live at 3103 E. 43rd Court in Des Moines.  My phone number is 261-7087.  I would WELCOME a call from someone.  I am not a chicken.  My goal in the blog was to get the discussion going and that has been accomplished.  The only agenda is to return this Little League organization into following it's mission but somehow that has gotten spun out of control by OTHERS agendas.  Give me a call.  Let's coordinate our calendars.  Let's work together for the common good.  The best is yet to come to GVLL!

I would show my face on the blog but I can't figure out how to download my picture.  But if you will give me a call, I will show my face to all.  I have nothing to hide.  I'm not ashamed.  I have done nothing wrong but stand up for what is right.  I will not be bullyed by your name-calling - chicken.  Now that's the problem.  That's why people are intimidated.   That is just the attitude that our organization is protesting.  Thank you, oldtimer, for just confirming that.  And just because it didn't work in the past, doesn't mean it can't work in the future.  And yes, destroy it financially, that may have to happen.  Sometimes dynasties have to be brought completely down in order to build back up.  Now that's it.  I am not going to have a debate with you any longer.  You have my name and my number.  Now you show YOUR face and give me a call.

Hi Mrs Fiscus,

Its funny that you come across as the good guy. During the year you and your team would taunt and call children and coaches and any one else that you felt the need names.  You went to the Championship game that the Braves played and went to the Carlise parents coaches and who ever would listen to you and bad mouth Grandview Little League.  do you really think that was being support of ?  As a board member we do look at people to be on our board that is with us not against us, I'm not so sure we would vote you on.  And please try to remember that most of us are there for all kids, sounds like you are there for your grandson.  Good luck to you.....

Hi whoever CUSBSWIN is ... If you wish to discuss the comments in your message - some true and some not so true - please give me a call.  I would be happy to give you the other side.  261-7087.  Now, for the last time, I am signing out.  I will not - for the last time - debate this issue any longer.  I have asked for time to speak publically and that has not been given.  I have revealed myself to you but you have chosen to use it to bully me into backing off.  This has nothing to do with the team.  The season is over.  It has everything to do with the future.  Respectfully yours, Mona Fiscus - 261-7087.  Thank you, and good luck to you too.

Oh that is how you work it is ok for you to put people down but when you are called out you can't handle it, you are correct the season is over but like I said you started this big ordeal . And you can bet your butt that when we have a board meeting that I will call you and invite you so you can speek your mind, also the league could use you to come and cook and work the concession stand work the grill, mow , rake the fields and a bunch of other work that needs to be done.  Instead of complaning all the time come work with us instead of against us.  And yes this is the last time you will here from me in this way I will call you when we have a meeting.  Have a nice day......

These postings are hilarious...grown men and women...interesting!

Oh ya, and those that participate in and condone the favoritism and unfair play are just as guilty