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QVOTBL
HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
In the fall
of 1995, two dozen baseball enthusiasts met on Sunday afternoons at
Parsons Field in Belchertown MA, to play baseball "for the shear for
it." During the following winter, the QUABBIN VALLEY OVER THIRTY
BASEBALL LEAGUE was organized and incorporated as a Massachusetts
charitable corporation. In May 1996, the first season got under way,
with approximately 50 players and four teams playing on two fields in
Amherst and Belchertown. Thirteen year later there is still a core of
charter members playing.
From the
beginning, three fundamental precepts emerged as guiding principles:
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Playing
a high caliber of baseball can be balanced with good
sportsmanship.
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That all
players are welcome to participate on a non discriminatory basis,
irrespective of ability, gender, or any other classification except
the minimum age of thirty years.
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That all
games and other league activities are family oriented events so that
spouses and children can join in the great American pastime of
playing baseball.
The league
now consists of eight teams with over 125 men and women enjoying
baseball in an all ability, recreational, competitive atmosphere. We
pride ourselves with playing full M.L.B. rules and regulations with a
few exceptions which require all participants to play and bat. Full
major league uniforms, professional umpires and good playing fields have
become our standards. We now play throughout the Pioneer Valley, from
CT. to Vt., and have hosted teams from other leagues and states. Our
members have formed teams to play at the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, and
have traveled to tournaments in the winter in Florida, playing at M.L.B.
facilities. Although we are a Massachusetts Charitable Corp. and do
accept donations, we are self funded by our players dues. Each spring we
draft new players on a first come first serve basis, no tryouts, all
abilities. Please browse our website and join us!
The
Braves celebrate their 2002 Q.V.O.T.B.L. Championship.
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