All- Star Selection Process

On behalf of the STLL Board, we would like to extend our congratulations to the STLL’s 2008 District 1 All Star teams:

10 Year Olds

Paul Arnal

Joe Einhorn

Andrew Hipskind

Jake Jenzer

Jack Kuzma

Fox Leum

Brent Maghan

Chris Nathan

Justin Norby

Payton Oestreich

Roy Schepers

Peter Williams

11 Year Olds

Nathan Abzug

 Jake Barnum

Zak Elder

Liam Connery

Marshall Heitkamp

Bennett Hersman

Nick Leisen

Pete Maple

Bailey Melz

Max Meyer

Jack Mugford

Adam Reiskytl

William Tuseth

12 Year Olds

Cole Anderson

Sam Cantin

Hunter Hoaglund

Kyle Hoffman

Zach Johnson

John Landa

Alex Ludtke

Conor McGinnis

Connor Oestreich

Jayson Rice

Pete Schlangen

Alex Twenge

STLL 2008 All Star Information

Each year we have post season tournament opportunities for 10, 11, and 12 year olds.  These tournaments are intended for players that have shown some mastery of the skills taught to these age groups and who are interested in playing against more advanced competition.  Our philosophy is to reward our top players with additional development and the opportunity to play in an increasingly competitive environment.  Our focus on winning does increase with each age group with a clear goal of putting our best players on the 12 year old all star team regardless of age.

STLL agrees with the Little League philosophy that the players are the best judges of their peers and should play a large part in the selection process.  The league player agent will arrange a meeting with each team between June 5^th and June 9^th (prior to or after a scheduled game) to explain the voting process to the players and parents.  Included below are the main points for the selection process for each age group.

10 Year Olds:

-         Each 10 year old American League and National League player will vote for six 10 year olds in the American and National League.  The six players with the highest point total from the voting process will be selected to the all star team.

-         The board of directors will select the manager/head coach after this pool of players has been determined.  In choosing a coach, consideration will be given for knowledge of the game, tournament experience, and coaching skills.  The head coach may then select two assistant coaches.

-         The remaining players to fill out the roster will be selected by the coaching staff.  Factors that will be considered in this process may include results from the player voting, position needs, along with the opinions of other coaches in the league.

-         The roster will consist of either 12 or 13 players at the coaches’ discretion.

-         The coaching staff may select a Northern League player(s) to fill out their roster.

-         Again, the main focus of the all star process at this age is to further the development of these players in a more competitive environment.

11 Year Olds:

-         Each 11 year old American League player will vote for six 11 year olds in the American League.  The six players with the highest point total from the voting process will be selected to the all star team.

-         The selection of the head coach and the coaching staff will be the same as what is outlined above for the 10 year olds.

-         The coaches will then select the remaining players to fill out the all star roster.  The roster will consist of either 12 or 13 players at the coaches’ discretion.

-         The coaching staff may select a National League or Northern League player(s) to fill out their roster.

-         The same guidelines outlined above will be utilized by the coaching staff to determine the players they select.

12 Year Olds:

-         Each 12 year old American League player will vote for six 12 year olds in the American League.  The six players with the highest point total from the voting process will be selected to the all star team.

-         The selection of the head coach and the coaching staff will be the same as what is outlined above.

-         The roster will consist of either 12 or 13 players at the coaches’ discretion.

-         The coaches will then select the remaining six players to fill out their 12 or 13 player all star roster.  Again, the focus with this team will be to bring the 12 or 13 best players in South Tonka Little League together.  The 12 year old all star coaching staff will have the discretion to select 10 year old or 11 year old players if they feel they are at a higher skill level than any of the 12 year olds available.

Additional Notes:

-         The league’s player agent will conduct the voting process with the players with no involvement from coaches or parents.

-         Players will be instructed that the voting process is an individual exercise and their decisions should not be influenced by coaches or other players.

-         If a tie exists, the coaches, working with the player agent, will select the player.

-         All players selected will be notified by phone.  The official date of notification is June 15^th.  The All Star teams will be posted on the web site after that date.

-         All Stars is a major time commitment for both players and parents.  The expectation is that each player attends every practice and every game.  We ask the players and parents to consider this prior to accepting the invitation to play.

-         The coaches will work hard to develop the skills of these players; however, NO curve balls will be taught or allowed to be thrown by STLL pitchers during all star games.

-         New for 2008:  We will have other  post season play opportunities for 10/11/12 year olds in addition to the little league sanctioned All Stars…more information to come soon!

Any questions or feedback about the All Star selection process for the 2008 season should be directed to Jim Malina, player agent, at jim.malina@bestbuy.com or 612-803-8016.