The start of the 2010 CYS Softball season is not far away and the 2010 Cheshire Flames will be starting even sooner. The past few seasons CYS has had 10U, 12U and 14U CYS all-star teams that have played extra games and played in the Babe Ruth State Tournament. We will be calling these teams the Cheshire Flames moving forward.  These teams have only been in existence for 3 years, but we have enjoyed early success. Our 2009 12U team went 3-1 in round robin play and lost in the semi-finals of the State tournament.

To give you some background, the Cheshire Flames are a travel softball program within CYS and the teams play games in addition to the CYS regular season. The teams have historically started as the recreational season has wound down. This year the programs will be starting earlier.

There will be one team at each age group and players are required to try out for the teams.  Generally, 12 to 13 players are picked for each team such that if more than that tryout, cuts will be made. The 14U team will be either one or two teams depending on the number of kids that sign-up. 

The number of games and duration of season will depend on the age group. Please see below to get a sense of the commitment for each level.

10U   The 10u team plays approximately 5 games after the regular rec season in preparation for the state tournament in July. We will be announcing the 10u Manager & Coaches in the coming weeks

12U   The 12U team will play in the CVFL (approximately 20 games) and 3 tournaments including the State tournament starting in May, The 12U team will be coached by Craig Odermatt and Mike Salamone.

14U   The 14U team will play in the CVFL (approximately 20 games). This team will also play in two tournaments in addition to the Babe Ruth State Tournament. The 14U team will be managed by John Hissick.

 2010 Flames Winter Workout Calendar:

 -  There will be recommended, (but not required) workouts at Dodd Middle school from 1:00 to 3:30 on Sundays 2/14, 2/21, 2/28 and 3/14.  This will allow girls to brush up on skills and be ready for the spring. (4 weeks total fee $35 to participate).

-  2/28 open meeting for patents to come and discuss program and review season schedule for each age group from 1:00 to 3:30 at Dodd.

- 12U and 14U team tryouts are Sunday 3/21 and 3/28 at Dodd from 1:00 to 3:30. 10u tryouts will be held later in the spring.

Cheshire is fortunate to have such a strong commitment to youth softball through CYS and we are fortunate to have the Flames program. The name maybe new, but the program has been in place for three years. Every year it has grown and gotten better. The Flames teams compete very well with some of the best travel teams out there.  The Flames program is well respected outside of Cheshire and we are hoping to continue to increase visibility and appreciation of the program within Cheshire and encourage more participation.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions at Lodermatt@cox.net or 699-9482 for further updates regarding the program. 

We hope to see you at the open meeting in February.

Craig Odermatt

Cheshire Flames Commissioner

Cheshire Youth Softball