Maricopa Little League needs executive board members to survive

The Maricopa Little League is seeking volunteers to fill one-year terms on its executive board.
The league will conduct its annual executive board election at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the multi-purpose room at Saddleback Elementary. Board positions up for election include president, vice president, player agent, secretary, safety officer and treasurer.

At least three of this year’s executive board members will not be returning for the 2011 season, so the league will need at least three new people to serve.

Victor Gonzalez, the board’s current vice president, and Chris Turpen, the current president, are among the board members who will not be returning. Both are moving from Maricopa and will be unable to continue on the board.

Gonzalez said that while the only board positions that technically need to be filled are president and player agent, he cannot realistically envision the league being able to operate with fewer than five board members.

“In my opinion, it’s hard enough to do it with five people,” Gonzalez said. “I can’t imagine doing it with two people.”

Anyone interested in running for an executive board position can contact Gonzalez in advance of the election via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 602-550-7381. Gonzalez will add the names of interested candidates to the ballot. Prospective candidates also can express their interest at the board-meeting site prior to the start of Thursday’s election.

Prospective board members must be at least 18 years of age and must undergo background checks. Prior experience volunteering with the Little League is not necessary, and board members are not required to reside in the city of Maricopa.

The board members who are elected Thursday will begin their one-year volunteer terms immediately. Gonzalez said the board will conduct a turnover meeting within a week or so to officially incorporate the new members.

Board members will be expected to attend one or two regular meetings per month.

“Having done it in the last year, it was a rewarding experience,” Gonzalez said about serving on the executive board. “I learned a lot about myself and the community. It is something I will miss.”

Gonzalez said that the Maricopa Little League, which was established in 2004, had 500 players between the ages of 5 and 14 participating in baseball and softball last season.

“The league has grown every year,” Gonzalez said.

In addition to looking for executive board members, the league is seeking additional volunteers to help with daily operations throughout the season.

“If you cannot serve on the executive board, we have other opportunities where you can help,” Gonzalez said.

Approved volunteers from the 2010 season (including coaches and parents) who are in good standing with the league are eligible to vote in Thursday’s executive board election.