Here are some things to know before the season starts.

A map of the Northwest Elementary fields complex can be found here: http://www.howellbaseball.org/fieldmaps.htm

It will come in handy in helping you to find your way to the correct field.

Please be sure to dress your kids adequately for the weather they will experience during the practice season (April). As you know, it will change day to day.

Also, we will work to get the fields graded, and permanent bases installed, as soon as the weather warms up enough to soften the ground and allow the grading to make a difference.

We will have “throw down” bases at each field that can be used for practices. These will be replaced with the permanent bases when the weather/conditions permit.

Also, there are alot of leaves and miscellaneous "stuff/garbage" that gets accumulated along the fences at the fields during the winter season. If you are at your child's practice, and looking for "something to do", it would be appreciated if you could clean up some of this debris that builds up, especially along the fence lines.

Dumpsters should be in place at the fields by Mid April and the garbage can be placed in there. If you choose to, you can also bring your own garbage bag, fill it with the debris, and leave it by the dumpster at each field.

Doing a little each day will make our official Field Clean Up day go much quicker. :)

Here are a few additional items we need to communicate to each of you.

The first item is in reference to Northwest Elementary Fields number 6 and 7.

These two fields are used by the Midget and Minor baseball divisions.

The fields are "close" to the Victoria Parks Condo complex.

This being the case, occasionally foul balls from these fields tend to make their way over to the complex.

If a foul ball does manage to make its way to the Victoria Parks Complex, please do not enter their property to get it back.

Please respect the privacy of our neighbors, and ensure that you and/or your children do not go on to their property.

Also, the wooden fence in between Fields 6 and 7 is the property of the Victoria Parks complex.

At no time should it be used as a backstop. In the past, it has been damaged by thrown balls, and this is not acceptable.

There should be no children or adults playing catch, or throwing baseballs outside the fenced in field areas of Fields 6 and 7.

Also, parents, please do not allow your children to "play in the woods" or by the wooden fence in between the fields and Victoria Parks.

Let's please be as respectful to our neighbors as possible.

The second item is in reference to keeping the field areas clean.

Parents please speak to your children and instill in them the importance of ensuring the dugouts are cleaned up of debris prior to them leaving the field after the game.

Very often, water bottles, Gatorade bottles, and other "snack" related debris is left in the dugouts and around the perimeter of the fences for "someone else to throw away".

After each game, please have your child take 5 minutes to ensure that all garbage in the dugouts and field area has been thrown away.

This will keep our fields "looking good" with a minimum amount of effort.

The third item is in reference to the "Service Road" that runs between M-59 and NW Fields 3,4 and 5.

As we all know, M-59 was widened several years ago.

This project removed some trees and foliage that had been between fields 3, 4 and 5 and M-59.

There is also a paved bike trail that was added that runs between M-59 and the NW fields.

When parking "off the service road", please ensure that your vehicle is at least 5 feet away from the bike trail.

This is especially important behind Field 3, where the road is closest to the bike trail.

If you cannot park in a spot that leaves your vehicle at least 5 feet away from the bike trail, and out of the service road, please do not park in that spot.

And yes, I realize that this will be an inconvenience that requires you to do some additional walking, but it is a necessary inconvenience.

The fourth item is in reference to some rules that must be followed when on school grounds, such as Northwest Elementary and the Howell High School, or at any HAJBA event, no matter where it is being held.

At no time is there to be any smoking, chewing of tobacco, or consumption of alcohol, while at the baseball fields.

This includes in the Porta-Johns. In the past, some people felt the need to use the Porta Johns as a "Smoking Area". This is not permitted, and please don't do it.

Hopefully the reason for this is obvious to you. :)

Also, please do not bring your pets to the fields. This includes dogs, cats and any other animal. And yes, this does include the dogs that will fit into a purse.

And to answer your question, no, HAJBA board members are not animal haters.

We just do not want to deal with the many issues that can occur when animals are brought to the field.

Please leave your pets at home!