I am so excited to see things really get up and running in our new home. The facility has had so much use already between lessons, clinics, training sessions with Bill and Kip and of course our families using the cages for practice!  This is exactly what I envisioned when we went on the search for a home of our own. It has been great to talk to so many families when I am there and look forward to seeing even more of you over the winter. I also want to wish good luck in their upcoming seasons to our college and minor league players who have been working out with us over the past few months!

I want to give a huge shout out to Jayden Kimbrough on Coach Coprolongo's 12U team who made the ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM at the New Year's Gameday USA Tournament in Florida. This is a huge accomplishment!

We are very much hoping one day soon COVID will be a thing of the past but in the meantime, in an effort to keep as many of us safe as possible, please abide by the following rules:

• Masks do need to be worn in the lobby, and during any down time before/after practices by coaches, parents and players.  
• Do what you can to try and avoid as much congestion of players gathering as possible.
• If a player or coach on your team is symptomatic and/or tests positive for COVID, we ask that individuals follow whatever IDPH/CDC guidance for schools is in place at that time related to quarantines and return to practice. 

Finally, everyone has to do what is best for their own families. If you are not comfortable coming into practice over the next few weeks with cases so high, please stay home. I have spoken with all our coaches and there will be no repercussions for this. Just make sure to communicate what you will be missing to your coach. Every family should feel free to make a decision that feels best for your own health.

Some housekeeping points:

• Everyone coming into use a cage must make a reservation; this goes for players coming on their own or with families. Please do not just show up and take a spot.
• This is OUR HOME and as such I ask that everyone do your part to clean up your cage/tunnel after use. Please do not wear street/wet shoes into the warehouse and no GUM by the turf.
• We understand that emergencies happen. but if you book cage time, we ask that you cancel 6 hours before if you are not going to be there. Please be aware that we are going to start assessing a $25 fee for cancellations outside of this time window out of courtesy to everyone else. 
• The only instructors allowed to give lessons in our facility are our own Stars instructors. 
• All "free" lessons and clinics are done now - check with your coach for additional lesson availability.
• Fundraising for all Youth teams is starting now-team parents have information on this.

Finally, since it's a brand new year that means a fresh chance for donations/sponsorships. Feel free to have your company or any business make a donation direct to the Stars or give a 50/50 split with a sponsorship and your players fees. See our sponsor page for more information or reach out to Cynthia at info@lakecountystars. 

I am grateful to have each one of you as part of Stars Nation in this new year. Looking forward to seeing lots of great baseball with everyone in action at our facility!

Best,
Phil Carona
Lake County Stars, President