I would like to introduce myself; my name is Ron van Keulen.  In 1998, I coached my two sons from their start with CMB through to the Senior level of Little League and was President of CMB for a number of those years.  I went on to coach the Zone 2 team to a bronze medal at the Alberta Summer Games in 2004 and am currently the Zone 2 representative.  With each of these advancements I have gained a deeper knowledge and respect for the game.  I have had doors opened to new opportunities that I want to share with all of the members of Cochrane Minor Ball.  I am proud to be back as President as CMB prepares to enter it's 2010 season.

As a member of Little League Alberta District #3 and the Calgary Minor Softball Association, Cochrane Minor Ball offers levels of ball to athletes as young as 5 years old to 21 years of age.  Also, as part of Zone 2 with Baseball Alberta, we can offer our athletes the opportunity to compete at the provincial level.

Cochrane Minor Ball enjoyed another great season in 2009. Several teams placed well in their divisions and individual players encountered new opportunities and achieved personal success.  Several of our Junior and Senior level athletes played in the Zone championships and had the opportunity to try out for Team Alberta. 

Three players that started their ball careers with CMB advanced to play with the Okotoks Dawgs Midget AAA team.  Of these players, one is currently attending the Vauxhall Baseball Academy and the other two will be playing college level ball with the Calgary Dinos in 2010.  CMB is the starting point for future opportunities for all players.

Our association borders the TransCanada Highway to the south, the Calgary city limits to the east, Morely to the west and north to Cremona.  We have tremendous support from the Town of Cochrane, providing diamonds for our home games throughout the town.  CMB offers baseball from the developmental level to competitive caliber for both male and female players, with softball offered to female players.  We are also proud to provide umpire training to individuals who are an integral part of the game.

To enhance our players opportunity to develop and pursue a higher level of ball, CMB is offering winter camps at the Spray Lake Recreation Centre along with pre-season indoor practices for all of our age groups.  We continue to support our coaches efforts to improve their skills by offering coaching clinics.

There is an opportunity for all who want to be a part of this growing organization as a player, volunteer, umpire or board member.  We will offer the necessary training and support for all positions with the association.  It is with everyone's participation that we complete the team concept.  I welcome any and all comments either via email or phone to (403) 932-1271.  I am proud to be back at the helm of this great organization for another season.

baseballexec@cochraneminorball.ca