Youth Programs

Championship Week

The 2026 season concluded with successful Championship Games in both divisions — a great way to celebrate our players, coaches, volunteers, and families. Thanks to the generosity of Chippewa Valley Bank, all players and coaches received complimentary hot dogs and ice cream sandwiches during the Championship Games.

Hayward Summer Bash Tournament

The Hayward Summer Bash Tournament was an overwhelming success. Despite extremely hot temperatures, the tournament ran smoothly, and every member of our Leadership Committee volunteered throughout the weekend — helping with operations, field prep, concessions, raffle sales, setup, cleanup, and troubleshooting.

On the Friday before the tournament, volunteers spent the entire day preparing the complex: prepping Field 4 for the Home Run Derby, spraying and cleaning fields, fence lines, bleachers, and spectator areas, and setting up signage and concessions. We also introduced a Tournament Information Packet for visiting teams with complete concession pricing, Home Run Derby info, raffle details, and general tournament information — so families could prepare before arriving.

Home Run Derby

One of the biggest additions to this year's tournament, the Home Run Derby exceeded expectations and quickly became a highlight of the weekend. Four divisions were offered — Little Slugger, U10, U12, and Heavy Hitter — with 66 entries sold. All four division champions were Hayward players, each receiving a customized engraved wooden bat and a $10 concession stand credit.

Tournament Awards & Fundraising

First place teams received championship rings for each player plus a team trophy; second place teams received individual medals. Rings are new to this area and the kids loved them.

Fundraising included a raffle for a brand new 2027 Louisville Slugger Supra USSSA bat — purchased at a substantial discount thanks to our relationship with the baseball department at Scheels — and a 50/50 raffle (winner received approximately $380). Both drawings were streamed live on Facebook, and both winners were from Hurley.

Concessions

Concessions performed exceptionally well all weekend. New specialty coffee drinks were extremely popular, and inventory was nearly depleted by the end of Saturday, requiring a complete restock before Sunday's games. Families were thrilled by the food and the prices.

Blue Crew Umpire Appreciation

Our Blue Crew youth umpires consistently demonstrated professionalism, sportsmanship, maturity, and a positive attitude all season. Through voluntary tips collected during Championship Week and the Summer Bash Tournament, families contributed more than $300 to be distributed directly to our youth umpires as a thank you.

Coach Appreciation

Each volunteer coach has received or will receive $20–$30 in Hayward Chamber Bucks as a small token of appreciation for the countless hours they dedicated to our players and families throughout the season.

One Last Night at the Ballpark

This new event replaced the All Star Game so we could celebrate every player and every family — bringing the entire league together as one Hayward Little League. It included a concession meal (all food generously sponsored by a league parent), a giant family wiffle ball game, and wiffle ball bat raffles. Severe weather forced us to cancel only the outdoor showing of The Sandlot, which we hope to reschedule before the school year starts.

Leadership Committee Election

At the request of the Hayward Sports Center Board, Hayward Little League conducted a Leadership Committee election, open for five days with up to two voting parents or guardians per player family. Results: 54 total responses — 41 yes, 13 no — approving the proposed Leadership Committee with 75.9% approval.

Communication, Finances & What's Next

We plan to hold two Community Q&A Sessions each year — one in March before the season and one in August afterward. Our first is planned for August, combined with a league Field Cleanup Day.

A centralized financial tracking spreadsheet now documents sponsorship income, expenditures, tournament fundraising, concession activity, and more, with view-only access available for league representatives. Spending authorization guidelines have been established for additional accountability.

Priorities moving forward include organizing the newly approved Leadership Committee, completing 2026 financial reconciliation, expanding volunteer opportunities and sponsorships, enhancing facilities, and beginning work on the 2027 season.

Leadership Structure

Chair/Director of Baseball Operations: Cory Andraschko. Vice Chair/Director of Baseball Development: Kyle Cummings. Treasurer/Directors of Finance & Sponsorships: CJ & Brooke Damaske. Director of T-Ball & Coach Pitch: Danielle Wheeler. Director of Operations Support: Dusty Lyle. Director of Administration, Communications & Community Engagement: Lisa Andraschko.