The following is part of our ongoing efforts to keep all members apprised of the latest KCMSSL happenings.
This Newsletter’s Table of Contents:
- All-Star Games / Picnic / Skills Contests
- KCMSSL Ambassador
- Word of Mouth
- Member’s Legacy
- Pull Tabs
- On-Line Store
2026 ALL-STAR GAMES / PICNIC / SKILLS CONTESTS
— SEPTEMBER 12th !!!!!! —
We’re just over two weeks away from this event. A reminder email, with all the games’ details, etc., was sent last week. Yes, this year’s location may not be “convenient” to the majority of our members, but this is a once-a-year event. We have close to 100 members who live “North of the River” (as the saying goes) who travel south of the river on a weekly basis–sometimes multiple times–to play in one, or more, of our conferences. Seems like a small task for those south of the river to travel north–just one time–to participate in, or enjoy this event.
This year’s All-Star Games / Picnic / Skills Contests will be held September 12th at Happy Rock Park, 7565 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119 — https://maps.app.goo.gl/uoBWPP91FenD3fKK7 . Let’s hope for great weather, AGAIN, as it was last year.
For a great while, this event had been held at Hartman Park in Lee’s Summit…but we outgrew that location. So last year we moved the event to the month of September and to Black Bob Park for the first time. So, why aren’t we having it there again this year?…because someone booked a tournament there for the September 12th weekend…the only feasible September (Saturday) date for us. Thus, the reason we moved it to yet-another location this year (i.e., Happy Rock Park). Our plan is to be back at Black Bob again next year, but only time will tell. 🙂
Every KCMSSL member, along with his / her guests, is invited to come socialize, enjoy the festivities, and partake of our new 2026 “Classic Cookout” food menu from Just Another Catering Company – https://justanothercateringco.lovable.app/ . The menu we chose will be comprised of hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and baked beans — with tea, lemonade, or water.
ARE YOU A KCMSSL “AMBASSADOR”?
THERE IS NEW CRITERIA TO QUALIFY YOU FOR AN AMBASSADOR JACKET !!
As of this year, 2026, your Board of Directors agreed to expand the universe of those eligible to receive an Ambassador jacket, or windbreaker.
What are the new criteria’s requirement options in this expanded format? Qualifying service consists of earning “credit points” via the :
- Number of years played in the league, and / or
- Number of years served as a team manager and / or
- Number of years served as a conference coordinator, co-coordinator, and / or
- Number of years of service on the Board of Directors.
Any member who accumulates a total of 20 qualifying credits, in any combination of playing, managing, coordinating, or serving on the Board, is now eligible for an Ambassador jacket. Qualifying service is limited to four credits per calendar year – one credit point each for each qualifying category: Managing; Coordinating; Playing; and/or Serving on the Board of Directors.
If you believe you qualify, please open this KCMSSL Ambassador Jacket Application- https://kcseniorsoftball.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ambassador-Jacket-Application-Form-Fillable.pdf – and complete ALL of the information to see if you meet the necessary requirements to become an Ambassador. Please return your completed application to Barry Gordon barrygordo@aol.com, 913-827 7722, If you have any questions or require additional information, please also contact Barry.
DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th!
The existing 20-year player pathway remains; this proposal simply adds leadership and board roles as additional qualifying service credits toward the same Ambassador recognition.
“WORD OF MOUTH”
Who was the last new member you encouraged to join the KCMSSL?? Can’t remember!!?? Well, don’t just “float along” (down the MC Metro river). It’s time to grab that ambassador paddle. Be the social outlet answer to one of your fellow citizens who just doesn’t know how or where to look for some fun, exercise and social interaction. “Word of Mouth”…it’s a powerful tool!!
Take your KC Metro team shirt–whether it be a draft or some competitive team shirt–and transform yourself into a walking marketing billboard…wear it to the coffee shop or the hardware store. Heading to the gym, or to the grocery store with your better half…get comfortable, put on your softball shirt–and if you notice someone taking a little longer than normal look at your shirt, inquire if they’re interested in playing. New members are out there…they’re begging to join…they just don’t know how or where to look!! So, present them with the perfect answer!! Again, “Word of Mouth”…it’s a tremendously powerful tool.
HONORING OUR MEMBERS’ LEGACY WITHIN KCMSSL
As members of the Kansas City Metro Senior Softball League (KCMSSL) community, we share not only the love of softball but also the friendships and memories that come with it. Many of us have played, coached, and volunteered together for years, building a league that feels like family.
From time to time, families of our members ask how they can honor their loved one’s memory. One meaningful way is to suggest donations to KCMSSL in lieu of flowers or other gifts. These contributions help sustain the league’s programs and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same fellowship and competition we’ve all experienced.
If you’d like your family to consider this option, you might wish to mention KCMSSL in any personal instructions or obituary notices. Donations may be made directly to KCMSSL, and all gifts will be used to continue supporting our mission of providing safe, fun, and inclusive senior softball opportunities for all the men and women in the Kansas City area.
We deeply appreciate the lasting impact each member makes on our community—both on and off the field. Thank you for being part of the KCMSSL family.
Memorial checks made payable to KCMSSL can be mailed directly to Paul Heacock, 11538 South Carriage Road, Olathe, KS 66062. For more information about how to make or designate memorial donations, please contact Paul Heacock at pheacock@BasicRelationships.com or by phone at 913-707-7079.
PULL TABS
Continue to collect those “pull tabs” to turn over to Deb Brown — for the local Ronald McDonald House. You may also hand them in, at your convenience, to your team manager, your conference coordinator, or any one of the board members. This is a charitable organization to which all of us, as individual members, should continue to contribute.
KCMSSL ONLINE STORE
Don’t forget to visit our online store for a variety of KCMSSL hats, shirts, and outerwear: https://kcmssl.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
