HONORING OUR VOLUNTEERS

Meet the Klars—SYB is a family affair

Bob and Cindy Klar became involved in Shelby Youth Baseball back in 1988 when their oldest son Philip, then 8 years old, showed an interest in baseball. That began the start of a family tradition in the Klar family, as later, their younger son (name) and daughter Ainsley also went through the SYB Program.

Both Bob and Cindy have volunteered at SYB all through the last 19 years in many different capacities. Cindy was one of the first to manage the concession stand and she's also the person we can thank for bringing in the Slushy machine! Keeping that sweet delight filled for thirsty players and fans was no small task without plumbed water on-site, but the Klars managed by bringing fresh water from home each day to fill the machine's tanks. Both of them have served on committees throughout the years, and Bob was president of SYB for three years from 1994 through 1996.

Bob Klar was instrumental in developing the softball program at SYB. That was started back in 1996. Bob has coached many a softball player since then, and states that coaching the girls softball is where he'll stay focused in the future.

The Klars have many great memories of their time spent with SYB. Winning a third place in the Stars tournament one year, winning the State Softball Tournament with the Shelby Magic Team in 2000, and going on to the Nationals was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As a couple they've done a lot to give back to their community with their involvement in SYB. They also know that volunteering brings back many rewards into their own lives with lasting friendships, a positive environment for their kids, and the personal satisfaction of helping to bring the sport of baseball and softball to all the youth of the La Crosse area.

These traditions run deep in the Klar family. Both their sons coach and are involved in baseball and their daughter has gone on to play college softball at UW Eau Claire. Bob adds that they have a grandson now, who is 3, and who has already showed an interest in playing baseball! Chances are, the Klars will be around the SYB fields for a few more years.

The Bad News Bears had Walter Matthau —SYB has Jim Giblin!

One of the familiar faces around SYB is Jim Giblin. Jim has been actively volunteering for SYB for 12 years, and enjoyed every minute of it. He's a multi-talented man, working both as a coach, grounds worker, tryout coordinator, age coordinator, and the force behind the SYB booster book. He's also been involved in the tournament committee and is currently on the concession committee.

"Some say I never had a kid in the program at SYB, I think of it as I have had 150 kids in the program."

Jim moved to La Crosse 12 years ago from Brice Prairie, where he coached baseball for 16 years. He was a coach for his son up to age 14, and enjoyed it so much he continued for another 8 years in the Brice Prairie program.

Jim has coached hundreds of kids during his time at SYB, and has many wonderful memories such as:
— seeing a kid get their first real base hit, even after 28 years of coaching, it's still special
— seeing Bobby Juan hit a ball over the Hillview fence at age 11
— last year coming back to win in the last at bat when we were down by 7, on hits with no walks
— the year we went undefeated in 10U and lost in the championship 12U tournament to Plover
— playing 8 games in 1998 in the Stars of Tommorow tournament with temperatures 87 - 103°

A recap of Jim's 12 years of service to SYB

2 years coaching C teams
4 years coaching B teams
6 years coaching A teams
8 years as grounds worker
10 years as age coordinator
7 years as assistant tryout coordinator
3 years as assistant tournament committee
4 years as booster book coordinator
1 year on concession committee

We're all volunteers!
Shelby Youth Baseball and Softball (SYB) is an all-volunteer organization, dedicated to providing the youth of our community with the opportunity to play the games of baseball and softball. Players learn not only the skills of the game, but how to be a team player. Players benefit from learning sportsmanship, and interacting with other youth and adults who all have one goal in mind — to have fun playing ball!

Volunteers are what makes this program work. It is a great way to enrich to our community and provide a fun and positive outlet for our children.

If you'd like to join in and volunteer, please let us know. We'd be happy to have you onboard! You don't have to be an expert in baseball or softball, there are so many facets of our program that is fun to participate in! We all can benefit from the contribution of your time.

Field Supervisor Responsibilities

Field Supervisor Calendar

Come and Volunteer! It's fun, and a great way to make new friends!