Hello Briarwood Families! I hope you and your families are doing well. I would like to introduce myself, my name is Dan O’Connor and I am  your BELL president this is my 4^th year as a board member and my 1^st year as president.
 
I am excited to welcome you to the 2021 Little League Season, Briarwood’s 61st year!! For the health and safety of the Briarwood Community, we will not be having an onsite Opening Ceremony to kick off this year's season

.
As in years’ past, we have faced many challenges over the years like weather but last year we faced our biggest challenge the Covid pandemic, but we have and will continue to adapt, persevere and overcome! Briarwood Strong

2020 was a challenging year for us as we kicked off Briarwood's first ever-Digital Opening Day. We were able play only a couple of games before life came to a screeching halt. We know that families were impacted financially, physically, mentally…and our hearts go out to all of you.

I am proud to share that our organization has seen more than 85% of last year’s players return this year. Thankfully, we were able to offer a 25% discount on 2021 registration fees.

This season, there are a few other notable changes such as safety protocols, registration portal, and interlock games.

·        Safety. BELL's safety protocols align with the SCUSD, County, and State guidelines. We do require masks to be worn at all times by players and spectators. Social/physical distancing will also be in place within the dugout and our bleachers. Player Check In/Out is required at all practices, games, and other BELL events.

·        Website. Our website and registration portal has changed to Bluesombrero/Sports Connect, so you may want to download the GameChanger app on your mobile device to receive all of the latest updates on game and practice information from your coach and the league.
·        Interlock. This season, we are excited for our Minor and Major divisions to be interlocking with both Westside and Sunnyvale Metro. This allows for some friendly competition with our neighboring little leagues.

Despite these changes, I am confident that we will have a fun and safe season!
As we begin our first games, I ask that you keep in mind that the health and safety of our community is our highest priority. Briarwood is more than just a sport.
BELL was built on the concept of community; your athletes will gain more than skill in baseball.

 Our organization is also built on volunteerism and community sponsorship. Although volunteer opportunities have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, I encourage you to reach out to your team manager, head coach, or the BELL board if you would like to help in some capacity – your helping hands would be greatly appreciated!

Fundraising has also been impacted this year. We are forced to rely on individual and corporate sponsorships, BELL swag (available to purchase in the snack shack) and our snack shack, which is offering packaged food and beverages only for the time being.

Last but not least, I want to extend a huge thank you to all of the many volunteers, coaches, managers, and our wonderful Board for making this season possible! Without all of the help of the BELL volunteers and board members ensuring that safety measures and protocols are in place so that we can return to play safely, I am not sure that we would have a season.

I would also like to send a special thank you to the Santa Clara School District for your support and partnership. Michal Healy, Peter Auth and all the grounds crew, Eugene Soares and the maintenance team. We appreciate all your teams hard work and everyone’s support.