Dear members of the Kensington Baseball Club and valued Cardinals Family, As we gear up for the upcoming 2023/2024 baseball season, I would like to share some important news regarding this year's playing fees. Due to the escalated fees from both Baseball SA and Baseball Australia, we find ourselves facing increased costs for the upcoming season. This couldn’t have come at a more challenging time, as we are aware the financial pressures that many of us are currently navigating, with the rising cost of living impacting all aspects of our day-to-day lives. We also understand that any increase in playing fees can impose an additional burden, which is why we aim to provide complete transparency to the increase. I would like to emphasise that the fee adjustments are not motivated by financial gain for the club. Rather, they are a necessary measure to address the escalating costs we are also grappling with. After a thorough assessment, we have decided on a conservative average 5% increase in our fees, in stark contrast to the substantial 25% increase from Baseball SA and Baseball Australia. Due to these changes, and to address them, we will be providing a detailed breakdown of the increased costs from Baseball SA and Baseball Australia within this e-mail. Our intention is to provide all the information needed to comprehend the rationale behind these adjustments. While we understand that these changes may be difficult, it is important to note that, despite these adjustments, our fees remain competitive when compared to other sports. At the Kensington Baseball Club, our unity extends both on and off the field. Your understanding and unwavering support are paramount as we collectively navigate these intricate challenges. We encourage you to take advantage and secure your spot for the upcoming season, by securing the "early bird" discount from Baseball SA and Baseball Australia where all our members can save on registration. In closing, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all our members for their unwavering dedication to the Kensington Baseball Club. We are fully cognisant of the tough decisions that must be made to sustain and nurture our cherished sport within our community. With your cooperation and support, we are confident that we can surmount these obstacles and ensure the enduring success of baseball within our club. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your pivotal role within our team and your continued support are deeply appreciated. Here's to a successful and rewarding season that lies ahead!