Full Book Content

Chapter 1: Introduction

Summary: Sets the stage with purpose, scope, and methodology for examining youth sports integrity against economic pressures.

Chapter 2: Brian's Story: The Origin of Purpose

Summary: A personal narrative on Brian’s influence, the values he imparted, and the genesis of the author’s commitment to integrity.

Chapter 3: The Rise of the Oklahoma Braves

Summary: Chronicles formation and early years of the Oklahoma Braves, highlighting key milestones and early governance issues.

Chapter 4: The Commodification of Youth Sports

Summary: Explores transformation of youth sports into a profit-driven industry with cash-based transactions and opacity.

Chapter 5: Data Doesn’t Lie: 25 Years of USSSA Financial Oversight

Summary: Presents comprehensive analysis of a quarter-century of USSSA financial data, revealing oversight gaps and revenue patterns.

Chapter 6: Case Study: Lions Club Ballfields and the Instrument of Transfer

Summary: Analyzes legal covenants and municipal oversight of Lions Club Ballfields under the 1947 Instrument of Transfer.

Chapter 7: The Role of Municipalities: Shawnee, Choctaw, Moore, Chickasha, and Pawnee

Summary: Compares varied municipal governance structures and their impact on facility operations and community outcomes.

Chapter 8: Federal and Tribal Land Use: Ownership, Access, and Exploitation

Summary: Discusses jurisdictional complexities on federal and tribal lands hosting tournaments, including BIA and tribal oversight.

Chapter 9: The Tournament Economy

Summary: Breaks down the revenue streams of tournament operations, from entry fees to local economic spillovers.

Chapter 10: Case Study: Firelake Ballfields Financial Discrepancies

Summary: Examines unreported tournament fees at Firelake Ballfields and explores BIA oversight responsibilities.

Chapter 11: Umpire Fees and Human Resource Challenges

Summary: Investigates umpire compensation models, labor issues, and the impact on tournament integrity and operations.

Chapter 12: Governance and Accountability in Nonprofit Sports Organizations

Summary: Investigates transparency of nonprofit boards, conflicting directorships, and financial oversight in youth sports nonprofits.

Chapter 13: Facility Financial Overview and Impact Analysis

Summary: Detailed breakdown of gate fees, umpire payments, and concessions revenue across Oklahoma complexes.

Chapter 14: Surface Lease Programs and Economic Development Models

Summary: Explores county lease strategies, Commissioners of the Land comparisons, and revenue potential for Baseball Heaven.

Chapter 15: Tax Increment Financing and Infrastructure Equity

Summary: Reviews TIF ordinances in Shawnee and beyond, comparing projected vs. actual tax increments and public accountability safeguards.

Chapter 16: Case Study: Buck Thomas Dome Proposal

Summary: Details Buck Thomas Sports Complex dome RFP, cost analysis, funding options, and projected community benefits.

Chapter 17: Cal Ripken Sr Foundation and Partnership Dynamics

Summary: Chronicles collaboration history with Cal Ripken Sr Foundation, shifts in project vision, and partnership outcomes.

Chapter 18: Whistleblower Implications and USSSA RICO Outcomes

Summary: Reviews USSSA RICO settlement impacts, national transparency shifts, and implications for Oklahoma governance reforms.

Chapter 19: Methodology Refinements and Data Validation

Summary: Details refined methods for verifying team counts and fees (2001–2024), correcting default assumptions, and improving financial accuracy.

Chapter 20: Conclusion & Call to Action

Summary: Synthesizes core findings, underscores governance reform needs, and recommends actionable steps for stakeholders.