OBSERVER SPORTS |
Putting “fun” back into fundamental
» Fine weather has local ball leagues getting into the swing for a season on the diamonds
BY:MARC MIQUEL HELSEN
With the sun shining and the temperature growing balmy, kids are itching to hit the ball diamonds. And as the month of May draws closer, local league conveners are scrambling to put the finishing touches on teams that continue to grow despite mass registration drives in March.
“As soon as the weather gets nice, then people start to call and say, ‘oh, I haven’t got my kids registered yet,’” said Cathy Mendler, treasurer of the Elmira Minor Softball Association.
“It happens every year: no matter how many registrations you have, there’s always going to be somebody who misses it,” she said with a chuckle.
Despite the fact that the season, which starts next month, is around the corner, spaces are still available. Currently, the association is looking to field some six teams (four boys’ squads and two girls’), in a number of age groups, including: Atom or Mite (ages 8-10), Squirt (11-12), Peewee (13-14), and Bantam (15-16).
On average, each team is made up of 12 players, but higher demand could see teams padded with more players, or even new squads created.
While in previous years clubs have had to cut players, Mendler, is hoping that everyone will get a chance to play this summer. The objective is to incorporate as many players as possible.
“If you cut them, you’ll probably lose them – and they won’t come back the following year,” she said, noting that often children who cannot make a team find other summer sports such as soccer.
“We’re still trying to keep ball afloat.”
That said, Mendler noted it is not a competition against other sports.
“We’re kind of the opinion: let them try everything and see what they like the most.”
Also expecting a good turnout this year – probably the best so far – is Pete Moore, convenor for South Woolwich Minor Ball. Moore noted he expects more than 150 children will register by the Apr. 30 deadline.
With the sunny baseball season around the corner, it is difficult to note who is more excited – the children or Moore.
“Once we get out on the diamonds, lookout, we’re going to have fun,” he laughed.
Fielding teams at the T-Ball, (ages 3-5), Rookie (6-7), and Junior (8-12) levels, coaches will teach children the basics of the sport: throwing catching, running, and hitting.
The real emphasis, however, is on “fun.”
“They’re learning the fundamentals … I’ve had a couple people phone and ask me how competitive we are. We’re not. We’re more for fun and fundamentals,” said Moore.
For more information call Cathy Mendler at 519-669-1377 or Pete Moore at 519-885-5353.