The Espanola Minor Baseball Association has decided to change up the game on the diamond this year.
Following some discussion at the AGM held on Thursday, March 5th, it was decided that the season would be expanded from six weeks to eight weeks in length (depending on weather and field availability), so if all is ideal, the season will start on Monday, May 4th and run untilFriday, June 26th with the Windup on Saturday, June 27th.
It was also decided that the league would be start recycling … t-shirts that is. With rising costs and the some families ending up with several shirts throughout their child(ren)’s minorbaseball career, it was decided this year t-shirts will be ordered in a different colour for each team with the Espanola Minor Baseball Association logo.
At the end of the season, the league is asking the parents to return the shirts following their final game on Windup Saturday, so they can be used again the following year.
President, Rosalind Russell, says the league is looking for support.
“We will be looking for donations once again this year to help assist the league. We appreciate the support of the community and its members, not only in Espanola, but on the North Shore and Manitoulin Island. All children are welcome to come to Espanola to play in our league.”
There is also a change in registration fees — they are going down for the newest members of the league.
It was decided that T-Ball players will only have to pay $50 for the season this year, since they only take to the field for half-an-hour. The registration fee for all other divisions will remain at $60.
REGISTRATION will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Espanola Regional Complex on April 7th to 9th, April 14th to 16th and April 21st and April 23rd.
Registration forms will also be brought to all the schools in Espanola, Webbwood, Massey, Birch Island and Little Current.
“Umpires and coaches will also be needed as volunteers for the season. New coaches will be given all the tools they need to guide the game with the number one rule being; have fun!” says Russell. “ We will host our Coach’s Meeting on Saturday, April 25th, at 11:00 am at the complex to make up the teams, the schedule and the windup schedule, and we will also host an Umpire Clinic, so we will be set to go.”
For more information, contact Russell at 705-869-6397.