With the ball season just around the corner, the number of kids interested in playing this year has continued to increase.
”I think our numbers have really exploded here over the last four years,” expressed Bonnyville Minor Ball president Travis Farrer.
Over 300 youth signed up to play for the summer, with roughly 200 in baseball and over 120 for softball.
In order to grow their numbers, Farrer said the board of directors decided to focus on the younger players.
”Basically, once they sign up to play, keep them interested in the game so you don’t lose them to soccer or lacrosse. Now, we’re seeing four or five years later, these kids are into the mosquito divisions, there’s 45 kids in that division,” he detailed. “The real important thing is when you get them to register you want to make it a positive experience and keep it fun so that they’re engaged and they want to come back.”
Jim Church, competitive baseball director, noted there’s been around a 10 per cent growth over the last few years.
”It’s one of the cheaper sports for parents to put their child in, and you can play baseball from four to 84. It’s a lifelong sport, and the parents and grandparents played ball so they want their kids to play ball,” he said.
This year, players looking to play competitively have more options through the organization. Baseball director Dawn McMillan noted the AA league has added two mosquito and pee wee teams.
”Adding in a competitive route gives people some more options if they want to go longer into the season,” explained McMillan.
In order to attract players who originally went elsewhere for a higher level of softball, they now have the option to stay and play on their home field.
While previous years have hovered around 100 girls registered for softball, there will be 115 hitting the field in Bonnyville this summer.
”By upping our game and offering this (advanced) program, I think that’s why we started to see an influx of players this year,” detailed Mike De Abreu, softball director.
Farrer attributes the growth minor ball has seen to the hard work of their board and support staff on the bench.
”If the coaches are doing a better job, the kids are having more fun, and basically you’re putting a better product on the field. As your coaches become more knowledgeable and they give back to the community, naturally, you take an interest in your players and your players are going to take an interest in you and the game.”
With some teams throwing out their opening pitches earlier this month, McMillan encouraged everyone to enjoy the summer season.
”Come on out and watch some baseball.”
