It's almost time to play ball and Howe Sound Minor Ball Association (HSMBA) president Bob Versluis wants to get the word out that the boys and girls of summer are returning to local diamonds sooner than you may think.
The typical baseball season is a short but sweet experience for youngsters, with kids beginning their season in May and finishing in July. However, Versluis pointed out that registration has been slow and also said he's looking for older players for a unique opportunity.
"We'd like to know as soon as possible for kids aged 13 to 16 to take part in a spring league in North Vancouver," he said, noting that the next available time to register is March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brennan Park lobby.
But Versluis isn't only interested in capturing the interest of the older players. He said that the Rally Cap program, which is designed for players aged five and six, has been a smash success and league organizers are always looking for boys and girls to take part.
"The Rally Cap program has really made it much easier to coach and manage," he said, noting that last year 15 teams took part in the program. "There's three teams of six players each with one team batting, one team fielding and one team practicing on another field. Everyone gets a chance to bat and it's been really great for skill development."
Following the Rally Cap division is Minor, which is for seven and eight year olds. Next up is Mites, Majors, Juniors and then Bantam. Girls separate from the boys after Rally Cap and proceed through Mini Mites, Mites, Squirt, Pee Wee and then Bantam. Each division is made up of two different age groups.
Versluis said that the HSMBA tends to attract about 350 to 400 kids each season and he said he's hoping for the same for this year.
Player evaluations will take place just before the season but times and dates are still to be determined. After the player evaluations, coaches conduct a draft among the players to build their respective rosters.
Versluis added that the HSMBA is always looking for coaches, umpires and volunteers to help with the concession.
"Any parent that wants to be a coach or help out in some way is encouraged to check out the website and get in touch with us through there," he said.
"Maybe someone even wants to be the new president," he joked.
Fees to join the HSMBA are $60 for children aged 10 and under, and $70 for those over 10.
Registration forms are available at the Brennan Park front desk or online at the HSMBA's website, which can be found at www.howesoundminorball.ca.
