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Trail celebrates 60 years of Little League

Trail Little League celebrates its 60th year of baseball in the Silver City.

Trail Little League celebrates its 60th year of baseball in the Silver City with a  nod to past builders, as the first pitch to open the season gets thrown at 11 a.m. at Andy Bilesky Park on Saturday.

Little League fans will be greeted by a few familiar faces and at least one familiar voice this weekend as organizers coaxed Don Ross out of retirement to celebrate six decades of Little League.

“He (Ross) volunteered with the Little League for over 30 years, so he’s going to come and announce the two main games,” said Little League organizer and coach Chris Elwood.

In addition, Julie Bilesky, brother of Andy, will take the mound to deliver the opening game’s ceremonial pitch before the Major’s match at 1 p.m.

The Minor League’s Trail Legion will play Bella Tire in the first match, with the Trail Major Eagles hosting Beaver Valley in the 1 p.m. game.

The teams play a 15- game interlocking schedule with  Minor League teams playing Castlegar 1 and 2, Beaver Valley, and Nelson, while the Trail Major Eagles take on Nelson, Grand Forks, Beaver Valley and two Castlegar teams as well.

While Elwood said the numbers were down at registration time this year, he says more players have signed up since.

“We have had quite a few trickle in late so it has picked up a little bit. Not near to the numbers of days of old or where we want it to be, but we’re hoping it will start getting back there.”

To complete the fun Gerick Cycle donated draw prizes, while the players will be treated to free hot dogs, chips and pop, with the age five-to-eight-year-olds taking the field in the small park.

Any players interested in playing for the Minor and Major all-star teams are invited to developmental workouts at the park every Sunday at 2 p.m. with coaches Elwood (minor) and D. J. Ashman (major).  For more info go to traillittleleague.ca.



Jim Bailey

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