Overcast skies and the threat of rain wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of prospective Little League baseball players over the weekend as dozens of local 5 to 12 year-olds and their parents showed up at Andy Bileski park in Trail for the annual spring registration and player evaluations.
“We get them out to see where their skill levels will place them and then try to build equal teams,” explained Trail Little League president, Will Bain. “A bit of catch and hit, a bit of throwing, everybody plays.”
Bain said that the turnout was good but they wouldn’t be sure until after Sunday when final registration numbers were in.
He predicted the numbers would be similar to last year at just over 100 kids but that the totals were considerably less than they had been in years past.
“When I played we went to Butler Park and had to try out to see if you would get drafted,” said Bain. “If you didn’t get drafted you didn’t play. And we had ten teams just in Trail.”
Now, with fewer players, the younger kids play one game a week, the 7 to 8 year-olds play two games a week, and the older players play teams from around the region, Beaver Valley, Grand Forks, and Castlegar in order to get more games in.
The players gain physical skills, learn teamwork, and have the opportunity to experience the enjoyment of the game.
At $40 for the younger players and $80 for the older kids for two months of baseball the cost of registration is still within reach for many families.
“Most of the registration cost goes to liability insurance,” said Bain. “We’ve got a strong team of volunteers and that’s what makes it all happen.”