By Stacy Case
While so many cancellations, adjustments and rescheduled events have consumed many of our agendas since mid March, Parkland Little League is providing an outlet for area sluggers so kids can just be kids again.
With that, the league is preparing for its 2021 season and will commingle safety measures with America’s favorite past time in order for local youths to take to the fields at Pine Trails and Terramar Parks.
Entering into his fourth year as PLL’s President, Rob Travinski and his six other Board Members have been hard at work over the past few months gearing up for the Spring games, and are optimistic that they will have good enrollment once again.
“We saw our highest enrollment with 525 players (last season) and we expect similar numbers, if not higher, for the Spring,” says Rob, about his 31 year-old Parkland Little League.
And during those decades, PLL has had impressive showings around the all star circuit amongst its various age groups, which include T-ball, 8u, 10u, 12u, Intermediate 50/70, Juniors, and Seniors.
Most recently, the league is still basking in the glory of when its Intermediate/50- 70 team earned titles of District 10 and Section 8 Champions, along with earning the title as runners-up in the 2019 State Tournament.
With the pandemic and youth sports being forced to take a time out for several months, Rob and his Board have been trying to make plans according to safety guidelines, per local mandates.
“The most important thing is for our kids to be safe, and we’ve been keeping a close watch on everything that has been happening,” says Ron Emanuel, who is in his second year as Parkland Little League’s safety officer. “We demand strict compliance at our field, ask that nobody congregates when watching the games/practices, and we make sure that the umpires and coaches wear masks at all times.”
Additionally, Ron says the league will continue to follow the required rules and regulations that are set forth by area officials.
Moreover, such protocols will be adhered to once the league begins pre-season practices in early February, following regular season play that commences. In fact, the league has already begun registration, which has been set to conclude on Dec. 31 in order to give the league ample time to configure its divisions and teams accordingly.
As it is a true recreational league, PLL welcomes both boys and girls who reside and/or attend school within the Parkland city limits.
With the excitement that will have mounted up by then for the Spring season to get underway, Opening Day has been scheduled for Mar 6 at Terramar Park.
“Our goals and expectations for the season are to promote, develop, and teach youth boys and girls good sportsmanship,” adds Rob.
He concludes…”to have fun and, of course, play the game of baseball in a safe environment.”
For more info, visit www.parklandlittleleague.com
