Welcome to baseball season! You know you’ve waited a long time for everything to get rolling again… It’s pretty hard when you’re a baseball fan and all that’s on TV are a lot of reruns and tall guys slamming a ball through a circle instead of out of the ballpark. We talked to some of the local leagues and found out just exactly what is so intriguing to our little ones, keeping them in the game and growing until they become our bigger ones.
“All of our coaches and league volunteers are here because we love baseball and we want our kids to love baseball for a lifetime,” said Coral Springs American Little League Coach and Board member Mike Usan. “We want them to learn the sport and, more importantly, to learn sportsmanship. We want them to be active and to be athletes. We teach them how to cooperate, to respect rules, themselves and their teammates. We get good exercise and, of course, we have fun.”
Great mentors, love of the game and enthusiastic coaching are three of the reasons why both our little ones as well as the guys in the Big Leagues stick with and get more adept at the sport.
North Springs Little League is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. “After 20 years of being one of the most successful little leagues in the state we are looking to continue that tradition,” says League President Mike Hendrix. “Our league has always prided itself in thinking outside of the box. We offer a multi tier system so all players get equal opportunity to grow and play this great game. From the first year player to the ultra experienced travel player, each can find a spot to play at North Springs.”
Lucky to be part of two thriving cities that are focused on family and the growing community, we have several leagues that have been around the bases with Grand Slams quite a few times.
Parkland Little League celebrates its Silver Anniversary with 25 years serving area families and teaching their children a love for the game. Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo grew up in Parkland and in this hometown league. President Jeanne Perretty says, “For us, it’s not about how many trophies you have, it’s about giving every player a chance to be a part of a team. Every player contributes, win or lose.”
