By Ashley Ferraro
Parkland Little League is thrilled to celebrate more than 30 years of baseball and has no plans to slow down anytime soon. The league strives to shape youth into becoming experts on the game of baseball and instill important values like leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship in each of its players.
“Our mission statement really isn’t about winning,” says Cara De Meo, who recently took the position as Parkland Little League’s president. She emphasizes the focus on shaping social skills that players will take with them off the field and use for the rest of their lives.
Although Parkland Little League plays year-round and has just closed out a Fall Ball season with record numbers, they have even bigger plans for the 2022 Spring season. Cara estimates they’ll have the biggest turnout ever come February, as many new families have moved to Parkland. Previous years have seen upwards of 400 players register for Spring, and that number is expected to grow this year.
“We’re looking forward to getting back to hosting our big opening day celebration,” she adds. Parkland Little League has had to forgo the long-established tradition due to Covid, but everyone hopes that 2022 will allow changes for the best.
Cara was also eager to share that Parkland Little League is taking a brand new approach to uniforms this year. The league will be using a different manufacturer that gives families the option to order team paraphernalia like hats and t-shirts. This way, they can proudly rep their kids’ teams at games and at home.
Little League is the world’s largest organized youth sports program. And as much as Little League is about the children, it’s also a great way to get families integrated into the community. Parkland Little League is a volunteer-run organization, so parents are always encouraged to get involved as volunteers.
In addition to its Spring and Fall Ball seasons, Parkland Little League affords unique opportunities to local youth throughout the year. This past July, the league hosted a free Major League Baseball Pitch Hit & Run Competition, formulated to recognize individual excellence amongst boys and girls in core baseball and softball skills.
Registration for the 2022 Spring season is now open for Parkland residents ages 4 through 16, and will remain open through December 31st. Children ages 6 or younger will be enrolled in the Tee Ball program. The registration fee for all ages is $190 and can be paid through Parkland Little League’s website.
Parkland Little League practices and plays at both Terramar Park and Pine Trails Park. Most divisions play amongst each other, but the older players are given opportunities to play against neighboring cities. Practices will begin on February 14th, and the season will run through May 31st.
For more information on Parkland Little League, to register your children, or for details on volunteering, please visit www.parklandlittleleague.com.
