With spring trying to creep its way in, it's time to start thinking about baseball. There are major changes coming to Crookston summer youth baseball thanks to Pirate head coach and American Legion coach Ted Hasz.
The Bantams (ages 7-9) and Cadets (ages 10-12) will be participating in two new evening leagues. Four teams aged 7-9 will compete in one league and four teams aged 10-12 will compete in the other. Each team will play a doubleheader once a week on a fastpitch softball field. The teams will be coached by at least two adults who will set up practices twice a week for their team.
"Playing on fields with fences that the kids can reach and even hit the ball over," he said about some of the changes. "Also, making the kids look great by putting them in uniform will make the game more like the big time."
That's just the tip of the iceberg.
Hasz also plans to have a public address announcer at the Cadet's games. He thinks it will bring a family atmosphere.
"These changes will make a very positive impact on Crookston baseball," said Hasz. "The kids are going to have a lot of fun and will develop great baseball skills. This is a program that all youngsters will enjoy and will be proud to be a part of!"
The reason for making these changes are to improve the quality of baseball in Crookston.
"The goal is to make the entire baseball program in Crookston one of the best in the state," said Hasz.
Crookston Parks & Recreation director Scott Kleven has been working with the newly formed non-profit organization, the Crookston Baseball Association to implement these changes for the baseball programs.
That's not all.
Another change coming will be Cal Ripken League Tournaments for ages 10-12. They will be able to participate in the Cal Ripken State Tournament and have a chance to qualify for regional and World Series play at the end of the season.
Hasz noted that during the regular season, 10-12 year olds will host a tournament and travel to one or more tournaments in order to get the opportunity to play against teams from out of town and prepare for the state tournament.
"The Parks & Recreation programs will be a part of the Cal Ripken program," explained Hasz. "All in-house league games are actually Cal Ripken games. A player needs to play in ten Cal Ripken games to be eligible for the state tournament."
There are also plans for the Prep (age 13) and Babe Ruth (ages 14-15) teams to play some games under the lights, which Hasz said will add even more excitement to their already successful programs.
The time to sign up is approaching fast.
Sign up for all baseball players aged 7-15 will be Tuesday, March 23 at the Crookston Sports Center (CSC) from 6:30-8 p.m. Uniform fitting for ages 7-12 will take place Tuesday, March 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the CSC.
