| Spring training fast approaching |
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| Local Content - Sports |
| Written by production |
| Thursday, 11 March 2010 17:03 |
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The local version of spring training is already making its way onto local calendars. Baseball, softball and even modified softball for adults in the region are on offer this season. Minor teams are beginning to pull together their list of players but a new program has emerged for adults. Under the umbrella of the Coaldale Baseball Association, adults interested in playing recreational, co-ed modified softball can sign up for a new two month season. Modified simply means there is no windmill pitching but the game will follow normal softball rules including running on third strike, bunting and stealing bases allowed. “We want to pull in people who’ve played ball,” said Dale Gerber Games will run Sunday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through May and June. The teams are open to anyone 16 to 86 years old who just wants to have some fun playing ball. Gerber said the co-ed softball is building on the success of the girls softball program which began last year. A number of parents attending the games have indicated an interest in returning to their own softball roots. Others have mentioned they’d like to be able to play softball in Coaldale rather than driving into the city to play. A fall ball program was initiated last fall for six weeks and proved very successful. Gerber said for the spring season he hopes to see a minimum of four teams. Each game begins with 30 minutes of practise to give everyone a chance to work on their skills, followed by a hour long game. Gerber said anyone who is interested in play is encouraged to sign up even if they have never played the game or haven’t played in a decade. “We’re here to play for fun.” In both Coaldale and Picture Butte minor baseball is also taking registrations for the spring season. Picture Butte Minor Baseball has one more evening of registration this Thursday, March 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North County Recreation Complex. The program is open to boys and girls three to 15 years old. Registration forms are also available at Berts AG Foods. Anyone with questions on the program can call 403-732-5911 or 403-732-5463. Coaldale’s program was taking registration Monday evening but late registration is still available. Bob Reck, president of Coaldale Baseball, said registration has been going great but a few more players are needed at each level of play, in both baseball and girls softball. For the four to six year olds there is T-ball, for the seven and eight year olds there is coach pitch, for the nine and 10 year olds their is minors, for the 11 and 12 year olds there is majors and for the 13 to 15 year olds there is juniors. Anyone who needs more information or to register can go to www.coaldalebaseball.com or call Reck at 403-382-1062. “We are looking for as many players as possible to make this an exciting season,” said Reck. |