By Chris Spangler
Fort Atkinson youngsters ages 7-16 are gearing up for America’s favorite pastime.
In-person registration for Fort Youth Baseball (FYB) will be held at Memorial Park from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14.
Players may register online at fortyouthbaseball.com.
FYB President Paul Broadhead said there will be twice-a-week practices prior to games and weekly practice after games, although individual coaches might offer more or fewer practices at their discretion.
Youngsters in grades 1-2 will play 10 to 12 games during the season, while those in grades 3-10 will play 15 to 18.
The end-of-season tournament will be completed by July 17.
The participation cost is $65 for youth in grades 1-2 playing machine pitch and $90 for those in grades 3-10. Scholarships are available if needed.
Each player will receive a team jersey and a FYB cap to keep.
Families must supply baseball pants (preferably gray), a baseball glove, baseball bat (must be stamped USA Baseball) and a batting helmet.
FYB will have some helmets and baseball bats available for shared use during games.
Broadhead said that all players must participate in evaluations.
“The goal is to see where players are at in their development and create balanced teams to foster more interest and competition,” he said.
For children in grades 1-4, the evaluations will take place at Memorial Park from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16.
Evaluations for children in grades 5-10 will be held Wednesday, April 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park.
Team announcements will be made after April 25, with Sunday, April 28, being the first day of practice.
Opening weekend is May 18-19, with games on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Broadhead said that there is a Little League Home Run Derby Qualifier event on Saturday, June 22.
He noted that FYB intends to sponsor Little League All-Star teams to represent the league at district tournaments. Participation will be determined by tryout after the season begins, as well as coach observation.
For more information about the group, email: FortYouthBaseball@gmail.com.
At the plate, a Fort Youth Baseball player prepares to take a swing, file photo/contributed.
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