GAMES MAY 18 - JULY 18, 2020
February/March 2020
Dear Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball Players and Parents,
The Summer Ball Program is open to all youths in the Greater Battle Creek area - from those eligible to enter Kindergarten in September 2020 through those presently in 8th Grade. Practices will begin in mid-April for leagues from Slow-Pitch to Cubs (Smurf leagues start play in early-May). Games begin Monday, May 18 and last through July 18. Games are played during the week on the 11 ball diamonds at the Wattles Park Elementary School. The only Saturday games will be on July 13 (Fun Day). Note: Beacuse of the Junior High Sports Schedule, Boys' Cubs (7th and 8th grade) will start their games in June.
Players are divided into leagues according to the format given below. The youngest "Smurf" league is for children currently in Kindergarten and for those eligible for Kindergarten in September 2019.
BOYS' LEAGUES |
GIRLS' LEAGUES |
| Smurf - This is a Coed League for PreK* and K | Smurf - This is a Coed League for PreK and K |
| Slow Pitch - 1st and 2nd Grade Boys | Slow Pitch Softball - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Girls |
| Pee Wee Baseball - 3rd and 4th Grade Boys | Pony Softball - 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Girls |
| Pony Baseball - 5th and 6th Grade Boys | |
| Cubs Baseball - 7th and 8th Grade Boys |
* Pre-K are those boys and girls that are eligible for Kindergarten in 2020
A feature of our ball program is the use of pitching machines in the Pee Wee and Pony Leagues. For the past 30 years these machines have proven to be completely safe, never walked or hit a batter, threw strikes 90% of the time, never developed a sore arm and never had to visit an orthopedic surgeon! Games are completed much faster and the machines have met with tremendous approval.
In all of our programs the WPMC believes that the players participate for the enjoyment and recreation that come with team sports. All youngsters play at least three innings of every ballgame and the batting order allows everyone to bat in order. For instance, if you have 12 players, then your batting order is 12 players, not 9 players with an occasional pinch hitter. Every youngster plays his or her fair share.
Besides our philosophy that allows for equal participation, the WPMC also provides well-drained playing fields, a six-passenger golf cart for transporting seniors and special needs people, a concession stand, grilled hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and curly fries, bleachers at all diamonds, picnic tables, portable bathrooms, separate boys' and girls' leagues, and a "family atmosphere" that allows for a good and positive learning experience.
During the 2018 season we had over 200 adults serving in some form of voluntary capacity. These dedicated volunteers made the program successful. Won't you please join in by volunteering as a manager, assistant, concession worker, medical personnel or as a sponsor?
The WPMC also sponsors Spring Soccer, and this makes it possible for a player to participate in both sports. Spring Soccer is played on Saturdays, while the Summer Ball program is held during the week.
The signup fee is $60 per participant.
Best wishes for an enjoyable season of summer ball!