GAMES MAY 17 - JULY 17, 2010
January/February/March 2010
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 2010 through those presently in 8th Grade. Practices will begin in late April for leagues from Slow-Pitch to Cubs (Smurf leagues start play in mid-May). Games begin Monday, May 17th and last through July 17th. Games are played during the week (6 P.M.) and on Saturday mornings (10 A.M.) at the 11 ball diamonds at the Wattles Park Elementary School.
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 2010.
BOYS' LEAGUES |
GRADES |
GIRLS' LEAGUES |
| Smurf | Pre-K * and K | Smurf |
| Slow Pitch | 1st and 2nd | Slow Pitch |
| Pee Wee Baseball | 3rd and 4th | Pee Wee Softball |
| Pony Baseball | 5th and 6th | Pony Softball |
| Cubs Baseball | 7th and 8th | Cubs Softball |
* Pre-K are those boys and girls that are eligible for Kindergarten in 2010
A feature of our ball program is the use of pitching machines in the PeeWee and Pony Leagues. For the past 25 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.
The WPMC also provides well-drained playing fields, a concession stand, grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza, bleachers at all diamonds, picnic tables, portable bathrooms, fenced-in outfields, separate boys' and girls' leagues, and a "family atmosphere" that allows for a good and positive learning experience.
During the 2009 season we had over 550 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 signup fee is $35 per participant.
Best wishes for an enjoyable season of summer ball!