Friday, January 9, 2004
Friday, January 9, 2004 |
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Little League gearing up for 2004
By MONROE
ROARK With registration time already here, Peachtree City Little League officials are looking at a few changes in this season’s program to better serve the players and their parents. “We’re trying to make the program much better and promote a larger public awareness about what we’re doing for the children,” said Bob Bornhofen, a member of the board for the league. After a survey of parents last summer and fall, it was discovered that many of them wanted their children to have the opportunity to play more games and have a longer season than the traditional program currently allows. In response, the league is forming a new division this year that will give interested players just that. The new division will be based upon player tryouts and a draft. Throught that as well as the existing division, any player interested in participating in the league at any skill level should be accomodated, Bornhofen said. Registration for the league starts tomorrow from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Booth Middle School cafeteria. Other registration sessions are next Tuesday from 6:30-9 p.m. at Kedron Fieldhouse, and Jan. 17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Booth Middle School’s cafeteria. Coaching clinics are set for Jan. 19-20 from 6-10 p.m. at Crabapple Elementary. The Monday session is for managers and coaches of ages 9 and up, and the Tuesday session is for those coaching ages 8 and below. Tryouts for ages 9-14 are Saturday, Jan. 31, with times to be announced. The following Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 2-3, have been set aside as rain dates only. As the season is getting closer, the league is also in the midst of a fundraising campaign and trying to get the word out in the community, Bornhofen said. Registration income covers about 75 percent of the overall costs of running the baseball program, and to make up the difference, the league looks to the local business community. Opportunities for local businesses to participate include sponsoring teams and purchasing signs in the outfield. More than 1,600 people visit the baseball fields each weekend during the season, according to league officials, so sign advertising can be very cost-effective. There are always opportunities for volunteers, whether they be as coaches or working at the fields in various other capacities. Donations are also accepted, as the league is a tax-exempt charitable organization. “We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide an enjoyable and educational experience to boys and girls,” said Bornhofen. “The whole community pulls together — parents, relatives, neighbors — to make this happen every year.” For more information on Peachtree City Little League, visit www.ptcll.com.
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