Island Little League plans Team-Making Week
A Team-Making Week is being held next week for Pine Island Little League to increase the number of baseball players signed up for the season.
Richard Overbaugh, information officer for Pine Island Little League, said the number of youngsters that have signed-up for Little League has been dwindling over the last couple of years. He said as of Jan. 29, they only have 50 players signed up, compared to 100 last year.
“With fewer children, we have fewer teams,” Overbaugh said. “We only had two majors teams last year, and this year, we may not have enough children for even one.”
Due to the decrease in sign-ups, a Team-Making Week has been set, which includes practice, along with pizza once it concludes.
“We are committed to trying to make things fun,” Overbaugh said.
He said if parents are not sure which division their child is in, they can bring them to the next lower division and the coach will advance the child if necessary to the next level.
The Team-Making dates are Feb. 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. for t-ball, Feb. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. for minors and Feb. 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. for majors.
In addition to needing more players, the Pine Island Little League is also in need of coaches. Overbaugh said last year they had two coaches who coached five out of the eight teams.
“One of those coaches has now moved, leaving us scrambling for coaches,” he said. “As of right now, we only have one coach committed to t-ball, and she is nine months pregnant. If we do not have enough coaches, we will not be able to make teams.”
A training clinic for coaches will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. Anyone who is interested in coaching can attend.
Overbaugh said you do not have to have a child in Little League to be a coach.
“All that is required is that the coach passes a background check,” he said.
Those interested can call President Wendy Mills at 239-282-1438.
The opening day is scheduled to take place Saturday, March 9, at 10 a.m., if they have enough players and coaches.
The deadline for those who would like to sponsor Pine Island Little League is Feb. 11.