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Rec Department Baseball/Softball Gears Up |
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by Dan Veaner
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Friday, 10 March 2006 |
The Lansing Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for their youth baseball (LBP) and softball (LSP) programs. Programs are offered for students in grades K-6. Each program is divided by grade level into 4 leagues, with most games played evenings during the week and some on Saturday. "It's been a long standing, very successful, well attended program for years," says Recreation Director Steve Colt. So much so, he says, that other towns emulate Lansing's programs.
"We've got some really great Moms and Dads that coach for us, and we hope they'll be able to make the commitment to return this year," Colt says. Last year there were 17 or 18 boys teams and 12 to 14 girls teams, not counting T-ball. Colt says he hopes to maintain those levels even with lower enrollment this year in the Elementary School.
"It's certainly what I deem to be one of the most difficult sports for kids to play," says Colt. "Baseball and softball takes a large skill set, unlike some of the other youth team sports. They are not easy sports to learn. We bring them along in progressions in these different leagues, and hopefully when they get to our upper youth groups in softball or baseball they have a good concept of the skills, and they've had fun doing it."
Baseball and softball are among the most popular Recreation Department programs, with about the same participation levels as the soccer program. "We had some really good coaches from last year," says Colt, "and what tends to happen is that they either return in the groups they were in last year, or as their son or daughter grows into the next league they pick up their coaching responsibility at the next level."
Lansing has travel leagues for 10 through 12 year olds. The Rec Department also offers Prep baseball for 13 year old boys, Babe Ruth baseball for 13-15 and Legion baseball for boys up to age 19. There are similar opportunities for girls softball players. "We've got a pretty good combination that seems to work," says Colt, "because we tend to be successful when we get into the travel situations. The kids have a good time playing and they do well."
Registration forms have been distributed through the Lansing Schools and are also available at the Town Hall Recreation Office (533-7388), 29 Auburn Road, and the Village of Lansing offices. Fee is $20. Registration deadline is March 27. After that date players may be put on a waiting list. Practices begin around the April 15th, and actual games will start the first Saturday in May.
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