By Mike McKenna
After another long winter in the heart of the Rockies, the start of baseball season brings a smile to most faces.
The sounds of boys and girls cheering each other on to the rhythm of batted rawhide and the cry of “Play ball!” is part of the soundtrack to life in America.
To help kick off another season, here is a lineup of local baseball and softball options.
1. When baseball and softball are combined, they make up the most popular sport in the country. They are also the most popular sports for Blaine County Recreation District where t-ball, baseball and softball seasons are about to begin. To sign up a player, go to BCRD.org. To help coach and have fees waived, call (208) 578-2273 or contact Dave Keir at dkeir@bcrd.org.
2. According to various studies, kids who take part in youth sports like softball and baseball are more likely to live longer, have fewer health issues, avoid substance abuse and attend college.
3. The Wood River Baseball and Softball Association (WRBSA) offers travel team options for players from 10 and under (10U) All-Star baseball through high school-aged Legion teams as well as softball teams from 10U through 16U. Softball season begins later in the spring, while baseball is beginning. Tryouts for the 10U baseball team will be Monday, April 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the Wood River High School gym. To register or find out more, call (208) 720-5410 or visit gcarter@silvercreeksupply.com.
4. Since they are played outdoors under the sun, baseball and softball almost always include a nice dose of Vitamin D. Kids need this exposure to sunlight for the growth and development of healthy bones and to help their bodies absorb and metabolize calcium and phosphorus.
5. The WRBSA and BCRD are teaming up to offer a free coaches clinic this April. Stay tuned to The Chamber, BCRD and The Weekly Sun for announcement of a time and place.
6. The annual Ray Nelson Invitational Youth Baseball Tournament will celebrate its 48th anniversary June 7-8. The tournament brings over 30 Little League teams from throughout Idaho to town each spring, filling our fields, hotels and restaurants with baseball players and families.
7. Playing baseball and softball increases a player’s ability to concentrate, improves their strength and conditioning and offers all the benefits of being on a team.
8. The new Wood River Mountain Classic will bring the first girls’ softball tournament to the Valley in many years. The goal of adding a local softball tourney is happening thanks to the growing popularity of the sport locally and the efforts of a team led by Ashley Adams. For more information or to help sponsor the new tournament, contact ashleynicoleadams333@gmail.com.
9. Courtesy of Yogi Berra: “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”
Mike McKenna is the executive director of The Chamber – Hailey & The Wood River Valley. He can be reached at Mike@ValleyChamber.org or by calling (208) 788-3484.