Little League baseball is set to resume in the Cayman Islands and enthusiasm is high among the youngsters.
On Saturday the Field of Dreams facility in George Town staged registration for the 2012 Spring season. The session targeted boys and girls aged 5-18 and included a skills level evaluation. Among those who tried out were Davin Gallagher, 11.
The Atlanta, George native lives in Snug Harbour and is the son of current Cayman Islands Little League President Paul Gallagher. Davin states he is ready to play and he enjoys Little League baseball.
“I’ve been playing for five or six years and I like the sport,” Davin said. “It feels good that I’ve been playing from so young. I want to improve my batting this season as I struggled in my first year.
“I’m proud of my dad because he has given so much to Little League. It’s also nice that he is happy for me because he is so involved and loves the sport.”
The registration and skills assessment focused on the fundamentals of the sport in pitching, batting and fielding. Dozens of attendees were graded on a scale of one (lowest) to five (highest) by Little League board members such as Chris McField and vice president Jeff Pouchie. The Savannah, Newlands resident, 38, stated prior to Saturday that this season promises to be a good one.
“We will do all we can to make sure Little League re-focuses on what its all about: which is kids playing ball and having fun doing so while we try to lead them in the right direction in life,” Pouchie said.
A number of Little League initiatives take place this month. The annual co-ed softball league is slated to begin next Monday, 16 January and an umpires clinic, led by Jason Clayards and Jim Parham, is expected to take place next Thursday, 19 January. From there comes the first 2012 White Sox clinic on the weekend of 21 January and a season kickoff social with multiple exhibition games on Saturday, 28 January.
Pouchie will be trying to guide and inspire youngsters like Alaye McLaughlin, 12. The Bodden Town native states he has areas to improve.
“I’ve been into Little League for six years from T-Ball,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve played every year and the board is doing a good job with running it. I’m excited, I like baseball. My batting is what I want to improve as I feel I’m OK with my pitching.”
Local Little League is going into its 23rd season. For more information call 945-3553 or e-mail [email protected]
Related Videos
