It’s Little League season

Posted

Kirk Boxleitner

kboxleitner@ptleader.com

EAST JEFFERSON LITTLE LEAGUE

East Jefferson Little League has recruited its players and lined up its teams in time for the start of its season in April.

Kenny Yingling Jr., president of East Jefferson Little League, reported that 141 kids are registered and have been organized into three T-ball teams, three prep teams, two minor “A” teams, two major baseball teams, one major softball team, one junior girls’ team and one junior boys’ team.

Practices have already started, with the opening-day jamboree set for 6 p.m., Monday, April 9.

In-person sign-ups and tryouts took place earlier this month at the East Jefferson Little League Clubhouse, at 80 Elkins Road in Port Hadlock.

“Parents should expect two games a week and practice during the week, as well as weekend games,” said Yingling, who estimated the league draws 140-180 players per season.

East Jefferson Little League’s range of baseball teams, from T-ball through majors, play against Port Townsend, Quilcene and Sequim teams. Its major and junior softball teams play Kitsap-area and Sequim teams.

For further details, call Candace Cotterill at 360-301-3897.

PT LITTLE LEAGUE

Port Townsend Little League (PTLL) starts its season at the end of this month with slightly fewer players than organizers had hoped for. Yet there is no shortage of commemorations for its history.

Rachel Brannigan, PTLL vice president, estimated that 80 kids have registered, down from her goal of 100 players. She’s still holding out hope that the league can attract a few more 13- and 14-year-olds before the season starts, to strengthen its teams.

In the meantime, the recruits have been organized into three T-ball teams, two minor “C” prep teams, one minor “A” team, one major baseball team, one major softball team and one junior team.

The opening-day ceremony for the Port Townsend Little League season also coincides with its jamboree, taking place at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 31 at the Little League Fields. Former coach Richard Stickney, who died in 2017, is to be honored during the ceremony.

On-site registration and skills assessments took place earlier this month at the PTLL fields, located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Brannigan said that each team should expect to play between 12 and 16 games, and players typically practice between two and three times a week, with a game included and varying schedules, depending on the players’ ages.

“It’s impossible to give much information on schedules for the season until the other leagues have held their tryout days,” he said.

Brannigan added that the 2018 season should run from the start of practices, which began earlier this month, through late May or early June.

The nonprofit Port Townsend Little League is open to boys and girls ages 4-14 who either reside in Port Townsend or attend Port Townsend schools.

The PTLL, chartered by Little League International, is a member of Washington District 2 Little League Baseball, and operates in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of Little League International.

Visit ptll.org or email board@ptll.org if you have questions.