The smell of brick dust in the air is right around the corner.
Representatives from the National Cal Ripken, American Little League, the Boys and Girls Club and the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department joined together to create the Elizabethton/Carter County Youth Baseball and Softball Association, with the first registration taking place on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Parks & Rec office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The association came to fruition following the recent decision by Cal Ripken and American Little League to dissolve both leagues to merge for one league to allow players to compete with one another and not draw businesses thin with sponsorships.
“First off, we’re really excited to see the association take off,” David Nanney, Elizabethton Parks & Rec manager told the Elizabethton Star Friday. “There are a lot of folks taking part in this. With National and American both dissolving, we have a lot of great people at the table looking to make this league exciting for our children in the community.”
An organizational chart was created to give all parties involved with the merging equal leadership roles, including both leagues, Parks & Rec staff, the city Parks & Rec board and the Boys and Girls Club. Nanney added the new league is hoping to bring in around 800-1,000 children for the upcoming season.
Along with this weekend’s registration, two other dates have been announced — Saturday, Feb. 25 and Saturday, March 3. Both dates will see registration take place also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Parks & Rec building.
The age groups for the league include:
BOYS BASEBALL
• 11-12 years old
• 9-10 years old
• 7-8 years old (rookie ball)
• 5-6 years old (coach pitch)
GIRLS SOFTBALL
• 11-12 years old
• 9-10 years old
• 7-8 years old (rookie ball)
• 5-6 years old (coach pitch)
COED
• 4-5 years old (tee ball)
Nanney added the players already on existing teams will remain on their squad for the upcoming season. New players or other children looking for a new team will be eligible to participate in a draft for the coming season.
“Existing teams will retain their players from last year,” Nanney said. “But children will be available to take part in the draft if they request it.”
It’s been a busy process, but Nanney added that all that are involved are looking forward to providing fun and memorable moments for the children in Carter County and Elizabethton.
Individuals unable to make it to either of the registration dates can contact Parks & Rec via telephone at (423) 547-6440 or visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Youth Baseball & Softball Association Facebook page for more information. Nanney added that other sign-up dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.