Future diamond stars of Carter County were out in full force over the weekend at the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department.
The facility’s main office was the scene of the first round of registration for the Elizabethton/Carter County Youth Baseball and Softball Association’s inaugural year on Saturday, Feb. 18, and the department is set to host their second day of sign-ups on Saturday, Feb. 25.
“It was very steady throughout the day,” David Nanney, recreation manager at the department, said. “From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. we kept seeing people. Overall we were very pleased for the first day of sign-ups.”
Saturday’s second round of registration will be much of the same. The public is encouraged to come out between the same hours at the facility to register. Children will have the chance to sign up for teams while coaches and volunteers will also be vetted during the day.
The current age groups for the league include:
BOYS BASEBALL
11-12 years old
9-10 years old
7-8 years old rookie ball
GIRLS SOFTBALL
11-12 years old
9-10 years old
7-8 years old rookie ball
TEE BALL
4-5 years old coed
5-6 years old coach pitch softball and baseball
Nanney added the department is anticipating between 800 to 1000 children to take part in the new league. The new league is the product of both the Carter County American League and Elizabethton National Cal Ripken merging their leagues together.
Following the decision months ago, an organizational chart was created to give all parties involved equal leadership roles within the association, including both leagues, the Parks & Rec staff, city Parks & Rec board and the Boys and Girls Club of Elizabethton and Carter County.
Nanney added that players signing up will have the opportunity to remain on their same teams from last year’s season. Any players looking to join a new team, either previous players or new faces, will be allowed to take part in a draft to be placed on a team.
Along with Saturday’s date, the department also announced that a third sign-up day will be held on Saturday, March 4. Other dates are expected to be announced at different locations.
For more information, visit the City of Elizabethton website or call the department at (423) 547-6440 or (423) 547-6441.