This group of five-year-old local baseball players includes (from left) Jaxson Bartsch, Jasper Wood and Talon Lawton. They are all eager to get the Osoyoos Minor Baseball season underway. (Photo supplied)
“Play ball!”
That sound will soon be heard emanating from baseball fields throughout Osoyoos.
Yes, baseball is back in Osoyoos.
It’s been a while. A long time, actually – since the last time minor baseball was played in Osoyoos.
However, a community initiative, led by a group of parents with a passion for baseball, plans to change all that.
They share a strong desire to help introduce children in the community to the game of baseball.
“Some of my favourite memories of playing sports as a kid were from minor baseball, and we hope to create those lasting memories for our children and the children of our community,” said Jason Bartsch, who, along with wife Amy, are spearheading the minor baseball initiative. “We have lived in Osoyoos for over 12 years now and we are so committed to helping our community. “When we were approached by some families about baseball in Osoyoos, Amy and I said, ‘Yes’, we would love to be a part of bringing another opportunity for Osoyoos children to our community.”
The group has partnered with the Town of Osoyoos Community Services Department and the Sonora Community Centre.
Gerald Davis is the town’s director of community services and has provided tremendous assistance in helping organize the new minor baseball program for Osoyoos, said Bartsch.
“Gerald Davis and his staff at the Sonora Centre have been amazing as always in supporting this ambitious startup,” said Amy Bartsch. “It was very important to us to have them in our corner. This is a community driven event and we would welcome any volunteer support. Our goal is to keep registration fees to an absolute minimum, and through the help of our sponsors, we will achieve that.”
The partnership allows Osoyoos Minor Baseball to operate at a minimum cost and this year the registration fee will be just $50 for each child, regardless of age.
“Sometimes all it takes to get things off the ground, is a person or two to generate that spark. Our community is full of talented parents, coaches and volunteers to help build on this momentum. The group of dedicated parents we are working with are pillars of our community and we know they’ll put their heart into helping kids love the game as much as we do,” added Jason. “We are currently taking calls and emails from community members interested in coaching and the calibre of instruction is expected to be tremendous. We have a lot of accomplished ball players in our town who are ready to give back. We are just here to facilitate that connection and support the will of the community.”
The Osoyoos Minor Baseball season will consist of nine weeks of practices – Tuesday nights from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Desert Park baseball Ffelds – with at least two games per team.
The season begins April 7 and will run to June 9.
The registration deadline wraps up this week so register now.
Teams will be provided with full baseball uniforms and equipment will be provided. All players need is a ball glove.
Practice and game times have been designed to minimize the conflict with other sports such as soccer and spring hockey.
The Osoyoos Minor Baseball group has had conversations with neighbouring baseball associations and the indication is that they are excited to have another group of kids to play with, said Jason.
The practice plans and curriculum for this year will follow the BC Baseball curriculum.
The league will be split according to BC Baseball age levels, that include 5-6 year olds (T-ball), 7-8 year olds (Tadpole), 9-10 year olds (Mosquito) and 11-12 year olds (Peewee).
The Bartsch’s are interested in allowing youth to get an education in baseball – as well as an education in life.
“We can’t eliminate all conflicts for kids, but we wanted to offer times that would minimize the difficulty on parents and allow kids to be introduced to the game we love,” said Amy. “The response around town has been exceptionally positive with an overwhelming number people excited about the prospect of a fully functional minor baseball program in Osoyoos.”
Parents interested in getting their children involved In Osoyoos Minor Baseball can register at Sun Valley Dental Centre, located at 6511 Main St. in Osoyoos.
You can also call Amy Bartsch at 250-498-7580, or email: [email protected].
“Baseball is here and we hope to see the program grow and continue to develop players year after year,” said Jason.
“It will be fun.”
DALE CORY
Special to the Times
