Players and coaches celebrate a Little League Baseball 9U District 2 championship victory against Easthampton last July at Ralph E. Sanville Memorial Field on Cross Street. (File Photo by Marc St. Onge)
WESTFIELD – Want to forget about the winter thunder, sleet, and cold temperatures that were prevalent throughout the Whip City early this week, then start with imagining the crack of a baseball bat on a sunny, spring day.
Sign-ups for the 2020 Westfield Little League season will take place Sat., Jan. 11 at Amelia Park Arena on South Broad Street from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Children between the ages of 5-16 who live in or attend school in Westfield, Southwick, Tolland or Granville are eligible to participate.
A $10 discount will be awarded to anyone who registers before Jan. 12. Online registration is also available at westfieldlittleleague.com.
Westfield American manager Mike Raposo is showered with a bucket of water following a 2016 Little League Baseball 11-12-Year-Old All-Stars district championship victory. (File Photo by Chris Putz)
Children born before Sept. 1, 2014 are eligible to play Little League baseball. Children born before Jan. 1, 2014 are eligible to play Little League softball.
Last year, the Westfield Little League Baseball 9-Year-Old All-Stars defeated Easthampton 8-4 at Ralph E. Sanville Memorial Field on Cross Street to claim the District 2 championship. Nick Madsen provided the heroics, going 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs, and a RBI.
“Westfield Little League has been around since 1950 so it’s a strong part of our history here in Westfield,” Westfield Little League President Scott LaBombard said. “Over the past few seasons, the communities of Southwick, Granville, and Tolland have been welcomed into our league.”
Westfield Little League president Scott LaBombard stands alongside his son, Jake, and wife, Kate, in this 2015 photo. (Photo courtesy of Kellie Adam)
“Kids get a chance to interact with their classmates outside of the classroom,” he continued. “Our players will learn life lessons that will carry them through the rest of their lives. Being on a team and learning how to win and lose together is extremely important.”
“My hope for the 2020 season,” he said, “is to make sure the kids have fun, learn the game, make new friends, and have fun.”
Westfield Little League will hold Opening Day ceremonies April 18 with a traditional parade, and will resurrect the carnival from years ago. The city’s league is seeking support and volunteerism locally and from the surrounding areas.
To help make the 2020 season a success, email Scott LaBombard at [email protected] to find out how you can help.
