WESTFIELD – As the tagline on their web page simply reads: “The tradition continues…”
Sign-ups for the Westfield Little League Baseball and Softball are now open for the 2021 season, and are exclusively online this year.
With the coronavirus still spreading throughout the community, league officials have decided to eliminate live sign-ups for Little League this season, and hold registrations solely online. To register for Westfield Little League, go to westfieldlittleleague.com.
Air Compressor starting pitcher Jack Madsen winds up against Slovak Club in a 2020 Westfield Little League Baseball game at Paper Mill Field. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO/MARC ST.ONGE)
There are lots of opportunities for kids to play.
Westfield Little League offers several divisions for boys and girls between the ages of five to 16. Children who live in or attend school in Westfield, Southwick, Tolland or Granville are eligible to participate.
Baseball divisions are divided into Rookie (6-8-years-old), Instructional (7-9), Farm (7-9), Wheeler (9-12), Majors (10-12), Intermediate (13), and Senior (13-16). Softball divisions are 8U (6-8), 10U (8-10), 12U (10-12), and 14U (13-14).
Sign up online before Feb. 1 to save $10. Birth certificate and proof of residency will be required at sign-ups.
OMG starting pitcher Lily Clark is all concentration as she pitches against Meyers Brothers in a 2020 Westfield Little League Softball 12U contest at Sadie Knox Field. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO/MARC ST.ONGE)
Registrants will receive $50 worth of calendars that they can keep or sell prior to the drawing for this year’s calendar raffle as part of this year’s fundraiser. Players are encouraged to sell additional calendars.
Families needing assistance with registration fees are also urged to seek monies through the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant Program. To apply, visit LittleLeague.org/CallUpGrant.
Last season, the league’s annual festivities were cut short when the parade and World Series were canceled due to the pandemic. An abbreviated schedule was still held locally with a small number of local teams battling each other in friendlier, more subdued fashion, although the action at times still had some intense play with fierce competition and spectacular moments.
Rules and guidelines were enforced and maintained to combat the coronavirus, and social distancing procedures were adhered to by players, coaches, umpires, and fans. Despite the odds stacked against them, the season proved to be overwhelming success, furthering what is truly a proud tradition of Westfield Little League.
