The South Miami Youth Baseball League is preparing to throw out the first pitch on its 2011 season and they’re looking for players, coaches, sponsors, and volunteers.
The non-profit baseball organization, founded more than 45 years ago, offers league play and all-star games, giving children a solid foundation in baseball fundamentals.
Held at Palmer Park (at South Miami Middle Community School), which is one of the finest fields in Dade County with lights and batting cages, gets parents and relatives actively involved with their child’s baseball experience in a competitive, yet friendly environment. All children get an opportunity to play in every game.
The new season runs from January through May, but team assignments and practices will start in mid-November and pre-season games will begin in mid- December, so players between the ages of 3 and 14 are invited to register and be evaluated on Fridays, October 8 and 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Palmer Park. The park is located at 6100 SW 67th Avenue.
“The goal of the SMYBL is very simple,” says Omar Diaz, SMYBL President. “Let’s go with the tradition of teaching young boys and girls how to play the game. Let’s create a competitively balanced environment where players new to the game can learn solid baseball skills and good players can get better. Players can learn how to win and lose, the value of teamwork, and those good society values that somehow are all incorporated into a game. Lastly, and most importantly, let’s make sure it’s fun!”
THE NEW AGE AND GRADE GROUPS AND DIVISIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
4U-pre K3-K4, Mites-T-Ball; 6U-K-1st grade, Pony-Coach Pitch/T-Ball; 8U-2nd-3rd grade, Single A-Hardball coach Pitch; 10U- 4th-5th grade, Double AA-Kids Pitch; 12U- 6th-7th grade, Triple AAA-Kids Pitch; 14U- 7th-9th grade, Majors-Kids Pitch. Cut of Age is based on the school year calendar.
Enrolling one child is $190. Additional family members are $160. Fee includes complete MLB replica uniform. Fees, completed registration, uniform sizes and a copy of birth certificate due at registration. Former players will receive registration information by email. Full or partial scholarships are available upon league approval.
“Every boy and girl who wants to grow up with a healthy, physically developed human body can benefit,” says Diaz. “Don’t let them be video game playing couch potatoes. The officers, managers, and coaches hope you will join them and make this 45th Anniversary year of the South Miami Youth Baseball League the best ever. Get involved and let’s play ball!”
Register on-line at website: www.smybaseball.com. Email smybl12@aol.com should you have any questions about registration or evaluation issues or becoming a head coach.
Great comments from a terrific President. SMYBL is the best youth league around to develop young players' abilities to play the game in a fun setting.