All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
NYS Orioles player Bartley Jenniches takes a swing during his scrimmage against the Athletics in the AA division.
Blue skies and temperatures in the mid 60's brought out many Niwot Youth Sports families to the NYS Recreational Baseball/Softball Opening Day Celebration on Sunday, April 30, at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park.
Over 300 young athletes lined up early in the morning for team pictures in their new jerseys and hats. A bouncy castle and the ever popular concession trailer were on hand to entertain and feed kids, parents, grandparents, siblings, and fans alike. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band played a host of baseball themed hits and accompanied talented seventh-grade player Eddie Crotser in singing our National Anthem. Also on hand were members of Scout Troops 64, 66, and 673 to present the color guard.
The crowd also got a sneak peek at construction on the much anticipated Monarch Improvement Project building. This new facility on site will house bathrooms, a concession stand, and storage for the organization. Riki Frea, NYS Director of Fundraising and Marketing, hosted a booth for kids to win prizes while donations and concessions from opening day all went to help complete the build. The Monarch Improvement Project fundraising has reached $360,000, but still has a ways to go to reach its $500K funding goal. For more information or to donate, go to niwotyouthsports.org.
This season NYS has 35 baseball teams and 15 softball teams. Ben Bernstein, in his first year as NYS baseball commissioner, has rejuvenated the high school recreational level program. There are also 5 teams at the Majors level (ages 11-13) and seven teams each at AA (ages 7-8) and AAA (ages 9-10). Glenn Wager returns as NYS girls softball commissioner. Hangge Fields has already hosted two girls softball regional tournaments this spring and will continue to do so throughout the summer season. Niwot Youth Sports games begin May 1 and run through the end of June.
NYS President Pat Longseth was impressed with overall registration this year at 360 players, and said he was proud that the 50-year history of the volunteer run organization continues to succeed. The Longseth family is graciously hosting a Kentucky Derby party fundraiser for the MVP project on Saturday, May 6, from 2-6 pm. For tickets click here and for more information go to http://www.niwot youth sports.org.
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