By Larry Stover
The Selma Times-Journal

It’s that time of year again. Children of all ages will be signing up to take part in various little league programs across the area.

The program is off and running in Valley Grande.

After personally working with the city for the past three years, I am turning the reigns over to Harvey “Bubba” Holley. The city of Valley Grande has hired him as their director of baseball operations through Parks and Recreation. Much of what has been going on the past three years will remain the same. All levels are open to both boys and girls.

The “T Ball” program is for children ages 3-5.

Six year olds who have never played before may want to consider doing T-Ball.

One great aspect of the Valley Grande program is that it offers T-Ball to 3 and 4 year olds. It is a great way to give young children a means of exercise and recreation while learning the basics of baseball.

The second level of play is coach pitch for ages 5-7. This more advanced level of play allows the coach to make five pitches before giving the batters the batting tee. By the end of the season, very few ever need the tee, as their skills will have greatly improved. Because this level is still focused on learning fundamentals, some of the 5-year-olds who have played T-Ball for a couple of years may want to move up to this level. The third level being offered this year will be machine pitch for ages 8 to 10.

Because the rules and procedures of both the Dixie Youth and Cal Ripken programs have more stringent outlines for this level and beyond, if your child turns 11 after March 1, 2015 they are not eligible to take part.

Registration forms are available at the Valley Grande City Hall during regular business hours.

Registration will be Saturday, Feb. 14 at Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene located at the corner of Highway 22 and Big Pine Drive in Valley Grande. It will take place between 9 a.m. and noon.

Tryouts for machine pitch will follow registration at 1 p.m. at the Valley Grande baseball complex. The cost will remain the same from last year. T-Ball and coach pitch will cost $40 per child while machine pitch will cost $50. This fee includes their uniform (hat, t-shirt, pants and socks). Checks can be made out to the City of Valley Grande.

There will be a $10 late fee after Feb. 14.

All athletes will need to have an application form filled out and sign a proof of insurance waiver. Please bring a copy of each player’s birth certificate and their insurance card. Practices will begin following registration with games beginning in mid-March.

If you have any questions, please contact Holley at 531-1010.