Albany Little League prepares for season with upgrades, registration ongoing
By Sam Waller
Albany Little League is wrapping up its player registration period, but there is plenty of work to be done before the start of the season.
In the latest in a long line of renovation projects, a new backstop and new dugouts are being installed at the baseball complex. Past years have seen the addition of batting cages, restrooms and new sod on the field.
Steve Sutton said such projects help improve facilities.
“It’s very important to give these kids the best facility we possibly can,” he said. “That shows the donors who donate money and fundraise that the money is going to upgrades to these facilities to keep them intact and in great shape for years to come.”
Work has already begun and is expected to be completed by March 7.
“We’ve ripped out the old dugouts and backstop and they’ve set forms,” Sutton said. “The concrete work should be done this week.”
Meanwhile, baseball tryouts were conducted Saturday, Feb. 22 as originally planned as the weather improved.
Up next for baseball is a player draft expected to be held Thursday, Feb. 27 (tonight) and formulating schedules, which should be announced next week.
“Just because we draft doesn’t mean kids can’t still sign up,” Sutton said. “We’ll find a place for them to play.”
Schedules will have to work around a number of other items already on the calendar.
“I’ve got to confirm STAAR testing, track dates, things like that to make sure it doesn’t interfere with everything,” Sutton said.
Registration is also continuing for softball, which will play under the Little League banner this year. Softball tryouts are scheduled for Saturday, March 1.
“We will be calling other entities in Little League next week about getting teams and schedules set,” Carl Strauss said.
Registration for both baseball and softball is being conducted online at www.albanytxll.com. Information on how to register for baseball is available at Nancy Smith Elementary School. Information for softball will be available on the website under the “Softball” tab.
Those who played baseball last year will already have an account. New players will need to register to create an account.
Both sports will start play Monday, March 17.
Softball offers competition for girls from age 3 to 14. Registration fee is $50 per player at all levels.
Baseball offers competition in T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Little League Majors and Minors, Intermediate, and Junior Leagues. Registration fee is $50 for T-Ball and Coach Pitch, $75 for all other levels. Scholarships are available.
Families having three or more children playing baseball will receive a discount starting with the third child.
All baseball age groups are co-ed.
In instances where not enough players register to form teams in a particular age group, registration fees will be refunded.
