As a reminder to spectators, the staff at Jackie Browning Park placed this sign on fences around playing fields because of heckling and disagreements some have during little league games.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW — Two days remain before registration ends for county league baseball, softball and T-ball teams.
Maxie Murray, Barren County Parks and Recreation director, said registration fees are $45, which includes a uniform. Games are played throughout the spring at Jackie Browning Park along Donnelley Drive.
“Right now, we have over 500 kids already signed up, which is on the higher end,” Murray said.
From visits to schools and social media posts, Murray said he’s tried to recruit several students to the county’s league. Not only are the leagues open to younger children but those nearing middle school age.
The spring league’s highest enrollment was 620 players, Murray said. He expects more players to register before the Saturday deadline.
“Of course, I was hoping for 700 to 750, whatever,” Murray said. “But I hope we reach those numbers in the next three days.”
Coaches typically select which kids they prefer on their teams and those names are assigned to that coach. But this year’s procedures look different. An evaluation period will occur before teams are developed and coaches will participate in a draft instead of tailoring their teams.
“I’m looking forward to that. I think that’ll help this out a lot,” Murray said. “Sometimes you have coaches that know the kids and some coaches that don’t. This way, they’ll know what they’re getting when they’re drafting.”
The draft will allow a more equitable approach to the development of teams, he said. Past teams may excel because a coach could select players he felt played better than others, and other teams did not do as well because less developed players were placed together on a team.
Murray explained the idea by using alphabetical labels on certain players. He said “A” players are those who possess more experience or skillsets, and “B” players are those with lesser experience or skillsets.
“Each coach is going to draft from the A’s first, draft from the B’s next, draft from the C’s next, and so on,” Murray said.
Because of the drafting changes, players from all skillsets will comprise county teams.
Evaluation days will take place just before the draft, and practices are slated to begin the third week of March. Games begin after spring break, which will be the week of April 13.
Any questions should be directed to Murray at (270) 646-7529.
Registration closes Saturday, March 5 at 11:59 p.m. Click here to register.
