It’s the time of year when cabin fever settles in and we all get excited when the temperature rises above freezing. Nobody wants the cold and snow to disappear faster than the coaches and players of Oxford Youth Baseball.
Last year was a great success due to the hard work and dedication of coaches and organizers.
‘This year promises to be even better but we need the participation and support of the community,? said Greg Williams, ORBA President. ‘Registration costs have not increased in the past 3 years. To keep costs down we rely on volunteers, donations and business sponsorships to make this league the best for the kids.?
Over the past three years ORBA baseball has seen the number of players swell to over 600.
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 years are able to compete in 5 divisions; T-ball (ages 5-6), Coach Pitch (7-8), First Year Pitch (9-10), Babe Ruth (11-12) and Pony (ages 13-14).
‘With the increase in the number of players comes the increased need for more team sponsors,? stated Jim Young, ORBA Registrar. There are many programs needing assistance. However, ORBA baseball is a community based organization.
Jim Jenkins, ORBA Vice President described the value of sponsoring a team by stating, ‘Every player’s family lives and shops in the Oxford area. There is no better way to support your community and advertise your business than to become an ORBA partner by sponsoring a team.?
Registration for the 2009 ORBA season will take place on Sunday March 15 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Oxford Parks and Recreation office (20 West Burdick Street, in downtown Oxford).
All first year players are required to register in person and present a birth certificate to validate date of birth.
Returning players can download the registration form from the ORBA website and mail in the forms by March 13. All players must be between 5 and 14 years of age as of April 30, 2009.
ORBA and the Oxford High School Baseball Team will once again conduct a baseball skills clinic for children ages 5 to 12. The clinic will be on March 14th, and cost $30 per child. There will be two sessions based on age (ages 5 to 7: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. / ages 8 to 12; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Lunch is included.
For more information on player registration, clinic registration or team sponsorships, please visit www.orbabaseball.com or contact Rob Guzanek at 248-628-3383.