By Tom Rohrer
While the rain and cold winds around Olympia may say otherwise, baseball season is not far away.
Since 1986, the Capitol Little League has provided the opportunity for youth ages 5-12 in the towns of Lacey, Olympia and Tuwmater to play in a structured baseball setting.
In January, Capitol Little League offers two in-person registration days – January 12 and January 26 from 10am – 4pm, at the main entrance of Tumwater High School. Online registration for the spring season is now open and can be accessed at the Capitol Little League website.
Capitol Little League is a non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers. These volunteers care about youth participating in a healthy activity. The league is structured for the enjoyment of the players.
“Every decision made or action taken is for the benefit of the league,” said Capitol Little League President Greg Beck. “Since it’s volunteer run, there is nothing other then helping kids out. Everything is designed for kids and their enjoyment, while at the same time teaching them to play the game in a safe way with sportsmanship.”
After a try-out period for each age group coaches will hold a draft to fill out their various rosters. Every participant will make a team. Once the team is formed, players will begin practicing on March 1 before the start of the season in early April. All league practices and games are held at the Capitol Little League’s sports complex near the Olympia Airport in Tumwater
Robert Wilson, a long-time league coach and board member has seen the benefits of Little League for his kids. Wilson’s oldest son, now in college, and his youngest boy, were part of the Capitol Little League All Star Tournament of Champions last year.
“Capitol Little League always worked best for us and it really helped having everything in the same area. That’s great for families like us with different ages of kids that play the same sport and it eliminated a lot of travel for us,” Wilson said. “Since it’s strictly a volunteer league, everyone tends to stick around for a few years. And you can tell that the umpires, administration, coaches are all there to help the kids.”
“My sons played with different kids almost every year and made more connections then they would playing on the same team every spring,” Wilson continued. “They met a whole bunch of kids and it worked great for my older son who played against a lot of teammates and opponents from (Capitol Little League) in high school.”
The league now helps even more kids find enjoyment through baseball. In 2011, Capitol Little League instituted the Challenger Division, which allows youth with physical and mental disabilities to play baseball.
Kurt Glassman, a longtime member of the league, started the Capitol League Challenger Division. He has continued to run it even after his kids aged out of Little League. The Challenger Division doubled in size after its first year and the administrators are excited for more growth this year.
“It’s been great for everyone involved,” Glassman said. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids and parents has been very rewarding. We think it will continue to grow because of the great experiences these families have had.”
The league itself is constantly looking to improve the overall experience for all those involved.
“We’re listening to the families all the time and are trying to make sure we listen to input of our membership,” Beck said. “We’re upgrading uniforms from simple t-shirts to a major league style. Concessions will be upgraded to more meal type foods. And there will be more league play and tournament opportunities for the kids.”
For more information about Capitol Little League, stop by the in-person registration on January 12 or 26 or visit their website.
