“Mommy I want to play ball,” was a statement said to local mom Dawne Graves by her son, stemming her into action to try to revive minor ball in Princeton.
Graves began contacting other parents and with the assistance of Princeton recreation and culture director Lyle Thomas they hosted an information meeting for parents.
“It’s all about the kids,” said Thomas, “I’m just here to help you get this started.”
Thomas shared a little piece of Princeton baseball history with the group. He showed a photo from his personal collection of a “1906 Klootchman Race,” a horse race held along what is now known as Vermilion Avenue.
The interesting point to this photo is that in the picture you can see a ball diamond as well as first and second base.
Thomas then went on to provide information on Softball BC, how districts work and the steps needed to be taken to build a local organization.
A dozen parents attended this meeting, bringing names forward of other parents unable to attend, but were interested in helping.
From this meeting, an executive was formed, a list of volunteers gathered and plans to get minor ball up and running have begun.
The Princeton and District Minor Fastball Association executive consists of;
President - Becky Vermette, Viice-President - Natasha Smith, Secretary - Cheryl Williams, Treasurer - shared position with Sharon and Carson Zieske, Regisrar - shared position with Alicia Gush and Dawne Graves,
Field Manager - Jennifer Gibson, Equipment Manager - shared position with Deanne Kary and Stephanie Palmer.
The first date for registration is Thursday, March 8 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Princeton Arena. Friday, March 16 registration will take place at Cooper’s Foods from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Four coaches/volunteers are required in order to have a Tee Ball program. This is for children age 4 as of June 30, 2012. If you are interested please contact Alicia at 250-295-0326 or Dawne at 250-295-6263.
Coaches and or volunteers may sign up during registration days as well.
Watch for updates and dates for registration in future issues of The Similkameen Spotlight or connect with minor ball on Facebook.