Get ready for the return of Dolores youth baseball.
It has been many years since the younger kids played baseball on the fields of Joe Rowell Park. Elementary and middle school students have been playing in the Cortez league instead.
Now, a group of parents and volunteers is reviving the youth baseball tradition in Dolores, said league organizer Kym Hampton.
“It used to be a big thing in town, and we are excited to bring it back,” she said.
The Dolores Youth Baseball league will have a T-ball team, and separate teams for youth ages 9-10, 11-12, and 13. All teams are co-ed.
Dolores will play youth teams in Mancos and Cortez. Opening day will be in April, and the season will last six to eight weeks, with a tournament in June. Practice will be twice a week.
The deadline to sign up and avoid a late fee is Feb. 28. Registration packets are available at the Dolores elementary and middle schools. Sign-up is open to anyone; players do not have to be from Dolores.
So far, 25 kids have signed up, and there is no limit, Hampton said. Teams will be formed based on how many people sign up. Volunteer coaches and umpires are needed.
The two Joe Rowell Park baseball fields are being freshened up for the baseball season. One of the fields has lights, so night games will be played.
Games will be played on Saturdays, and a student-run concession stand will raise money for team expenses.
The Dolores Youth Baseball league was ready to start up last year, Hampton said, but was canceled because of the pandemic.
The organization has been raising funds to buy equipment and lining up sponsors. It has purchased pitching machines, catchers’ gear, bats and helmets.
Hampton said the community has many fond memories playing as a kid in town.
“My family played, now my son wants to play at our park,” she said. “We want our Dolores kids to grow up playing baseball. It gets them outside, and by the time they get to the high school level, they will have that experience working together as a team.”
The youth league includes COVID safety protocols. Players are asked to wear masks off the field, but do not have to wear them while playing. Hand sanitizer will be available for players. Fans must stay 6 feet apart. Household groups can be together, but must stay 6 feet apart from other household groups.
For more information, or to volunteer, contact Kym Hampton at 970-739-0698.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com