Sisters hosts big Little League opener

Sisters Little League will start the 2006 season this week with the largest number of participants in the organization’s history. There are 234 Sisters area kids signed up to play ball.

“We’ve been around for over 28 years, as far as anyone can recall, and this spring has been the most popular and active than any,” said Brian Witt, Sisters Little League President and coach.

Opening day ceremonies are this Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. at the Sisters Community Church ball fields. “We need all teams to arrive, in uniform, by 9:45,” according to Chris Houck, the league’s Player Agent. “Players will take the Little League pledge, parade across home plate, have their pictures taken and then we start our season. There are ten games Saturday. It’s a busy morning.”

Technically the season is underway. With the large number of teams this year, some girls softball and a boys major league game were scheduled earlier this week.

“We have 19 teams this year, including two girls softball teams. I don’t think we ever had this many, especially this many softball players,” according to Witt. “With only three fields, scheduling all this is a real challenge.”

Securing additional fields is a major board priority, according to board member David Banks.

“This season really points to the need for more places to play. We are plugging away at two new fields next to the SOAR building. We have most of the material purchased. Now we have to set fence posts, pull chain link and raise some additional money for dugouts, paths and that sort of stuff.”