TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review
Despite snowy fields and less than warm temperatures, spring has arrived and it’s time for youngsters to put away their winter gear and grab their ball gloves.
In Rimbey, the ball season is underway with practices being held in the arena, as the diamonds are not ready.
President of Rimbey/Bluffton Minor Ball Association, Dean Cameron said interest has been good this year with about 100 youth registered.
“We started out with 20 kids a few years ago and had 120 at our peak. Now we average about 100,” he said.
Rimbey is part of Central Alberta Minor Ball League which encompasses communities including Lacombe, Ponoka, Eckville, Clive and Delburne and teams from Red Deer.
Youngsters can register for Learn to Play and Coach Pitch before branching off into baseball or fastball teams.
“We have four baseball teams and two girls’ fastball teams,” said Cameron.
This is our sixth year for baseball and last year the PeeWees even made it to Provincials where they finished fifth.”
Cameron said he is pleased that the interest is good in the minor ball program and coaches and board members continue to dedicate their time and effort to making it successful.
“Without their help there would be no minor ball.”
Coaches for the Rimbey Minor Ball Association are Michelle Beagle -- Learn to Play Rachel Hudson -- Coach Pitch Coach, Mites –Chris Weiss, Rookies – Mark Groves, PeeWees – Dean Cameron.
As well as president Dean Cameron, executive members are secretary Carla Garland and treasurer, Tara Lunzmann. Other board members are Ashley Balan, Mandy McGillis and Kevin Costen.