by Dennis Dalman
Get ready, get set, play ball!
St. Joseph is gearing up this spring for a summer season of softball, baseball and soccer leagues for young children, as well as other fun activities.
Participants will learn the basics of each sport — running bases, throwing, hitting, passing, tagging – all in a context of teamwork and good sportsmanship.
All skill levels are welcome. Equipment such as bats, balls, tees and helmets will be provided, but each child is expected to bring a glove.
All of the games will take place at the fields in Millstream Park. To register, go in person to St. Joseph City Hall or register online at www.cityofstjoseph.com.
The following are the options:
Baseball Camp. For children May 14 and May 21. Registration must be completed by May 1.
B-100 T-Ball for ages 4-6. Mondays from 6-7 p.m., June 6 through July 25. $20 fee. Children will learn the basic skills and rules of the game of baseball.
B-200 Soft Toss for ages 6-8. Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m., June 7 through July 26. $20 fee. A chance to hone previously acquired baseball/softball skills. The season will begin by hitting a ball from tees and advance to hitting balls pitched by a coach.
B-300 Coach Pitch Baseball for ages 9-10. Tuesdays from 7:15-8:15 p.m., June 7 through July 26. $20 fee. Further skills will be learned. Starting will balls pitched by coaches, the season will develop with player-pitched balls.
S-400 Pony League Girls Softball for ages 9-10. Mondays from 6-7 p.m. June 6 through July 25. For players with a solid grasp of basic skills. No metal cleats allowed.
S-500 Soccer for ages 6-10. Mondays from 7-8 p.m. June 6 through July 25. $20 fee. For children who want to learn the basic skills and rules. Participants will develop hand-eye coordination, passing skills and team play.
Registration for the programs above must be done before May 27.
Other fun
Spring Scavenger Hunt. It will take place every Monday in April. A spring-related item will be hidden in Klinefelter Park for people to find and get a photo taken with the found object. If a participant finds the hidden item on every one of the four Mondays in April, the finder will be entered to win a prize.
Chalk the Walk. 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Klinefelter Park. Participants will take a lap round the park’s trail and then draw chalk spring-themed pictures on the trail path.
Kids Bike Safety Event. Conducted by members of the St. Joseph Women of Today, this second annual Bike Safety Event will take place from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 14 at Klinefelter Park. Free bike helmets will be given to the first 100 children. They can enter their names into drawings to win a free bike and other prizes.
