The Villa Park Youth Baseball Association has been offering area kids the opportunity to play what’s often called “America’s Sport” for well more than 50 years, and this season is no different. The league opened its 2008 season last Saturday, April 27, on a windy and cold day.

Villa Park Youth Baseball offers baseball and softball to kids from ages 5 to 18.
Although the weather was a challenge for the kids and parents on opening day, the consensus from board members was that it was well worth it.

“Board members were at the Jefferson fields at 6 a.m. to get things ready for the start of our picture day. It was windy and very cold all day but in spite of the weather everyone was happy to be back playing on our fields. The games went off without a hitch,” said Publicity Director Sharon Walenga.

“I felt bad for the farm kids who played at 3:30. The wind was whipping through the fields, kicking up dust and the chill but the kids were still laughing and cheering each other on.”

Organizing a league serving more than 600 kids is a year-round commitment for board members.

VPYB president Dan Crowe said, “Yes, it is a lot of work for the board members but we are a dedicated group of volunteers. Seeing the kids put down the game console remotes to go outside and play baseball with their teammates is well worth every minute of the time we donate to the league.

“We had some beginning of the year problems including the issue of our concessions person pulling out on us last minute, which the board is currently addressing, but I feel confident that these issues will get worked out quickly and the rest of the year will go smoothly.”

Kathi Espinoza is new to the league this year and is the fundraising chairwoman. She has a first-timers perspective.

“It was a tough picture day. The winds didn’t help nor did the malfunction of the photographer’s equipment. I think overall we did the best we could with the conditions and everyone was very cooperative. This was my first year and I really didn’t know what to expect, but I do appreciate everyone’s effort that day. I look forward to a great baseball season.”

VPYB is offering a Tee Ball Division for 5- and 6-year-olds. This is a new undertaking for the league. The tee ball season kicks off Saturday, May 3.

The younger kids are really looking forward to their games. Dan Crowe manages a tee ball team and said, “When we handed out the jerseys and hats to our team they were so excited they couldn’t wait and they all put them on right away and started cheering. You would have thought they won the World Series or something. I am very excited to be offering tee ball for the first time through VPYB. I think it fits perfectly into our program.”