Some 65 teams will be competing for league championships between Jan. 28 and Feb. 8. More than 125 games will be played during these 11 days.
But as one sport ends its season, another is just beginning. Parks and Recreation Director Paul Wyrick and his staff are busy organizing for the spring baseball and softball seasons. The registration schedule has been posted so be sure to look for flyers and signs throughout Bradley County with the registration dates.
Just in case you miss it, the registration dates include: Thursday, Feb. 10, 6 to 8 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 17, 6 to 8 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 18, 6 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Evaluations are scheduled for Feb. 26-27 with drafts set for Feb. 28 through March 4. The baseball umpire's meeting is set for Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. at the Bradley County Recreation Park. Scorekeeper training is also scheduled at the county park at 2 p.m. on March 20.
Team practice is slated to be held March 7-26 with the season opener set for Monday, March 28.
Hundreds of area children, young people and adults participated in the baseball and softball programs last year, representing 136 teams. We are hoping to have even more participation this year.
I am proud of the Bradley County Parks and Recreation Department. It has been providing team sports opportunities for Bradley County residents since 1983. The department oversees or manages the baseball and softball programs, elementary basketball and cheerleading programs, youth football league and the BMX track. Paul and his staff maintain more than 200 acres of recreation facilities including the old McDonald School property. That acreage will increase when Elrod Park is completed on Minnis Road.
In addition to maintenance responsibilities, Paul and his staff organize the leagues and schedule the team's games on the county's 20 playing fields. Four additional fields will be added to the inventory when Elrod Park is opened.
These parks and recreational facilities are a tremendous community asset and have a major impact upon the quality of life in Bradley County which is enhanced by the hundreds of volunteers who support the county's sports programs with their time and energy.
We are fortunate to have a Parks and Rec staff capable of providing professional and safe recreational programs and facilities for Bradley County residents.
For more Information, you may contact the Recreation Department at 728-7035 or visit the county website at www.bradleyco.net.
The Parks and Recreation Department is another reason I say that Bradley County is Tennessee at its best.
