Little League Gears Up

Ball Fields at Waitsburg Fairgrounds should be ready for LL play by next weekAITSBURG – Touchet Valley Little League gears up for a new season with some exciting changes. A new set of fields in Waitsburg and the addition of a Prescott team to the league mean more and better competition for the 2016 season.

The new Waitsburg Little League field complex, located on the fairgrounds racetrack infield, is under construction and should be ready for players by next week. The set of four adjoining fields will accommodate players at all four levels of play: T-ball, Coach-Pitch (aka Farm League), Minors, and Majors.

TVLL President Randy Hinchliffe, who took over the position from Jeff Jenkins of Dayton this year, said the new fields will finally provide a centralized location for Little League in Waitsburg. It will also be an ideal venue for tournament play.

"The little kids won't play at the school, the older kids won't be at the football field, and the middle kids won't be at the fairgrounds. We'll all be in one place now," Hinchliffe said.

Hinchliffe said that Prescott hasn't had a Little League team in years but has put together one large team this year. He said they plan to practice in Prescott, but will probably play their games on the new Waitsburg fields.

The Touchet Valley League includes Dayton, Waitsburg, and Prescott and is open to boys and girls ages 4-12. Hinchliffe said a lot of girls have signed up for Little League this year, even though they have the option of playing for the Blue Mountain Girls Softball Association as well.

Teams are being formed now but it's not too late to sign up. Applications are available at each school. Majors begin practice on March 21 with Coach-Pitch and Minors taking to the fields on the 28th. T-Ball will begin after spring break.

Hinchliffe said coaches, helpers, and sponsors are always needed. A team sponsorship is $250 and groups or individuals can donate $50 scholarships that will cover the entry fee for families that can't afford it.

Contact Randy Hinchliffe at 337-6371 with questions, to volunteer, or to sponsor or provide a scholarship.