09/05/2018
A few of us took our little baseballers to the Chico State Baseball Camp this summer. Our kids really enjoyed themselves. It was not strict with instruction. It was just kids that loved baseball playing baseball. There were most of the formalities that are important! They wore caps in the outfield, they wore helmets, and three up followed by three down. We all got to thinking….hmmm? This is just like “The Sandlot”! They play for a couple hours kids separated into two teams and follow basic baseball rules. Each team had one coach, a younger adult or teen with the love of the game and a passion to pass on their knowledge of the game and be a community role model. While one coaches team was on defense he instructed what plays should be made while the offensive coach pitched nice “meatballs” to his team and gave them some tips. All positive and fun. One of the things that was really great was that they used tennis balls. It took the fear of the ball hitting them out of the game. The kids experienced lots of success and no fear. They probably played 20 fun fearless innings.
Our kids do not have the same opportunities that most of us had as kids. We could just run up to the park and meet some friends and play some baseball. We just don't live in a wold where that feels safe. As for my situation, my kiddo is young but begs and begs me to play baseball. Most of the time I’m playing catch in my living room. I would love for him to be able to play, but he’s too young for any type of baseball outside of the regular little league season. So how do you teach them the game without coaching them. That’s just not fun.
Here’s what this page is about…On the third Sunday of the month from 3-5pm, our kids play baseball. I will get volunteers to be the set coaches. I will purchase bases and tennis balls. I will bring a donation jar. Whoever shows up plays. An adult must be in charge of any child attending. You may send them with a friend, but an adult will need to be in charge of them. We break into as many teams as we can. I do think a proper warm up and a 10 min game of catch should happen before the game starts. This is just for fun. We could bbq hotdogs, if we wanted. The only solid rule would be…NO PARENT COACHING! Let’s just let them play the game and have fun with their friends. There will be some organization, but this is just for fun and to practice the game.
I would like to have the first Gridley Sandlot Game on Sunday, September 23rd. I know that Sunday might be a hard day for some kids, but as I talked to most families interested, this was their preference. I would like to include lots of baseball communities. Biggs & Gridley kids having fun together. Maybe one Sunday in Biggs and the next month in Gridley. If it rains on our day. We shoot for the next Sunday! As far as girls/boys? It will be baseball not softball. The pitching will be overhand. If girls are game for that, lets do it. If someone wanted to organize a softball side, that would be great! If we get a lot of kiddos over 10 that are ready to go to squishy balls we could branch off to an older kid field and a younger kid field. It will depend on how many families want to participate.
Let me know what you guys think? Is this something that you’ve been looking for for your baller?
This is not a club or affiliated with any organized sports league. It's just meeting up with other kids for a big baseball playdate. There is no fee. We just ask that you want to play and come with respect for the game.
Here is list of Families that have offered to help organize and participate.
Michelle Solis
Levi Katie Rosser
Jesse Egan
Jackie Cravens Hospers
Sandi Moffitt
