08/26/2026
A new school year is about to start! Too soon!
This post is way overdue, but the spirit of the message is still the same!!
The 2026 Summer Ball season has come to an end, and as activities director I want to recognize some groups of people.
First, the players. 420 players ranging from ages three to twelve playing tee ball, softball, or baseball. The improvement by your hard work and dedication was obvious from the start of the season to its completion.
The coaches. Over 100 individuals found the time in their busy schedules to coach 41 teams at the t-ball, softball, and baseball levels. You made some big impressions on little people this season. The kids maybe don’t say it with words, but they sure do say it with their smiles!
The convenors. The season could not have happened without these people being the leads at each level of play: Cortney Christie, Megan Ulmer, Katie Hamers, Kyle Sinninghe, Nita Ringhofer, and Jessica Burmeister. I relied on you this year more than ever, and I know that we continue to improve each season at making Summer Ball a great experience for the youth of our area.
The umpires. One of the most difficult jobs around and the one that gets the least attention unless you do something “incorrect.” Thanks for your dedication to the game!
The city workers. The fields were ready whenever the league needed them to be played on, and requests were fulfilled as needed. Nice work Cal and Parker!
The concession stands. I know the girls softball players and fans appreciated Kathy Hart and her crew for having concessions at Valentine Field this summer and thanks to the DeBenedets, Rick and Pat, for their time once again at Rizzo Field for baseball and t-ball.
Speaking of Valentine Field, how about those new scoreboards! Thanks to Ranier Rec for their donation to make them possible.
The parents/guardians/grandparents. For getting the players to practice and games whether that be from in town, across the border, and/or from long distances. The kids not only got better playing the game, but their continued growth working and playing with others as they learn the game of life is even more important.
The Community Ed Department and school workers. Completing orders for equipment, background checks, and paying the bills are items that go on behind the scenes but are essential to a successful season.
The sponsors: Each of the 41 teams that played this summer had one or more sponsors from the community and your sponsorship allowed the kids to play with new and safe equipment throughout the season along with some awesome uniforms from Tilson Bay Company.
Local Businesses: For all the equipment and items needed for the kids to have a successful season, the games could not have been played without your efforts.
