Published: July 04, 2009 04:15 pm      

Ending on a high note

Youth league boasts four unbeaten teams

Despite being slowed by early season rain, the Duncan Youth Sports Club Baseball League looks to be a success.

Forty-one teams competed in leagues ranging from T-ball level one all the way through peewee. League official Kim Longest said he was happy with the way the season went.

“Once we got the rain out of the way in May, it went pretty good,” he said. “We didn’t like to play as long as we did in the heat but we didn’t have much choice.”

The DYSC league had four undefeated teams. The Cowboys, Thunder, Comets and Outlaws all won every game they played. However, Longest said it is more about getting the community involved.

“The key is to get the kids active and get them doing something,” he said. “I think the most important thing is to get families to do stuff together.”

Longest said most of the practice and teaching should be done at home and not necessarily in a team setting.

Officials believe more participation from the community could turn the league into something even better in years to come.

“Obviously we want more participation from kids and parents,” Longest said. “I was pleased, I don’t remember hearing about any behavioral problems other than a couple instances where parents weren’t acting right.”

The league may also look to expand at the T-ball level for next year.

“Right now we will probably stay with the two tournaments [on the baseball side],” Longest said. “We’re looking to expand into T-ball.”

All money raised through

tournaments, fees and concessions goes directly back into the league. Longest said the rain may have slowed down funds a little bit at the beginning of the year.

“All money raised goes back into the league,” he said. “We employ several high school kids either as umpires or concession workers. Then we have to buy equipment that needs to be replaced. With the rain and having one tournament canceled we were probably a little behind what we’d like to be.”

Funds raised in the league also go to help improve Abe Raizen Park. The league was able to purchase foul poles for more of the fields with last year’s money.

For more information on how to become involved next season, visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?cmenuid=1&url=duncanok&sid=588726912.