Pierceton Youth League Leadership Embarks On 2nd Year
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews
PIERCETON — For members of the Pierceton Youth League’s board, spending time at the league’s fields is repeating what they or their relatives did when they were children.
“My husband did that as a kid, and that’s just how you spent your summers,” said Board Secretary-Treasurer Heather Jackson.
“It’s what I grew up with. It’s what I did all summer,” said Board President John Tarlton, mentioning it’s part of the reason he entered into leadership of the PYL.
It’s the second year that Tarlton and Jackson have helped helm the league. Also serving on the board are Vice President Damon Shepherd and Member Chris Cripe.
The group is prepping for the season, scheduled to run from early May into the end of June.
Around 156 kids played in the league at Pierceton-Washington Township Park last year, and at least 100 have signed up so far this year. Parents may still sign up their kids ages 4-12 by emailing [email protected] or reaching out via the Facebook page Pierceton Youth League 2.0.
The PYL leadership has made several changes since taking over last year. That includes playing the national anthem at games and having more choices at the concession stand.
“We added concrete to … dugouts last year,” said Jackson. Those dugouts are set to be spruced up fully in the future, with the Pierceton Park Board working on getting quotes for the work.
The group also hopes to bring in batting cages and new scoreboards and redo the concession stand in the future.
“We’re trying to make (the) park … one big central location that draws more people in, not just for baseball, but other activities as well,” said Cripe.
Donations are welcomed, with people able to reach out through the above email and Facebook page to give or be a sponsor for this year’s season.
The PYL will have a fundraiser golf outing on Saturday, June 17, at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Columbia City, with people able to get more information via the email address or through messaging the Facebook page.
Those means may also be used for people to reach out to be a coach or an umpire or help with concessions.