By JOANIE WILLIAMS

Assistant Athletic Program Director,

Bainbridge Leisure Services

The sound of the mowers readying the fields. The sound of popcorn popping. The smell of hot dogs and burgers filling the air. The sound of excited chatter and fast feet running towards the dugout. The sound of cheers, claps, and maybe even some whistles. Lights illuminating the fields. Cleats making their way towards home plate. Bat taps against shoes, once, then twice as the player winds up and prepares for the pitch. Parents holding their breaths while their child gets ready to swing. These are the sights, sounds and smells of spring and the beginning of ball season in Bainbridge!

This coming week starts the team drafts. If you are coaching softball, the coaches meeting and drafts will be Monday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Leisure Services building. If you are coaching baseball, the coaches meeting and drafts will be Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. in the Leisure Services Building. If you are coaching T-ball, the coaches meeting and drafts will be Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Leisure Services Building.

There is still a need for coaches for ages 3-and-4-year olds. This is a precious age and one of the funniest groups to coach! If you are interested, give us a call at (229) 248-2010.

The baseball and softball Team Mom meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. at Potter Street Community Center. The Parent Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 4, at 7 p.m. and is at Potter Street Community Center as well. Opening ceremonies will be Saturday, March 16, beginning at 10 a.m. at Bill Reynolds 3.

With ball season about to be under full “swing,” Leisure Services is now taking applications for seasonal part-time workers! We are looking for umpires, score keepers, and concessions workers. If you are interested and would like to fill out an application, hurry down to City Hall and pick up a form. We will be filling these spots soon, so don’t hesitate and be sure to join in the fun!

Kickball ends Tuesday, Feb. 19, and Session I of Boot Camp ends Thursday, Feb. 21. It has been a fun six weeks that has flown by. If you missed getting a team together, or missed signing up for this past round of Boot Camp, don’t worry. These will be offered again and we will keep you posted on dates!

For more information on these and other upcoming programs, like us on Facebook at “Bainbridge Leisure Services” or call (229) 248-2010.