Posted on: January 23, 2018

While origins reach back into the 1700s, baseball has been officially played (as we know it) since 1839. Over time, it became America’s favorite national pastime, and for many, it still is. The rules of baseball are easy to learn, and the skills needed to play at a recreational level are not difficult to develop.

Glen Ellyn has been offering opportunities for area youth to participate in baseball since the 1940s. In the late 1990s, the Glen Ellyn Youth Baseball program merged with the Glen Ellyn Park District. The program is now a joint effort between the Park District and the Glen Ellyn Youth Baseball Association (GEYBA), a volunteer organization that works to promote skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and well-being.

Glen Ellyn Youth Baseball is open to both boys and girls. Youth Softball is also available, for girls only. Teams are formed in early March, and practices begin in April. The season winds up at the end of June. Now is the time to sign up for team placement.

“Registrations increase year after year, and we’re expecting over 800 baseball and 400 softball players to participate in 2018,” said Clint Babicz, Assistant Superintendent of Athletics for the Glen Ellyn Park District. “Credit goes to the many volunteers. They’re invested in helping to provide high-quality programs and experiences for their sons and daughters, and they are a large reason behind the continued success of our programs.”

There are many benefits of participation in both baseball and softball. “Benefits for players of all ages include physical activity for improved fitness, development of social and teamwork skills, and increased self-esteem,” said Babicz. “Most importantly, it allows the players to simply have fun.”

According to Babicz, a large number of participants go on to play baseball and softball in high school and beyond. “Glenbard West and Glenbard South High School rosters are comprised of many players that have come through the Park District’s programs,” he explained.

At younger age levels, teams are generally formed according to the school that players attend. “We create teams by school to increase the chance that players will know someone else on the team,” said Babicz. “With so many players, we can’t accommodate specific team requests, so it gives us a place to start. When players advance to competitive leagues, where scores and standings are kept, the goal is to maintain parity by skill level with teams formed through a draft process.”

The Park District’s Girls Softball program is run with the assistance of the Glen Ellyn Girls Softball Association (GEGSA). The program, for grades K-8, gives girls a chance to have fun while developing softball skills and learning about teamwork and sportsmanship. Teams start with a recreational focus for the younger ages, and progress to more competitive opportunities through part-time and full-time travel leagues.

Teams for both programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until the end of regular registration on February 18, 2018. Registration will remain open after that if more players are needed to complete team rosters. To register, please click here.

“Volunteers are an integral part of the Youth Baseball and Youth Softball Programs,” said Babicz. “From coaching to helping organize Picture Day and other activities, the programs are successful due to the many volunteers we have helping out.” For those interested in volunteering, additional information can be found at www.glenellynbaseball.com and www.glenellynsoftball.com, or contact Clint Babicz at [email protected].