By Tamas Mondovics
With no shortage of top notch facilities providing young athletes a chance to learn and play the sport they love, one would think there should be no reason for any child to spend a game on the bench, or have their name on some waiting list instead of the team roster.
While most folks agree that no child should miss out or play only a small portion of the game when they faithfully show up to practice, many young athletes are still found sitting on the sidelines due to various reasons including overcrowding, which could be easily remedied with little effort.
Only minutes from FishHawk, at 9312 State Road 39 South in Lithia, the Pinecrest Little League baseball and softball program boats of six great playing fields, plenty of parking and even more room for players, offering a home not only to the most talented, but to all who love the sport, willing to wear a PLL uniform and are hungry to play America’s game.
“We have plenty of room for new players, boys and girls in every level,” said Pinecrest Little League board member, Scott Jacobs. “There is no reason why any child should sit on the bench or to be on the waiting list to play.”
A former PLL athlete and the organization’s vice president, Jacobs is promising to keep the sense of community, family atmosphere and closeness at the park he grew up with playing ball.
“We would like every child to have the opportunity to learn the game in the spirit of healthy competition, sportsmanship and most importantly what many parents and players really seek; to play and have fun,” Jacobs said.
Channing Park resident and team parent Betsy Primacio agreed as she emphasized the benefits of being part of the Pinecrest Little League family.
“I love it here and enjoy the atmosphere,” Primacio said. “We are truly one big family, something that many neighborhood athletic organizations have lost in the process of community growth. Since I have been here none of the kids have been benched or have to wait to play. To me, that’s worth the few extra minutes of drive.
Pinecrest Little League is now open for spring ball registration at the ball field on Thursdays, December 5 and 12 as well as on Tuesdays, January 7, 14, and 21 from 6-8 p.m., and on Saturdays, December 7 and 14, as well as January 4, 11 and 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
