By Tamas Mondovics
Area Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth youth baseball and softball leagues have enjoyed another successful spring season, which now comes to a close with the annual weeklong, in-league playoffs and championship game day.
Living up to the reputation, batting was strong at all four area leagues that includes the Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association (BYSA) 2215 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, the North Brandon Youth Baseball (NBYB) 2929 S Kingsway Rd, in Seffner, the FishHawk Youth Baseball (FYB) 16120 Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia, and the East Bay Youth Athletics (EBYA) 13012 Bullfrog Creek Rd, in Gibsonton.
Drawing players from Bloomingdale, Valrico and surrounding communities, BYSA, is now sporting its third season under the Cal Ripken logo. The league is divided into eight baseball divisions. Of course, the league’s success could not be possible without its committed and willing volunteers.
“We appreciate our volunteers very much,” said BYSA board member Stacy Donahue.
Now in its second year as a Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth affiliate, East Bay Youth Baseball has also boasted of one of its best seasons with nearly 700 players making use of eight fields at the recently, partially renovated park complex.
“We have enjoyed a good competitive season already as our players are able to grow under the direction of the Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth logo,” EBYA president Stacy Elizondo said.
Celebrating its tenth season as a Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth affiliate, the FishHawk Youth Baseball league currently boasts of approximately 550 baseball and 250 softball players, divided into six divisions from T-ball, rookie, minor, major, junior and senior, four softball divisions.
FYB President Mike Love, said that the league is proud of its players and volunteers, who are all “showing great support” for the program that has grown to be one of the largest in the Hillsborough County.
FYB is preparing to host its end of year tournament on Saturday, May 19. For information please visit bysafl.com., fishhawkyouthbaseball.org., nbyb.biz., and eastbayyouthathletics.org.
