Fall youth baseball and softball seasons are just around the corner, and registration is now open.
Durango Baseball and Softball teams will begin practicing Aug. 28 and the league’s first games will be Sept. 9.
The league is open to players 4 to 14 years old from anywhere in the Four Corners with any level of experience.
This spring, the baseball league had teams from Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Pagosa Springs, Mancos and Dolores all competing.
“We hope to grow the softball league to a similar size,” said director Kate Cortis. “Since we are an independent baseball and softball organization, we can welcome individuals and teams from any Four Corners community who would like to join.”
For registration and more information, visit www.dysb.us, or email info@dysb.us.
New this year, the league will offer a free intro-to-softball clinic for girls who want to try the sport. The hourlong clinic will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 19 at Durango High School, before the Demons play Montrose High School.
No experience or equipment is required. Admission the DHS game afterward is also free, and player autographs are scheduled for after the game.
“The Intro to Softball Fun Day is an opportunity to introduce softball to as many girls and young women as possible in a fun environment,” Cortis said. “Girls and young women, ages 4 to 14, will have a chance to learn fundamental skills in a relaxed setting with no expectations and no costs. And have fun! Then they can watch the Durango High School team play and even collect autographs after the game. Afterwards, if they are interested and inspired, they can absolutely still register at www.dysb.us and join a team for the fall season.”
A pair of DBS baseball teams recently met in the 9U championship game at the Mancos Days Baseball tournament: The AKademy Training team and the 9U Dragons.
AKademy, coached by John Simpson, Reed Duvall and Dan Schaefer, was winning 2-0 in the fourth inning when the game was called on account of weather, so it was declared tournament champion.
The 9U Dragons team, coached by Jake Kapp and Jeremy Cockcroft, upset the No. 1 seeded Mancos Saints in the semifinals. Christian Cosio of Ignacio smacked a grand slam to help the Dragons advance.
AKademy’s team includes: Asa Kane, Ryland Lopez, Harold Duvall, Carter Lopez, Dean Simpson, Luka Allison, Wyatt Duvall, Ryne Simpson, Ryder Bettis, CJ Long, Wesley Schaefer and Parker Ross.
colivas@durangoherald.com
