Registration open for Perkins' youth baseball league

PERKINS TWP. — Area children with dreams of becoming the next Jose Ramirez or Shane Bieber can begin honing their skills in Erie County's largest youth baseball league. This past week, Perkins Township officials opened up registration for the Firelands Health Youth Baseball League at Sports Force Parks off Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky. Games should begin in early May and span through mid-June. In both 2021 and 2022, more than 400 children — with ages ranging between 4 and 14 — took part in the league. In fact, a record 433 children for Perkins youth baseball, regardless of venue, signed up in 2022. Perkins began playing youth games there in 2017 when this site debuted. Officials expect a similar amount of kids turning out this year. Youth from Perkins, Sandusky, Huron and surrounding areas compete in the league. With those figures, it's considered the area's most popular league — and the playing grounds play a big factor into participation levels. "All our players have the opportunity to play their games at Sports Force Parks, a world-class facility that families love to visit," township recreation manager Ryan Fry said. "Families and players can expect excellent customer service from the Sports Force Parks staff as soon as they enter the park." Fry continued: "Their state-of-the-art playing surfaces allow us to play our games with very few cancelations due to weather. Its various playground structures within the park allow for families to enjoy the facility while games are being played, and the kids get to experience the game of baseball on professional-level fields." Back in 2022, township trustees signed a five-year deal with Sports Force Parks for the league to play games there. The contract calls for Perkins to spend $35,000 a year through 2026, which ensures exclusive playing rights at Sports Force Parks on certain nights. These funds — $175,000 over the contract's life — come from the township's recreation fund, which will get replenished, in part, through registration fees. "This top-notch facility will be the home for the Firelands Health Youth Baseball League for the next several years, and we will work hard to maintain this positive relationship for many more years," Fry said. "Perkins Township is committed to providing outstanding services that improve the quality of life and enhance the spirit of those who live, work or visit in our community," he added. "Our youth baseball program helps children stay active and promotes healthy living while allowing them to make positive memories that will last a lifetime." Want to sign up/help? Parents, family members and/or guardians can sign up their children for Perkins Township's Firelands Health Youth Baseball League at Sports Force Parks by visiting perkinstownship.com and clicking the youth baseball link under the "parks & rec" tab. "The league is always looking for help in the form of volunteer coaches and team sponsorships," Fry said. "Anyone who is interested or has questions can call 419-609-1436 for more information."