Perkins brings back baseball league

SANDUSKY — Before Jose Ramirez or Shane Bieber suited up for the Cleveland Guardians, they learned how to play the game of baseball as kids, receiving guidance from others. And, along that same basepath, coordinators representing the area's most popular youth baseball organization seek to help children understand this sport, develop their skills and have fun — which could, one day, lead them to achieve their big league dreams. Once again, three organizations — Perkins Township's government, Firelands Health and Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center — brought back its youth baseball league for 2025. Earlier this month, 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 each year since 2021, more than 400 children — with ages ranging between 4 and 14 — took part in the league. 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 elsewhere in Erie County compete in the league. With those figures, it's considered the area's most popular league among all sports — and the playing grounds play a big factor into participation levels. "Sports Force Parks is an amazing facility for children to play baseball. The playing turf helps ensure rainouts don't happen as often," said Brittany Henley, the township's public service coordinator who helps oversee this league. "The Firelands Health Youth Baseball League has children of all ages and experiences," she added. "We aim to keep this a league that every child has fun and learns the fundamentals of baseball." 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. "The Perkins Township Trustees are committed to providing services for our youth that help support healthy lifestyles," Henley said. "Our youth baseball program helps children stay active and healthy." 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/parks-recreation/youth-sports/youth-baseball. People seeking to become volunteer coaches and looking for team sponsors can call 419-609-1433.