Kalispell PeeWee Baseball is kicking off its 58th season on Saturday, May 2 at the John Harp Complex (upper and lower) at the KidsSport Complex. Opening day for the baseball youngsters has become a large event over the years and this year is no different. All 39 teams in the league will play on Saturday, with games beginning at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. There is no admission charge.
According to a press release: “This year marks the largest number of athletes and teams playing in the Kalispell PeeWee Baseball League. Two expansion major league teams were added. With thirty-nine teams, 462 athletes, plus nearly 150 coaches this year will prove to be the biggest and largest in league history.”
Also from the press release:
The opening day ceremonies tip off before each game and will include player introductions, a tribute to longtime coach and former board member Keith Albright, and the national anthem performed by various singers from the Kalispell area. “We try to make opening day be a community celebration. Everyone can come out to watch the kids play. With six or seven baseball games being played at the same time, with several hundred spectators, it’s a very fun and exciting atmosphere to kick off the season,” said Alan West, President of the Kalispell PeeWee Board.
In addition to a full slate of baseball games, including Rookie League (6-8 year olds), Minor League (8-10 year olds) and Major League (10-12 year olds), both concession stands will be open and free grilled hot dogs will be available to all players and coaches. This year the league will sell official league hoody-style sweatshirts as fundraiser and a convenient way to battle the spring weather of Kalispell.