Registration for the 2016 season is now well underway and the Richmond City Baseball Association (RCBA) is also hosting a special day for potential newcomers.
The RCBA’s first-ever Introduction to Baseball is set for Sunday, Jan. 31 at the all-weather Latrace Field.
The free drop-in session is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be overseen by recently appointed Director of Player Development David Van Ostrand. There will be drill stations for kids to try and Richmond City Baseball executive will also be on hand to answer any questions.
Van Ostrand joined the organization last fall and has been busy overseeing winter development programs at local school gyms and the covered practice centre at Blundell Park. He will also be working with teams and coaches once the season arrives.
“This is part of bringing David on board and one of the deliverables of his position,” explained RCBA president John Braaten of the Introduction Day. “It’s about bringing awareness to the community and giving kids the opportunity to come out and try the game. It’s open to all ages (18 and under).”
Official RCBA Chuckers merchandise will be randomly given out at the event. There will also be a draw for a chance to win free registration for the 2016 spring season at the grassroots levels — Blastball, U6, U7, U8 and U9 — only.
RCBA launched their 2016 registration back on Jan. 4 and the process continues online at richmondcitybaseball.ca
A new wrinkle being introduced by Baseball BC this coming season is six aside games from the Tadpole (U9) level down. The focus will remain on developing five key fundamental skills — hitting, throwing, fielding, running the bases and defensive plays.
“Quebec has already moved to this model,” added Bratten. “It’s like micro soccer where the idea is to enhance skill development and have kids more engaged.”
The association is coming off a productive 2015 campaign that was successful on and off the field with higher registration numbers and the U13 Chuckers capturing the provincial AAA championship. The success of that age group is expected to continue on at the Bantam age level where Richmond also captured the Fall Ball Classic wrap-up tournament in October
