Oxnard— Youth Baseball is back, and Oxnard Youth Baseball was out in force at Eastwood Memorial Park on Saturday, January 18, as open registration drew excited children ready to play ball.
THE League teaches basic ball-playing skills while modeling children into great adults through positive mentorship.
President Paul Lemos said the season kicks off on Saturday, March 8, and the number of teams depends on how many kids sign up.
“We usually have 350-400 kids between age 3-15 each season,” he said. “Tryouts begin on Saturday, February 1,” he said. “The kids will be drafted, and the coaches will tell them what team they’re playing for.”
He said the outdoor activities at 1401 N. F Street have many benefits over spending days in front of video games.
“This ballpark has been in Oxnard since 1954, and we’re celebrating 71 years of fun for the kids,” he said. “We provide a safe haven for our kids. Our PONY League stands for Protecting Our Nation’s Youth.”
Lemos said baseball keeps the kids off the streets.
“I started playing in Little League in 1956, and I played with Major Leaguer Jim Colbert, who pitched and coached for the Dodgers,” he said. “I played baseball in Little League, High School, College, and the Semi Pros.”
Lemos is proud to be part of Oxnard Baseball since 1975.
“I have a passion for the game,” he said. “I want to provide this for Oxnard’s children.”
Coach Brandon Merriweather enjoys spending his days getting kids involved with sports.
“I like being out on the field managing the kids and helping the kids learn baseball,” he said. “I like helping out.”
He said the League has a great snack bar with things like french fries and Icees.
“We have hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, snacks, and nachos,” he said. “You can come in the morning, get breakfast, get lunch during the day. We’re here on Saturdays, and plenty of things are happening.”
The cost for the kids to join is $150, but scholarship money is available if parents don’t have the money. Big kids cost $200.
“If you need a scholarship, send a letter to the board, and we’ll review the situation, vote, and hopefully help,” Merriweather said.
He played third base and catcher as a child and loved hitting home runs.
Hector Sosa worked the snack bar and became Oxnard Youth Baseball’s Treasurer about 1.5 years ago.
“We have a nice range of snacks, and it works well,” he said. “There are more years you can do this with your kids instead of not working and mentoring kids. For now, I’ll be with my kids, and football on TV can wait.”
Lemos said being a ballplayer means making lifelong friends.
“It’s camaraderie, being part of a team, and it’s not single to one person,” he said. “Baseball is a team sport.”
To join, visit oxnardyouthbaseball.org.
