Members of the Wesson Athletic Foundation’s board of directors asked questions, got the answers, took a collective deep breath and made the plunge. Wesson’s youth baseball league is taking the big step and joining USSSA.

     The United States Specialty Sports Association covers a wide area. In Wesson’s case, it’s mainly softball and baseball.

     For the unknowing reader, USSSA baseball is similar to high school baseball. Players can lead off a bag and steal bases. Pitchers have the opportunity to pick off the runners. Balks are called, if necessary.

     When it comes time to play junior varsity or varsity softball and baseball, the players are familiar with the rules and strategy that reflect high school sports.

     The Wesson girls have been USSSA for two or three years, according to WAF board member Larry Ashley. “It worked well with the girls. Once they step off the field over here, it benefits them. Eight of them made the Wesson varsity.”

     Although USSSA is a new approach for the Wesson baseballers, league umpires and coaches are embracing the endeavor with enthusiasm. A few meetings and discussions will be held prior to the season to make adjustments. 

     “We will be a little lenient with the rules early in the season,” said Ashley. “It will be more exciting and more fun. My thoughts are, ‘If you are a good base stealer and you aren’t good in other areas, they might stay interested in baseball and improve their other skills.'”

     Last year the WAF attracted nearly 400 youngsters to the sports complex in Wesson.       Ashley said a girls division, featuring players from 13-16 years of age, has been added. Basically, the league has teams from age 3-12 years in the boys and 3-16 in the girls.

     It all starts with Tiny Ts, boys and girls, age 3-4. T-Ball is next for both genders, age 5-6. Coach-pitch for boys is age 7-8.

 

     When you pause and consider the expense of having a child in summer ball, the base price of $60 is reasonable. It is $40 for each additional participating child.

     “We are expecting a 12-14-game schedule,” said Ashley. League play is projected to finish about the first week of June.

     “You wind up having no summer when you play much later than that,” said Ashley. “School starts in early August.”

     For the zealous parents promoting their offspring for a higher level of baseball, many options for USSSA teams are available. There are all-star teams, select teams and travel teams. Tournaments are available for each group on almost every weekend, even after school starts.

     Presently, Wesson will be the shining USSSA showcase south of Jackson. Teams around and north of the Capital City prefer USSSA instead of Dixie Youth.

     Ashley said, “We are drawing kids from the Hazlehurst, McComb and Brookhaven area.”

      Wesson’s entry deadline has been extended to March 7.

      March 7 is recognized as an exhibition day or a pre-draft, get-acquainted experience at Wesson’s complex. Players must provide their own batting helmets plus a faceguard and chinstrap.

     “We try to make the teams be as evenly matched as possible,” said Ashley. “You let the kids and the coaches be there. Every kid is going to make a team, no matter their skill level.”

     WAF president Adam Gladden said he is excited about the league’s future. There are four fields at the complex. Plans are to use Wesson’s new high school softball field for the age 13-16 girls.

     “Our girls already play USSSA,” said Gladden. “We want to help our boys get ready for high school, too.”

     Gladden said he has a solid, dedicated hard-working group of board members who either coach or have children in the program. “They really care about the league.”

     Asked about out-of-town players, Gladden said that parents should make a special request to have their children on teams with other players from their area so carpooling can be arranged.

     Player registration forms are available at Wesson Shop & Wash and Wesson Ace Hardware. For more information, contact Ashley at 601-941-7479 and Gladden at 601-695-2007.

 

     Thanks for the memory. Co-Lin head baseball coach Keith Case called me two weeks ago and made an offer. “Tom, I need you to throw out the first pitch today. You need to be at the field by about 1:45.”

     For sure, I was flattered. It isn’t every day you get invited to throw out the first pitch. It was Co-Lin’s first home game and the sun was shining. After several warmup tosses on the sideline, my right arm was sore but ready.

     Case escorted me to the mound and the P.A. announcer introduced the sports editor who has been covering Co-Lin baseball for 41 years. After a deep breath and a short windup, the leather-covered sphere sailed toward home plate. Catcher Steven Joe skillfully fielded the low inside pitch, shook my hand and presented me with an autographed baseball signed by team members.

     Each of the Wolfpack players shook my hand as I approached their dugout and I wished them well. They swept Mississippi Delta that afternoon. It was a good day for Co-Lin and yours truly.

     Case has been a shining example of intense baseball pride, ethics and hard work during his 20 years at the helm. Barring a rainout, Case should achieve his 500th career victory at Co-Lin Sunday afternoon.

 

     Contact Tom Goetz by Email: tgoetz@dailyleader.com