For decades the youth of Hightstown and East Windsor did not necessarily experience the camaraderie or community of playing baseball with their neighbors and classmates. The two leagues, EWPAL Little League and HEWYBL Cal Ripken, played baseball just two miles away from each other, but never together. Whether they played Cal Ripken at Hancock Field or Little League at the EWPAL Sports Complex, they likely learned to play and appreciate America’s pastime. In 2012, the divide will end.

The leadership of both leagues recognizes the importance of pooling resources and has negotiated a pilot program in the interest of baseball and the children of this community who play it. For players ages 4-12, the newly formed EWPAL/HEWYBL Unified Baseball and Softball Association will offer one league for both boys and girls. The league will carry both the Little League and Cal Ripken charters and utilize both the HEWYBL and EWPAL sports complexes. This landmark pilot program will not only bolster the future of baseball and softball in East Windsor and Hightstown, it will also emphasize the sense of community that we have been longing for around baseball.

We encourage you to be a part of this milestone season. It promises to be fun, exciting and memorable as we move our baseball and softball programs forward in uniting our proud community. Through a consolidated program, we assure you that our unified league will bring countless memories to you and your family.

 Players must be registered in advance to take advantage of the free winter clinics. Clinics will be held every Sunday in the Hightstown High School annex gymnasium beginning January 8. Registration information and clinic times can be found at www.eastwindsorlittleleague.com.