Tri-Cities Little League: Tri-Cities History

 baseball

History

 

 Welcome to the Tri-Cities youth baseball and softball league. Tri-Cities was founded in 1953. It is an incredible milestone for an all-volunteer organization to continue to thrive in a Community for over 60 years. There are thousands of children who have played and benefited from their experiences in Tri-Cities Little League. The Tri-Cities Board of Directors takes this hisotry very seriously. The future of the League depends on volunteers at every level.

Did you know that Little League Baseball is the largest youth baseball program worldwide? It is the only youth baseball program to receive a Charter by an Act of Congress. Today over 20 million kids worldwide play some form of organized Little League baseball.

In early 2009, Tri-Cities Little League and neighboring Meadowdale Little League merged. Collectively the two leagues operate under the Tri-Cities Charter. This merger added five new fields to the current ones used by Tri-Cities. In addition, Meadowdales main field on Route 25 has field lights. This gives the kids the opportunity to play in featured games under the lights. This merger was amicable and the results have been very positive for the League and the community.

Every year in early March, Tri-Cities holds tryouts for boys in the Minor League (ages 9, 10 & 11) and the Majors League (ages 11 & 12). In addition, tryouts are held for girls softball at all levels. A draft takes place at the beginning of April for T-Ball, Instructional, Minors, Majors and Juniors for both baseball and softball leagues.   

On May 3rd 2009, Tri-Cities had its inaugural Challenger baseball games at South End Park in West Dundee. The Challenger Program is designed for boys and girls with physical or mental handicaps to have the opportunity to play baseball. The program pairs Challenger players with "buddies" from Tri-Cities baseball and softball teams.
The Buddies teach the Challenger players how to hit the baseball or how to field a baseball. The Buddies work with the Challenger players to make sure they have a fun baseball experience.