City's softball, baseball programs...

Children and youth who can't wait to get out the old baseball bat and warm up at home plate need to register by tomorrow for the city's spring and summer youth baseball/softball program.

Richard Ellis, director of the city's Culture and Recreation Department, said the deadline to register for the program is Friday, March 8. The cost of the program is $25, and $10 each for additional children in the same family. That fee covers the cost of the player's shirt and cap.

Even for first-time ball-players, Ellis said the recreation program can help children in many ways. "We encourage the kids to enjoy themselves and have a good time, meet some new kids," he said. "I've seen children come out at the beginning of the year who don't even know if they want to play ball. By summer's end, they're crazy about it-they want to come out and play ball every day, even when there's not a game."

Games are played Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights starting between four and five p.m. during the season that lasts from April 20 through the second week in June. Practice times are scheduled around games. Ellis said that when the games are completed in June, All-Star teams will be selected to play in tournaments to be held in Grenada, Winona, Eupora, and sometimes Batesville.

The Culture and Recreation Department is always on the lookout for volunteers, including coaches, to help manage the youth teams, Ellis said. Community and parental involvement make the difference in a child's summer experience. "We want recreation to be a pleasant experience for our children," he said. "Besides learning to play baseball or softball, the kids make bonds of friendship that stay with them."

Applications for the youth baseball/softball program can be picked up at all public schools, the Grenada Headstart Center, at City Hall, and local businesses.

For more information, call 227-3450 or 227-3452.