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Softball Returns To Century

Dwindling interest and competing leagues led to not having a girls’ softball team participate in Century Little League last season. But a renewed effort from Century Little League’s Board of Directors has brought back the fun.

Submitted by Joel Borelli

When asked what obstacles needed to be overcome league president and Century resident Kevin Merchant, said “It wasn’t easy, especially given the fact that last year we didn’t have a team. Sometimes it’s harder to get something back after you lost it than it might be to start something new.” He went on to explain that a lot of children go to school at Bratt or Walnut Hill and make friends there. It’s only natural for them to want to play sports with their friends and that’s okay, but the unfortunate result is that some children end up playing for the Northwest Escambia League and not Century.

He was quick to point out that, “We still have a lot of children available to us. The key was finding the right person to coach the team, an enthusiastic person, willing to go the extra mile and go out there and recruit. And we found that with Coach Tara Jones.”

When I caught up with Coach Jones on her second day of practice she agreed it wasn’t easy, especially with no team to draw girls from last season. She reiterated though, that the simple act of recruiting made all the difference.

“Talking with friends, neighbors, everyone I know,” she says was the formula for her success. And although it’s still early, she’s excited about her team. “I’ve got three girls who played minor league ball with the boys last year. I’m really counting on those girls to come out and do their best and to help the others that don’t have the experience. We’ve got some girls that can hit the ball too,” she added . And while she believes her team will compete well, she admits she has a ways to go in putting it all together. “I’ve got my starting shortstop, my catcher, and a few other positions, but I’m still trying to identify the rest, especially pitcher.”

The impact of the return of softball in Century goes well beyond the city limits. Around the league teams are, “Tickled, excited,” says Kevin. “It’s a win-win situation. The additional team added to schedules helps the entire tri-county league and improves the competition. It also helps the league when it comes to All-Stars. An expanded talent pool results in more girls to choose from so the league can field the best possible All-Star team.” His excitement doesn’t end there either. “I don’t see why we can’t get two or three girl’s softball teams going and sustain them,” he states.

So how does that happen? What does the future hold for Century softball and what has to be done to sustain the hard work already done in laying this foundation? Like all non-profit, volunteer-run organizations, Century Little League must rely on support from the community. In Century, that starts with the city’s participation. Kevin made it perfectly clear how great an asset Century has been to the league. “Century is a fantastic partner with us, there’s so much that they do. Every year they donate money and they don’t charge us to run the field lights, among other things. These go a very long way to making Century Little League a success. They also allow us to operate the concessions ourselves which really helps us raise additional funds.”

Beyond the city’s help, Kevin recognizes that the citizens themselves must pitch in, be they parents of children or just those that want to volunteer, and he reached out to them a few weeks ago. “We recently hosted a Fun Day at Showalter Park.” The day sported games the kids could play, a home run derby, fast pitch competition, races, and those types of things. “We opened it up to the whole town too. We didn’t want it to be for just the kids playing baseball or softball. We wanted whole families to come out and have a good time.” In spite of the bad weather the turnout was good and he’s looking to build on it for next year. Cheerfully doing his part to raise money, Kevin took a good soaking in the dunk tank that day, despite the chilly weather.

As for the business community, Kevin states, “We receive a lot of support from local businesses, which really helps, but we could always use more. In this economy especially, there are parents out there who just can’t afford to pay the registration fees and that’s just too bad.” When asked about other suggestions for community involvement he had a unique idea. “I think the churches might help us some and I plan on contacting them. There are over 30 churches in Century and if each one sponsored just one child’s registration fee that would get thirty-plus more kids out here having fun, playing ball, and the positive impact sports has on children is worth the investment.”

When asked to give us a prediction on Century’s success around the league this year, he said, “Coach Wes’ National League Tee Ball team has a real good chance to win it all. We have two really good minor league teams and then Coach Jones’ softball team looks like it has a shot too.” And Coach Jones got in on the fun too, saying with a smile, “I’m seeing some wins for us this year.”

While Kevin and I were talking I took the opportunity to ask him about the rest of Century Little League and according to him the outlook is good. Tee Ball participation is way up and this year Century is fielding two minor league teams as well, but he was quick to say that kids are still welcome to come out and play, especially eleven and twelve year olds, the weakest turnout age for Century this season. If you have a child 12 and under you can bring them by the park any Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to sign up.

Joel Borelli serves as a board member for the Century Little League.

Pictured top: Catcher Cheyanne Merchant and Coach Tara Jones practice. Pictured inset: Shortstop Samanta Bathea. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.