RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Shouts of "play ball" filled the air as the Randolph Youth Center opened its spring sports season March 24.
The youth center began its spring baseball, t-ball and girls softball season with an opening ceremony at Ebbets Field on base. More than 200 youth ages 5-17 will participate in one of the three sports, along with 30 coaches and 25 umpires.
Rey Salinas, youth center sports and fitness assistant director, said youth who participate in the league learn the values and fundamentals of the game while having a good time.
"The kids are going to be out there having a fun-filled season," he said. "We will emphasize to the youth sportsmanship, fair play, exercise and social interaction."
The 16 youth center teams will play on base Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and off base Saturday. The base teams will compete in the Greater Randolph Pony League against teams from Schertz, Universal City and Marion.
Salinas said half of the 30 coaches affiliated with the youth center teams are returning coaches. He said the coaches have a big responsibility when it comes to guiding and mentoring the kids on the field.
"The coaches need to be able to communicate with the kids and parents," Salinas said. "They need to keep things simple and teach the basics to the kids while keeping their cool on the field."
Jerome Watkins, who has coached youth baseball, basketball and football at Randolph for the past five years, said teaching youngsters how to play the game right is why he likes coaching. Last year, Watkins coached a team ages 11-12 at Randolph.
"I enjoy teaching the fundamentals to kids," Watkins said. "When I was growing up playing baseball, no one came out and told me how to properly throw a baseball. I learned as I went on my own. I want to give back some things I missed in terms of formal instruction. We try to teach fundamental skills to kids early on."
Watkins said he likes being involved in the Randolph Youth Center league because they have reached out to the local community, which many base leagues have not done.
"What I like about Randolph is that we are making an effort to get involved with the local community," he said. "We are stepping forward by getting involved in these local tournaments and leagues and that can only benefit our kids. From t-ball to Pony League baseball, we are starting to become more competitive against the teams off-base."
The spring sports season runs to late May.