Little League try-outs draw new generation of baseball players

Between last weekend and next, the South Riverdale Little League (SRLL) expects 400 to 450 total families to show up for its annual sign-ups.

The community program has increased at a tremendous pace over the past four years, from 300 members to where it is now — 460, including 40 to 50 volunteers but not counting coaches.

League President Peter Gauss credits much of those positive numbers to the growth of the pee-wee and softball programs, an emphasis on younger players and attempting to draw children who had left back the program. 

“It’s definitely a successful program,” Gauss said. “Year-in and year-out we have families that come back. We have families that have started since they were 6 and the kids graduate out of the program at 14

“Our biggest success is also educating these kids on how to play baseball the right way,” he added.

SRLL Vice President Patrick Kenny said the program is focused on teaching teamwork, sharing and developing mentally and physically along with plenty of camaraderie, support and competition.

To maintain these standards, the older players are assessed on their baseball skills. They are placed in divisions based on age, and the coaches draft them after their assessment so the competitive strength of the teams is fair.

“My son has been doing this for eight years now,” Kenny said, “so I’ve seen him grow [maturity] wise.

“A lot of [the kids] go to the same school, but they don’t know anybody,” he added. “Now they are on a team and walking down the hall and see five of their teammates. It creates a special bond between these kids, playing Little League baseball.”

Organizers said the most important part of try-outs is making sure no one is turned away for any reason. 

Coach Lorenzo Melendez has seen two children through tee-ball, pee-wee ball and minors.

Melendez, said his son will not necessarily be a great baseball player one day, but is really focused on performing well and making himself better in the here and now.

The coach reminisced about his own Little League days, when he wanted his dad to have the ability to coach his team, but there was no opportunity. He considers himself lucky to have the time to coach and give his own kids and others a memorable experience. 

“It’s funny to watch them sort of grow into it. Early on, it’s just an activity, but then at some point, certainly for my son, he decides he loves baseball,” Melendez said. “It’s definitely a really good way to keep in touch with our friends in the neighborhood and get to see them and play out in the field. 

“Definitely from a social perspective, it’s huge," he added.