RIGHT IN THE STRIKE ZONE. A tee-ball league for the 4- to 6-year-old age group will start later this summer in Chippewa Falls. (Photo by Vinnie Ahuja | CC BY-SA 3.0)

Little leaguers in Chippewa Falls and the surrounding areas will have a new opportunity to develop their early baseball skills through the Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation summer youth tee-ball program, Little Sluggers. Geared toward 4-6-year-olds, this program will help area kids learn the fundamentals of baseball such as basic movements on the field, base running, throwing, catching, and hitting.

According to Recreation Supervisor Jack Haye, the Parks and Rec department will coach the Little Sluggers program during the first week of instruction. Then, it will be assisted by volunteer parent coaches as the season progresses into scrimmages.

“Offering another fun opportunity for an age group that really benefits physically and mentally from a sport like tee-ball while building teamwork and with the facilities we have at Casper Park, it seemed like a no-brainer!” Haye said.

Parks and Rec will provide a T-shirt and hat as well as bats and tees. Parents are encouraged to try to get cleats and a glove for their children. The department is expecting 25-50 kids with no capacity limit.
“I’d love to get to 50-75 (kids), more teams, and more kids playing!” Haye said.

The program runs from July 18- Aug. 10. To sign up your little slugger(s) head over to chippewafallswi.myrec.com. Registration is open until July 3.