Tee ball returns to South Elyria

ELYRIA — South Elyria will have a tee-ball program up and running this year. Although it's not a Little League team, organizer Aric Bowens is starting up tee-ball for South side youths this year. It's called the South Tee Ball Baseball Club, and opening day is planned for May 1. Bowens went before the Parks and Recreation Board Thursday to ask for use of the baseball field at South Park. He said he grew up with a baseball program on the South side, and he wants to see it return for the kids. The program will be co-ed ages 4 to 7. Bowens said there won't be winners and losers. He said he'd rather teach the kids valuable baseball skills and life lessons. The Parks Board approved the use of the field, and its members praised the idea. Board member John Hammond said the Little League program fell off, and that it's a shame today's South kids haven't been able to have a program in their part of the city. Elyria Little League South hasn't existed since the 1990s. South won the first state championship for the city in 1958. Bowens said he has several coaches lined up, who all are volunteers with multiple years of youth sports and youth experience. YWCA Executive Director Jeanine Donaldson has come on board to help with finances. They will make sure everyone involved with the program also goes through background checks. To use city-owned property, the South Tee Ball Baseball Club will have to have liability insurance. The city will provide social distancing signage to post around the field. For South families interested in the program, there will be an information and registration clinic at noon on April 10 at 101 South Park Recreational Center. The Lake Erie Crushers mascot will be at the registration. It will be an eight-week program, and it will cost $20. Boys and girls must reside in or attend school within the boundaries of South Park to participate. Each child must have a baseball glove that fits properly but if they do not, one will be provided to them. Scholarships are available for those in need. The South Tee Ball Baseball Club is also seeking volunteers and sponsorship for those interested. For more information, call (440) 458-1538. Contact Reporter Laina Yost at (440) 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com.