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City announces youth baseball, softball and football schedules, expanded tackle teams and registration details
Summary
Recreation staff reported a full slate of youth baseball, softball and t-ball teams starting May 14, plans to add first- and second-grade tackle football, and increased signups compared with last year.
Madison parks staff told the Park Board they have a full slate of youth baseball, softball and t-ball teams this season, with opening night set for May 14 and intercity games lined up against neighboring towns.
Whitney said the department filled multiple youth divisions: four full t-ball teams, two 8-and-under softball teams, and single baseball teams for each of the other age categories. She said the program will play home-and-away games against nearby communities including Trimble County, Ripley County, Switzerland County and Jacksonville, with an opening-night schedule of four games on May 14.
Whitney credited Mike Watson, the league director, and park staff including Christian Hansen and the field crew for preparing Rucker (Rucker/"Rocker" field referenced in the transcript) and said volunteer coaches and community leaders (PJ Guymon and Abby Suter) helped rebuild youth softball participation. She said 42 players had signed up so far compared with about 25 last year for the same time, reflecting increased participation.
The city is also adding tackle football for first and second graders to its existing third- through sixth-grade lineup as part of membership in the Hoosier Hills Youth Football League. Whitney said 34 helmets were successfully reconditioned; other helmets had expired or could not be reconditioned and the department plans to buy additional helmets before the season.
Whitney and staff framed these items as operational updates rather than agenda votes; no formal approvals were required at the meeting.
