Muskogee council directs staff to work with leagues to revive Hatbox youth baseball and softball

Muskogee city councilors voted Sept. 8 to direct city staff to meet with youth baseball and softball organizers, Parks and Recreation and the city manager and return with options to improve operations at Hatbox Sports Complex.

League leaders told the council the recreational baseball season scheduled for fall 2025 was canceled because registrations fell short. "We've recently canceled the fall season due to loss of teams," Josh Cotton, president of the Muskogee Youth Baseball Association, said during public comment. Speakers described declines in team counts, competition from nearby leagues, and facility deficiencies that they say undermine recruitment and tournaments.

The motion came after multiple speakers urged more active city support. "We need to hold a meeting with members of the council, city manager mister Francis, parks and rec admin, mister Keith Titsworth, and the softball and baseball board members, and Dennis Wilhite," Cody Moore said. Council members and staff agreed to meet with league representatives and Parks and Recreation; the council amended an initial proposed return date of Oct. 27 and agreed the item should come back at the November public works meeting for follow-up.

Speakers outlined costs and operational constraints: teams pay about $10 per field per game and $10 per hour for practice time; registration fees typically range from about $65 to $85; the league uses registration revenue to cover insurance, umpires and awards. Cotton also said the board set a minimum of "about 49 to 50" registrations when deciding to cancel the fall season. League representatives cited safety and comfort concerns at Hatbox — including requests for protective netting over common areas and lack of drinking water fountains — and provided a list of maintenance and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) priorities previously given to staff.

Parks and Recreation staff told council they are willing to meet and asked organizers to submit specific maintenance requests; staff noted they have received many lists over time and will work through items submitted. Councilors emphasized coordination and communication as near-term, low-cost fixes and said they would explore partnerships with local businesses and tribal entities for sponsorship. Several councilors said staffing and targeted investment may also be necessary to restore Hatbox to its prior role as a regional tournament hub.

The council motion directs staff to explore partnership options, improve coordination with league volunteers and return with a plan at the November public works meeting. The vote was recorded in roll call and passed.