Board, students and parents spar over lack of middle-school baseball and softball teams

The Watchung Borough School District told families Feb. 20 that it will not field middle-school baseball and softball teams this spring because coaches concluded there were not enough participants to form a safe roster.

Superintendent Dr. Glazer said the decision followed weeks of outreach and a review of sign-up lists. "We literally do not have enough participation to safely field a team," she said, explaining coaches need multiple pitchers and catchers, a sufficient number of upperclassmen to cover key positions and a roster cushion so the team can avoid forfeits and reduce injury risk.

At a public-comment session that ran more than an hour, students and parents disputed the administration’s counts and urged the board to hold tryouts and send more direct notices. "We have at least 15 kids," said student Tommy Shy, speaking for several boys at Valley View who said they wanted to play. Parent Mallerie Morales said families were not properly informed about how interest was collected and requested clearer communication: "Parents were not made aware of what that process was or what the time frame was," she said.

Administrators and coaches told the board they began collecting interest in January and spent the next 10 days and subsequent weeks attempting to boost numbers, calling clubs and neighboring districts. Dr. Glazer and school staff described health and safety concerns unique to moving sixth graders from Little League dimensions and equipment to a middle-school field and heavier bats. Coaches reported that increased throwing distances and heavier bats raise overuse and arm-injury risks for younger players and complicate safe practice plans.

The administration said lists showed an estimated one to six eighth graders, one seventh grader and six sixth graders expressing interest in baseball; even if all lists were realized, that would leave the district short of the 14–15 players Little League and district coaches consider ideal for safely operating a team. Dr. Glazer said other districts reported similar participation declines and that some commissioners and coaches are coordinating with local Little League and travel programs to expand opportunities for students.

Board members listened to pleas from parents and students and acknowledged communication gaps. Several members asked administration to standardize sign-up timelines and notify parents by e-blast to reduce missed messages. "We will add that layer for all our sports signups," said one district official, while also warning that clear outreach may not always produce the numbers needed for safe play.

The board did not take a formal vote to cancel teams; rather, the administration and coaches explained they could not safely field teams this year and offered alternatives such as club and Little League play, an after-school sports program, and exploring a regional seventh–ninth program the coaches were helping organize.

Next steps: administrators said they will report back to the board on communication improvements and on whether partnerships (Little League or interdistrict arrangements) can provide playing opportunities for students this spring or in future seasons.