The Madera Parks and Community Services Department brought back Jr. Giants, and it was so well received that it will be one of the mainstays in the future.
This year, 300 kids signed up, and filled 20 teams — 4 T-ball teams, 4 minor league teams in softball and baseball, and 4 major league teams in baseball and softball.
“We were able to accommodate more kids because Jr. Giants added majors and softball,” said Adam Romero, Madera Parks and Community Services Recreational Coordinator. “This year, it filled up super fast.”
The entire Jr. Giants program is free of charge through the San Francisco Giants Community Fund. Every player received a hat, shirt and pants. Also, if they needed a glove, they were given one.
“Once they are signed up, they have a chance to win tickets to get two tickets per child,” Romero said. “Coaches and volunteers also get two tickets, too. There’s not a specific game they can go to.”
Romero will use his tickets next week, and is coordinating with other family and friends to go.
The response Romero received from bringing back Jr. Giants was overwhelming, in a good way.
“I didn’t understand how many kids didn’t play baseball until we offered this, especially in an older age,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to do something they hadn’t done. It’s here to stay. I knew this would work. I didn’t know how the community would respond to this.”
The volunteers were out every Saturday. The entire league is coach pitch, and parents were out there every week. The league lasts from June-August so it doesn’t overlap the Little League season.
“The coaches are pitching to the kids, so it’s more recreation. It was good to see the high-level kids show and teach some of the lower-level kids. It was neat to see them be a coach,” Romero said. “It’s a different atmosphere.”
The league hosted an end of the year barbecue where they fed more than 300 people, and gave out awards for the Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year and others.