Young baseball and softball players from Mineola and surrounding communities took to the fields as the Mineola Youth League kicked off its fall ball season, filling the league’s eight fields with games throughout the day Saturday, Aug. 8.
Founded in 2016, the league includes baseball and softball divisions ranging from 6U to 14U. Teams will play two games each Saturday through October, with no games scheduled for the weekends of Aug. 22 and Sept. 5.
The Mineola Youth League's eight fields are located at 216 E. Highway 64 in Mineola.
Baseball divisions include 6U T-ball, 8U coach pitch, 10U boys, 12U boys and 14U boys. Softball divisions include 6U T-ball, 8U coach pitch and 10U girls.
Each division has between three and 13 teams, with teams allowed to carry up to 15 players.
Games began at 8 a.m. Saturday, with some teams still playing as late as 10 p.m. Players and coaches dealt with periods of rain and thunder throughout the day, but the weather did little to keep the young athletes off the field.
For several teams, Saturday also brought a new challenge as players moved into a new age division with different rules.
For the 10U Pink Ladies and 10U Thundercats softball teams, the move to 10U brings some of the biggest changes the players have encountered. It is the first division in which they transition from coach pitch to player pitch, while stealing bases and bunting are also introduced.
Coach Amanda MacArthur said the transition will come with a learning curve, but the players have already shown they are ready for the challenge.
“This is their first season playing 10U, so there is definitely going to be a learning curve, but they have already shown how much they are willing to work and compete,” MacArthur said.
MacArthur said she is looking forward to watching the girls develop throughout the season, both as softball players and teammates.
The Pink Ladies opened the season with two victories over the ETX Eliminators, winning 12-1 and 4-2.
The Pink Ladies organization also has a 6U “Little Sister” softball team, which opened its season with two victories.
Fall ball also gives children from surrounding communities a chance to play organized baseball and softball when their hometowns may not offer a fall league.
For example, the 10U Thundercats include players from Mineola, Quitman, Lindale, Winnsboro and Pittsburg.
Thundercats coach Amanda Marshall said the players are focused on improving their skills while enjoying the game.
“Our team is made up of an awesome group of girls from Mineola and the surrounding communities who are ready to learn, compete, work hard, and have a whole lot of fun along the way,” Marshall said.
The Thundercats are also beginning their first season in the 10U division. Marshall said the team's goal is to help the players improve their softball skills, continue developing their love for the game and build friendships with their teammates.
Before the season began, the Thundercats and Pink Ladies faced each other in a preseason scrimmage, giving both teams a chance to become familiar with the new 10U rules before regular-season competition.
The teams will meet again later this season in regular-season play.
Fall ball continues through October, giving players another season to gain experience, compete and spend time on the field with their teammates.