FAIRFIELD – There is nothing quite like the beginning of a baseball season to bring family and neighbors from all over out to see the first games of the season.
Fairfield Recreation Association (FRA) had their opening day ceremony on April 27th against a backdrop of clouds and intermittent rain. Fairfield fire and police led a procession of 205 players in eight baseball, five softball and three T-ball teams through town to the ball fields. “There were speeches and many thanks for all the effort and support that goes into preparing and running a full season” according to Rich Sherman, President of FRA.
FRA has enough ball players to field teams in a full range of age groups, but not enough for a full schedule for each age. “On the baseball side, we’re part of the Mason Dixon Youth League that includes teams from Taneytown, Upper Adams, Franklin Township, Conewago Valley and Gettysburg.”
“On the softball side we play teams from Waynesboro, Mercersburg, Marion, Shippensburg, Chambersburg and Fulton County” said Sherman. “The season runs from opening day to early June when we shift to playoffs.” There have been thoughts of participating in post-season play, but they are not yet prepared for that.
Planning for the season starts in early November for registration that starts after Christmas and runs until the first week of February.
“We have a great relationship with Fairfield High School who provides us an open gym in the winter so we can take a look at all the players”, he said. “We don’t have a draft, but we try to make team placements based on the talent we see. Our goal is that everyone plays and develops, something that also benefits the high school team.”
Oh by the way, the first pitch for the Majors game was a ball, low and outside.
