Redlands Baseball for Youth Registration Opens for 1,400 Children

Just as the World Series is wrapping up another Major League season, the Redlands Baseball (and Softball) for Youth (RBY) Spring 2015 season is taking shape. “Since 1963 RBY have been providing a safe place for the youth of Redlands and surrounding communities to learn and play ball, develop teamwork and build self-confidence while making new friends,” said Dan Carranza, president of Redlands Baseball for Youth. The Redlands Baseball for Youth is a non-profit organization, governed and run by more than 300 volunteers. According to Carranza, RBY expects to provide quality baseball and softball program to more than 1,400 children during the 2015 spring season. “Beginning at age 4, and progressing all the way through 18 years old, kids will enjoy all the fun and excitement of learning and playing ball in a safe and well-organized setting,” said Carranza. RBY has historically been limited to students within the Redlands Unified School District (Redlands, Mentone and Highland) but now things are changing. “After many requests from neighboring communities to participate in RBY’s well-respected program, this year all young people from all the surrounding communities including Loma Linda, Colton, Grand Terrace, etc. can enjoy all of the fun, excitement and camaraderie of playing ball,” said Carranza. “RBY is sanctioned by PONY Baseball and Softball, whose ‘Protect Our Nation’s Youth’ message is put into practice by providing experiences in youth baseball and softball that will help young people grow into healthier and happier adults,” said Carranza. Registration fees include a quality uniform jersey and cap, field preparation and maintenance, utilities, umpires and scorekeepers, insurance and other expenses. The Spring 2015 season will officially start with opening day celebration on Feb. 28. Along with several games and possibly a vendor fair, a brief presentation to parents and dignitaries will conclude with the official first pitch being thrown out with all teams taking the field at once. Once the season starts, teams will play approximately 16 games. The tee-ballers always play on Saturday mornings starting at 9 a.m., while everyone else plays Monday through Saturday. Weekday games start at 5 p.m. with the last game starting no later than 7:30 p.m. All parents interested in managing, coaching, volunteering or serving on the board must complete a background check. “The culture of Redlands Baseball (and Softball) for Youth is to create a fun learning environment while maintaining a healthy spirit of competition,” said Carranza. The Redlands Baseball for Youth online registration began Friday, Oct. 31 and can be easily accessed through RBY.org. Early Bird registration fees, with the online discount, are $60 for Shetland 4-year-olds; $110 for Shetland ages 5-6; $120 for Pinto 7, Mustang, 7U/8U – 10U softball (ages 7-12); Bronco, Pony, softball 12U-14U $130 (ages 13-18). On-site registration will take place at the Redlands Community Field (1535 Church Street, Church and San Bernardino Avenue), near the snack bar, on Sunday, Nov. 23; Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hard copy applications will be available at the registration event or can be accessed from RBY.org. Please be sure to bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate. RBY provides opportunities for special needs children with our Xtreme Team. Multiple child discounts are available. Families meeting certain requirements may apply for a limited number of scholarships or a payment plan. Scholarship and payment plans applicants must apply in person. Families registering online, and before Dec. 14 can save $20 per child on their registration. RBY registration fees have been lower than other similar programs in the Inland Empire – this is made possible by revenues generated through the snack bar. “Unfortunately, a grandfathered arrangement with the County Health Department requiring significant modifications to the cooking hood, plumbing and structure is expiring. Due to the extensive costs related to these alterations, registration fees are increasing a nominal amount, making registering early and taking advantage of the discount more important than ever,” said Carranza. “We need additional support to help use serve our youth. Businesses and baseball-loving individuals interested in supporting this extremely worthwhile program and learning about the benefits provided to sponsors are encouraged to visit RBY.org for more information,” said Carranza.