Exciting New Changes are Underway for Lake Forest Baseball in 2017

The Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department (LFPRD) and Lake Forest Baseball Association (LFBA) have formed a partnership intended to help build a robust and successful baseball program in Lake Forest. This partnership allows players with talent and interest to continue their baseball in a seamless manner between both organizations. Baseball House League play begins on April 3rd.

Baseball House League, for Kindergarten through 8th grade, is a community based baseball program for the beginner through the most experienced player. The Bronco and Pony House League programs will engage in a semi-competitive travel-like league called the North Shore Youth House Baseball League. All other age groups will play games in-house, against other teams in their age group. House League is where it all starts and is the foundation for the player who wishes to someday compete at the highest level. This is a great program which lets young players learn the game while playing in their own community. All House League divisions are centered on learning and developing the fundamentals of the game as well as success, safety, and, above all, FUN!

New this year, March Spring Training (going on now) is free to any Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, or Pony league player. Staff will train your player in the facets of hitting, pitching, and defense. This opportunity gives all players the opportunity to sharpen their skills before House Leagues begin in April. March Spring Training is Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 23. The schedule is: Pinto: 4:30pm - 5:30pm, Mustang: 5:30pm - 6:30pm (A-L) and 6:30pm - 7:30pm (M-Z), Bronco & Pony: 7:30pm - 8:30pm.

An Opening Day Ceremony will be held for all House League participants on Saturday, April 29th at Deerpath Community Park. Join the festivities as the teams are announced, we sing the national anthem, and throw out the season’s first pitch! Special guest, Adam Russell, former Major League Baseball Pitcher, will be there to meet the players and offer pitching training after the ceremony. Adam was drafted by the Florida Marlins in 2001, but decided to go to Ohio University for 3 years before starting his professional baseball career. In 2004, he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and began an 11 year career. He played on 3 Major League teams including the Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, and Tampa Bay Rays.

Coming up in May (date to be determined), the LFPRD Athletics Department will be hosting its 1st Annual All-Star Weekend for Mustang, Bronco and Pony Leagues. The weekend’s festivities will feature an Opening Ceremony and consist of a home run derby, around the horn team competition, Golden Arm competition, and All-Star game. Prizes will be awarded to winners.

The Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing residents of all ages positive experiences through a variety of high quality programs, activities, and services under the direction of professional and dedicated staff who are responsive to the changing needs of the community.
For more information and to register for programs visit our website: www.LFParksandRec.com.

Inquiries:
Jason Olson
Program Supervisor, Athletics
Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
Email: olsonj@cityoflakeforest.com
Phone: 847.810.3946