Pine Plains Girls Softball Association has a ball at opening

PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains Girls Softball Association held its opening day ceremonies Saturday, May 3, at the Lions Pavilion. The event included a barbecue, team sign-up and a skills clinics for players involved.

Carolyn Smith, president of the association, said softball teaches teenagers skills that last a lifetime.

"These skills include sportsmanship, fair play, honesty, leadership skills and respect," Smith said. "I played softball and I got all of those things. Any competitive sport helps the child move forward. We started the association in December and at this point we have more than 80 girls enrolled."

Coach Les Funk, who is also the high school varsity softball coach at Stissing Mountain High School, said the association was formed to help improve players’ skills.

"The skills [players] have had when they reached the 10th or 11th grade were not the best they could be," Funk said. "We had some good kids with good attitudes. But when they got to high school their skills were just not there. When your skills are not there in high school, it’s hard to change, so we’re starting them early. With the proper skills, the wins will all take care of themselves."

The association includes players ages 5 to 14.

Tabitha Brennan, 18, who is on the high school varsity softball team and helps out with the association, said she has learned a lot from playing ball.

"I have been playing since I was 9 and I think I’ve learned about self-control," Brennan said. "I can control my feelings. When I was younger I used to get mad. Now, playing with a whole bunch of girls helps me."

Bob Lamont, father of 8-year-old Ciera, said softball gives children a positive activity to participate in.

"It gives them something to do where they can exercise and be with other kids," Lamont said. "I played baseball as a kid and it gave me a lot of enjoyment and a lot of friends — something that stayed with me through the years."

For more information, call Carolyn Smith at 518-398-5487 or Les Funk 518-398-7181 ext. 357, or visit the association’s Web site at www. pineplainssoftball.org.