MILLERTON — The village’s Recreation Commission is ready to assume the baseball program previously sponsored by the Lions Club.
"They’re tired of disgruntled parents and of any decision making, and so they decided to leave it all up to the village’s hands," said Millerton Recreation Commission Chairman Donald Najdek. "The Lions had done baseball for years and years and years."
Now the village is spreading the word and giving out the names and phone numbers for coaches for every age group. It’s also trying to get more parental participation.
"What it means to the village is that we’re going to need more participation from the parents of each team," Najdek said. "We’re going to have to stop relying on other organizations to organize and be in control. We’re going to need help, I guess."
So far there’s been help from willing volunteers. The Recreation Commission has thanked past and current volunteers, and asked for their help again this year. Listed below are the leagues and coaches for the upcoming season. For fees and registration information it’s suggested that you call the coaches directly.
Tiny Tots, ages 3 and 4, Ronny and Renee LeJeune, 518-789-6410.
T-Ball, ages 5 to 7, Jeff Dunlevey, 518-789-6593.
Minor League, ages 6 to 8, Chip Ackerman, 518-789-6593.
Minor League, ages 9 to 12, still needs coaches.
Little League, ages 9 to 12, Dave Farnham, 518-398-6462.
Colonial "Babe Ruth" League, 13 to 16, Pat Argentina, 845-518-2700.
"As Millerton usually does, I’m sure we will ban together and be able to work out any issues and make sure the kids that want to play will play," Najdek said. "It just might need more participation, like other towns have done."
He gave Copake as an example, where every parent has to participate in some manner if they want their child to participate. That means parents must volunteer to coach, referee, take care of the field, etc. And it works, according to Najdek. Better yet, it keeps municipal costs low.
"I know the last thing the rec department wants to do is incur any cost, so we’re going to try every way we can think of not to do that," he said. "Taxes are high enough."
Najdek said he expects there will be problems, which will get ironed out, and eventually things will run smoothly.
"I would ask the parents for their patience and understanding and their assistance, which would make the problems less," he said.
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