MJBSA and RBSA Spring into Season Registration – Don’t Delay!



MARYSVILLE–It’s nearing that time of year once again – when the world eagerly crawls out of hibernation still a bit bleary-eyed from the frigid, dark months we all know too well (at least here in Central Ohio) – preparing for the nostalgic joys that accompany the arrival of spring and summer with arms wide open.

And – if you’re a parent, grandparent, guardian (or anyone for that matter) with youngsters involved in baseball, softball or tee-ball– undoubtedly, you’ve already begun the countdown to that first pitch! Union County is especially fortunate, too, for the notorious, tradition-rich organizations that have been providing local youth with gold-standard opportunities to participate in baseball, softball and tee-ball since the 1960s.

The MJBSA and the RBSA (Marysville Junior Baseball and Softball Association and the Raymond Baseball and Softball Association) happen to be two of these outstanding programs – both non-profit and entirely volunteer led – that strive to provide the youth of Union County with the opportunity to participate in baseball, softball and tee-ball.

 

“We welcome everyone that is interested in playing,” says Derek Staifer – MJBSA President. There are no residency requirements for either the MJBSA or the RBSA, including financial assistance for those who need it!

This season also springs with a variety of changes for both the MJBSA and the RBSA – each presenting their own distinctive program enhancements and improvements.

“It is our mission to restore recreational baseball and softball to its former glory – we want kids to have gotten better at the games of baseball and softball from the beginning of the season to the end, we want them to return next summer because they had so much fun and we want to foster friendships in our rural communities during the summer months that can be tough without school bonding them,” says Bethany Ardrey RBSA President.

“Something new we have done this year is extending playing opportunities for our kids beyond the month of July,” she said. “We wanted to offer opportunities for our kids to continue working after the summer season concluded if they wished to do so.”

Ardrey also notes that the RBSA has acquired two fields in Broadway.

“RBSA will be maintaining those fields, and we now have more flexibility with schedules,” she said.

 

Parent and coach feedback is also a very important and valuable aspect of the RBSA; Ardrey expressed that exit surveys will be conducted at the conclusion of every season.

“We take the feedback we receive and actively try to see what we can to do to improve our league,” she said, emphasizing the value they place upon the responses they obtain.

Staifer also notes that the MJBSA has incorporated changes to their program rules saying, “We made the hard decision to eliminate pitching machines in our 8U baseball division. We limited our games to two-hour time limits so that we can keep the games moving.”

He also stated that they have also made a point of emphasis to play as many of their games as possible at the Union County Joint Recreation District (UCJRD). “We value our partnership with them,” he said.

The older baseball players can also look forward to new opportunities: the MJBSA has entered into a league at the 16U and 18U levels – allowing them to compete against other Central Ohio recreational baseball teams.

“John Senediak (one of our board members) was a driving force in making this a reality – we are looking to expand this to 14U baseball next season,” said Staifer.

Additionally, the MJBSA is offering their first off-season clinic for softball players – and they are looking to make this expansion to league baseball next winter.

“We are super excited for our [RBSA] kids to experience playing with several communities this year – including Bellepoint, Radnor, Ostrander, Richwood, Delaware and others!” Ardrey said. She explained that incorporating a greater variety of competition is a vital characteristic of the league, and their goals and ideas align seamlessly with the newly-added communities – which are similar in both size and other socio-economic factors.

The MJBSA and the Fairbanks Summer Ball Association have also entered their own competitive agreement; the leagues will be competing against one another in softball and baseball, in three different age categories: 8U, 10U and 13U.

“We will have a unified set of rules, and will have an end of the season tournament for all ages,” Staifer said. “Our goal for this arrangement is to continue to grow softball and baseball in Union County.”

Staifer added that they are “looking to continue leveraging this partnership to find other local organizations that will want to partner with us.”

With the spring ball season rapidly approaching, sign-ups are currently open for both the MJBSA and the RBSA.

“Registrations are currently open at www.raymondbsa.com!” says Ardrey. She adds, “Our fees include full uniforms, for 8USB/Pinto BB and up – which includes a jersey, pants, socks, hat and visor. Tee-ball kids will get a jersey and a hat. We have already had our uniform fitting and equipment swap; however, please reach out to us either on Facebook or by email to set up a private uniform try-on, or if you have any equipment needs – we can look through what has been donated to our league and see if anything would suit your needs (including bats, gloves, cleats, etc.).”

The registration for the RBSA program closes on 2/19, so don’t delay!

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