It's 'batter up' for West Plains Little League

CHENEY — Batter up!

A new season of the West Plains Little League put bats on balls starting Saturday, April 13.

Ceremonies began at 9 a.m. at Salnave Park Field 3 and included opening remarks and a parade of players. There were a variety of events planned throughout the day, officials said.

A full schedule of games starting at 11 a.m. are also part of the day as is a free equipment table offering gloves, cleats and bats.

The 2024 season marks the 21st year the league has not only provided an entry level to the sports of baseball and softball, but skill building into later ages.

The league has more than 650 players this season and 58 teams from T-ball through Majors. They serve children ages 4 - 12 from Reardan, Cheney, Medical Lake, Airway Heights and Spangle.

More than 140 volunteers signed up to help this season.

Reardan has five teams this year, including three baseball teams and two softball teams. Doug Craig, Brian Graham and Derek Jones coach the baseball teams, while Tom Bocook and Brad Eylar coach the softball teams.

Odessa and Davenport, meanwhile, are participating in Lake Roosevelt Diamond Sport Babe Ruth with Wilbur, Almira-Coulee-Hartline and Coulee City.

Davenport has two tee ball teams coached by J.J. Kowalkowski and Morgan Bodeau, while Jill Morrison coaches the minors team.

Zach Schafer typically coaches Odessa’s team, but the total number of teams from Odessa for this year was still being finalized by press time.