Thriving Ball Program Looks At Improvements

A lot of enthusiastic players, dedicated coaches, helpful parents and a supportive community. That’s what the Britton Baseball and Softball program has on its side. All of those factors have allowed the program to not only survive in a small town, but flourish. As Britton Baseball/Softball looks towards the future, they are planning for more great years even as they work towards improvements to their facilities.

This summer, there are over 180 kids signed up for baseball and softball in Britton, according to the Baseball and Softball Board. Currently, the program consists of several teams: tball, boys 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U baseball, teeners, and girls 8U, 10U, and 12U softball. Kelsi Heer, Board President, says numbers of participants were pretty similar last summer as well. This is impressive given that many small town ball programs are struggling.

Heer explains that the program got a shot of adrenaline about eight years back. At the time, participation had waned and there were only about 45 kids in the program with most of them being tee ballers. Teeners, Legion ball and the amateur teams had faded. There was no softball at the time either.

Preston Kilker, a longtime coach in the program, said that when he and others got involved at that point, the organization decided to build from the bottom up with the younger kids. “We worked to rebuild the program with those dedicated younger players, and those kids that were little then have stuck around,” Kilker said.

Over the years, softball was added back to the program and more teams of all ages were filled as the enthusiastic players aged into older and older teams. Kilker explains that this year, they have a teener team for the first time in close to a decade. “We are only two years out from having Legion ball,” he said. “It’s really exciting to see the program developing.

Kilker and other parents and volunteers involved emphasize that in addition to ball skills, players gain much more. Heer, whose own kids play ball, said, “The teams become like families. The kids are so tightknit. They also gain that teamwork aspect.”

Adam Suther who helps coach multiple teams and himself grew up playing ball in the area, has three boys in the Britton baseball program now after coming over from Langford. “It’s a whole family affair,” he said. “Baseball trips are like little family vacations.”

He added that he feels that ball has been a positive experience for his kids. “They have gained confidence for sure, not to mention friends. Even though my kids came from a different town, the kids here were very accepting, and everyone made friends quickly.” Suther added that he and his wife Kayla still have lifelong friendships from their own ball days.

As the Britton Ball Program has thrived and grown, it’s no surprise more and updated facilities are required. As this point, the current fields and park owned by the city are over ten years old and haven’t seen many updates. “The city has done a good job with the parks,” said Heer. “But we understand they have many irons in the fire, and they can’t do everything to keep up with a booming program.”

“It’s always difficult to maintain a facility,” said BJ Richter, one of the volunteers helping with improvement planning. “That’s a tough location out there and it hasn’t always got the attention it has needed to stay up-to-date.”

As they look to the future, the board has pegged various improvements to help sustain and grow the program. Richter noted that major projects include new lights for the main field, which would replace the current lights that are unsafe and unreliable. A batter’s eye is also needed for safety as the southwest field becomes unusable while the sun is setting. Cement work to make the park handicap accessible is also planned. The group is already planning for work late this summer. Plans are already in place to add drain tile to the big field and the batter’s eye.

In the long run, other projects might include new dugouts, more irrigation and tiling, infield turf, backstops, curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, storage space, bleachers, lawn equipment, field equipment, and a playground area. “We understand that these things might take several years, but they will be worth it, not only for the ball program but for the whole town,” said Richter. “Our goal is to turn the fields and the park into a feature of the town that are inviting to people and a destination. We have a special town here and want to showcase it.”

The board adds that improvements to the parks and fields will also benefit the community in numerous ways. “The current ballfield does not meet requirements to be able to host tournaments,” explained Heer. “Once work is completed, local tournaments as well as regional and state tournaments can be played on the fields. Imagine bringing in hundreds of visitors to our area and additional revenue for local businesses. The sooner the improvements can be made, the sooner the benefits are reaped.”

To that end, the organization is currently applying for other grants in addition to asking the city for a yearly contribution. The city budgeted $100,000 toward improvements just this year. On top of that, determined parents and volunteers have also formed a fundraising committee.

Realistically, the committee knows this project will take time as they raise the funds needed to pay for the improvements. “The more funding we raise and receive, the more projects we can tackle quickly,” said Richter. To this end, the group has their first major fundraiser planned in just a week.

On June 9, the group will be hosting a big shindig at the Britton Event Center with a meal (build your own nachos) and silent auction. Plus, dueling pianos featuring the Dueling Duo will also perform. Individual tickets can be purchased or tables at a group discount are also available. People can stop at Britton Insurance to reserve tables and purchase tickets. They are also accepting donations for the silent auction. Questions can be directed to brittonsandbfundraising@ yahoo.com “We hope this event is the beginning of many,” said Richter. “We would love it if the community comes out and supports it because it’s about more than just kids playing ball.” Beyond the fundraiser, if people are interested in donating at any time to the ball program, they can contact Kelly Mills, Jeff Mills, Jenna Peters, Kyla Richter, Kayla Suther or Rachelle Kilker.

In the end, all involved hope that field and park improvements will help to sustain the interest in the program and provide area youth with a positive activity.

“The camaraderie you develop playing ball on a team is special,” said Kilker. “Because of that, we really appreciate the support from everyone and are excited to keep the momentum going.”