“Baseball is exciting,” grinned William Koon, chairman of Pea Ridge Youth Sports, as fellow board members nodded in agreement.
A couple of the board members have served for two years, others are new members, and the common thread that holds them all together is their love of baseball.
On the first Saturday in April, the group is sponsoring a barbecue chicken sale to raise funds for the organization. Chickens will be $4 each with half chickens $2.
Sponsors are still being sought and both donations and donations in kind are welcome, board members said.
For a donation of $500, a donor will receive a 4- by 4-foot sign to be displayed on the fence and the organization’s name on the team’s jerseys.
Several donations have already been received including wood from T.H. Rogers to repair the bleachers.
There are 18 ball teams comprised of children from 4 to 12 years of age; practice begins this month.
Pea Ridge Youth Sports, aligned with Cal Ripken, is a 5013C non-profit organization.
Why do these hardworking adults volunteer their time — hours and hours from January through June, less from July through December?
“Because we help kids,” Barbara Greene said. “It’s for the kids.”
“Baseball teaches life skills,” said Jeff Neil.
“For fitness, health, team-oriented ideals,” James Iglehart said.
“It’s baseball!” Dustin Roughton said.
Barbara Greene, player agent, said: “It keeps kids off the street.”
“It teaches work ethics they can use all the rest of their lives,” Marty Adams said. “They learn how to lose and how to win. They learn how to overcome obstacles.”
For this group, every Saturday is work day with board members preparing the fields, painting dugouts, bleachers and the concession stand. Board members said they welcome any volunteers.
There are three baseball fields and one T-ball field.
One of the fundraisers is selling candles and candy bars. There are also blankets and athletic bags for sale.
“Children will be coming around selling candles,” Neil said.
Pea Ridge will host the state T-ball tournament June 27, Koon said. There will be a gate entry fee charged during the state tournament. The charge is $5 per adult and $3 per student. Players get in free. The tournament is to run Friday through Sunday.
“Teams come from as far away as Hot Springs and Pine Bluff,” Greene said.
Each team has duty night for the concession stand and umpires are paid.
Fees paid by each child cover insurance fees and uniforms, which include a shirt and a hat.
To sponsor a team or donate to the organization, contact Karina Iglehart at 903-2517 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Board of Directors for Pea Ridge Youth Sports are: William Koon, president; Larry Mathis, vicepresident; Casey Mathis, treasurer; Nikki Koon, secretary; James Iglehart, equipment manager; Karina Iglehart, fundraiser; Jeff Spivey, T-ball commissioner; Jerry Cook, machine pitch commissioner; David Stewart, minor/major commissioner; Amanda Norwood, concession stand manager; Barb Greene, player agent; Marty Adams; Dustin Roughton; and Jeff Neil.