Baseball’s popularity has been on the rise in this country in recent years, no doubt due in some part to the Blue Jay’s playoff run last year, and the Drumheller Minor Baseball league has been growing along with it. 

Registration closed last week and over 120 players have signed up to hit the diamonds come the first week of May. 

“Overall it’s a relatively inexpensive sport and lets the kids get outside and be active in the summer” said league president Lyle Cawiezel. 

“The last registration night was more than expected, with a lot of new T-ball and aged 4-6 players which is good in allowing us to build as they grow up.”

But as the league grows available diamond space gets tighter. Cawiezel said diamonds are booked solid almost every night of the week, as the league also shares field time with Drumheller Girls Softball Association and the Drumheller Mixed Slow-pitch League.

“It would be good to look at the possibility of where a couple more diamonds could go,” said Cawiezel. 

“There are some that are not maintained, such as the old St. Anthony’s grounds. They wouldn’t have to be full sized and could be smaller diamonds and used by the younger players.”

Check for The Mail’s coverage of minor baseball during the season from May until the end of June.

    Soccer season is back as five teams in the Drumheller Coed Recreational Soccer League are ready to take the pitch.  
    Play begins this coming Tuesday, April 12. Teams ready to hit the field include Riverside, Esso, Recovery, McDonald’s and Allied FC. With about 70 players signed up, the league continues to show growth.
     There are a few changes this year, as the teams will now play on a full field, with full sized nets. They are playing with nine a side, with a 10 game schedule.
    What remains the same is an opportunity to get outside for some exercise in a recreational setting. Games are typically Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and a few are scheduled on Monday evenings.
  The league which formalized this year with an executive has also introduced a new website which will track rosters, schedules, standings and stats.
  While registration has passed, and rosters are set, there are still a few spots open for those interested in playing. They can contact Lucy Deitzer at the Badlands Community Facility, or contact Gavin Makse at 403-823-0504.