Baseball and softball signups

South Bay may be covered under a sheet of ice and no one is ready to put away their snow blower, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t time to start thinking about the baseball and softball seasons.

The Whitehall Youth League will hold mandatory sign-ups for boys and girls ages four through 15 who are interested in playing T-ball, softball or baseball from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 21 at the Whitehall Recreation Center, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 2 at Stewart’s (snow date: March 5 at the Rec. Center).

The sign-ups will include middle league players, who traditionally haven’t had sign-ups until the spring.

Anyone who registers to play after the final sign-up date will be charged a $10 late fee.

“It’s very important that we get everyone signed up before the season,” said Chad Monty, president of the Youth League.

He said when players sign up late it causes uniform shortages and the overloading of teams.

In addition to sign-ups, league officials are also looking for volunteers to help clean up the field and work the concession stand.

“This is impossible without the help of volunteers. If we got just an hour and half from each parent, it would get us through the whole season,” Monty said.

Officials are planning a few fundraising events, including Hometown Chevrolet’s car raffle, to help augment contributions from league sponsors.

“Our sponsors support all our Youth League activities and we appreciate all their support and look forward to working with everyone in 2013,” Monty said.

For more information on the league, or how to become a sponsor or volunteer, call Monty at 499-0259 or mail the league at PO Box 126, Whitehall, NY, 12887.