By Gabriel Wetzler

Boca Raton Little League, one of the city’s most popular recreational sports leagues, provides kids with an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball and improve on them, as well as meet many new people and form long-lasting friendships (for both parents and players).  There are two seasons, Spring & Fall.

Kids ages 6-16 can partake in Boca Raton Little League, which offers a different experience from other travel or school leagues.  Boca Raton Little League welcomes players of varying skill levels, allowing them to enjoy the game and refine their skills at the same time.  Interestingly, the overall level of play is quite high when compared with leagues in other parts of the country; particularly those which are limited to Springtime due to colder weather.

Games take place at a variety of places, but mainly at Sugar Sand Park, Hillsboro El Rio Park, and Patch Reef Park.

Every season, the league begins with an opening night ceremony, the Friday night before the season commences.  It features every single team in the league lining up on one field, with the playing of the national anthem and fireworks.  Two teams from each age group are then chosen to play that night. Everyone else plays the following day. That opening Saturday is also when team and individual pictures are professionally taken.

Once Boca Raton Little League’s regular season winds down, players take part in the playoffs. Single elimination for some age groups and double elimination for others, the playoffs provide an opportunity to experience the “intensity” of playoff baseball. The closing ceremonies include all the teams for the parade, then the teams who survived take the field for their championship games.