Mayor Madeline Rogero announced Thursday, April 12, 2018 that the City will continue its commitment to the “Play Ball” initiative, a national effort led by Major League Baseball, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, to encourage youth to play baseball and softball.

“Play Ball is a great opportunity to remind our community of the value in America’s favorite pastime,” said Mayor Rogero. “Whether participating in one of the City’s youth leagues or playing catch on the lawn, playing ball helps our youth get fit and gain life skills, all while having fun.”

Following the announcement in World’s Fair Park, local youth from a Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV) program enjoyed a pickup whiffle ball game with Mayor Rogero and Bart McFadden, BGCTNV President and CEO.

The BGCTNV centers in Knoxville have partnered with Knoxville Parks and Recreation to promote the youth leagues to more than 6,000 participants.

“We’re happy to partner with the City on the Play Ball initiative,” said McFadden. “Through these sports, our youth can pick up many of the skills that we at the Boys and Girls Clubs strive to instill in our participants each day.”

Mayor Rogero also announced Knoxville Parks and Recreation’s youth baseball and softball league registration, offered in age brackets ranging from 4-year-old tee ball to 14 and under leagues. 

Each year, the Parks and Recreation Department accommodates 150 teams and approximately 1,500 children in its youth baseball and softball leagues held on the City’s 65 ballfields. There are also currently more than 75 teams participating in adult softball.

The City will host its annual Spring Classic Tournament for youth recreation teams April 27-29, 2018.

Registration is ongoing in the City’s ten commission leagues throughout Knoxville. To register for leagues, visit www.KnoxvilleAthletics.com.