Not so long ago, baseball in Powell River was hugely popular. Powell River Minor Baseball Association (PRMBA) is keeping the game alive for a couple of hundred young players a year, according to PRMBA president Jason Krowitz. The 2016 season is about to start.
“We’re just getting things organized, signing up kids and still taking registrations,” said Krowitz. “We’ll take on kids who want to play.”
Krowitz said the league is keeping registration open and will not charge late fees to those who still want to register.
According to former baseball player Allan Potesta, senior mens’ and ladies’ fastball and men’s and ladies’ beer leagues existed about 20 years ago. On top of that, he remembers when 500 kids played baseball.
Potesta said he thinks Powell River’s aging demographic has a lot to do with baseball’s decline in popularity.
“Hockey and soccer are having the same issues, but not as drastically as baseball,” he said, adding that even when the sport was at its height, baseball organizers did not think it was enough.
Krowitz said interest in the sport has declined in recent years due to competing sports, as well as indoor activities such as video games.
“Baseball isn’t as popular as it used to be,” said Krowitz. “It’s a great game and a great pastime, and it’s a great way to welcome the spring.”
Registration fees are $85 for tee-ball, $105 for pee-wee and $120 for midget divisions, plus volunteer and uniform deposits.
For more information, email prminorbaseball@gmail.com.
