New Youth Program, Lil’ Sluggers Launches In CK

The Chatham Minor Baseball Association and the Chatham Girls Minor Softball Association
have teamed up with a focus on the future of both baseball and softball in Chatham-Kent. The
two associations will be offering a “Lil’ Sluggers” co-ed league that will introduce youth ages 3-5 to the fundamentals of the game.

The league, which runs for 8 weeks starting the first week of June and wrapping up the last week
of July, will replace the CMBA’s former “Mite Clinic” as well as the CGMSA’s former
“Blastball” program.

Through this collaboration, the two associations are able to offer registration for just $25 per
child, making Lil’ Sluggers the most affordable youth sport in Chatham-Kent.

“We have always been dedicated to keeping registration fees as low as possible to make playing
the game as accessible to as many kids as we can” said Chatham Girls Minor Softball Board
President Bryan Depencier, “and by teaming up with Chatham Minor Baseball and sharing some
of our resources, we are able to do exactly that.”

The registration fee includes the 8-week program and a team t-shirt, as well as an end of season celebration and medal ceremony.

According to CMBA President Jason Chickowski, “This partnership cements the CMBA and
CGMSBA commitment to developing our youngest players to strengthen both organizations for
years to come.”

Lil’ Sluggers will run two separate nights of the week, Monday for youth aged 5 (born in 2014)
and Wednesdays for youth aged 3-4 (born in 2015-2016). Those interested in finding out more
information or registering their child online can do so online at www.ckeagles.com. Registration
will also open online at www.chathamminorbaseball.com on February 1st.

Any local businesses that are interested in sponsoring a ‘Lil’ Sluggers team are asked to contact
either association.