Milton's Hopewell Youth Baseball Registration Begins Soon

Hopewell Youth Association’s fall baseball season will kick off online registration Monday, June 13 for Milton residents. Veteran players who do not reside in Milton will be able to register Monday, June 27 and everyone else can register beginning July 11.

Board member and parent volunteer Reed Draper says that around 400 participants are expected to sign up for the fall season including his 10-year-old son, Dylan, who has been playing since he was five.

“My son loves baseball and playing at Hopewell. I ask him each season if he wants to try another sport and he always looks at me like I’m crazy and answers ‘no dad, I play baseball’ “, said Draper.

His five year-old-daughter, Anna, will begin her first season at Hopewell this fall.

Ken Sisson began coaching baseball with his father in the 1970s when he was a teenager and is now in his third year of coaching at Hopewell. 

When asked what he enjoys most about being a coach Ken explains, “Working with and getting to know all the kids; and seeing them enjoy learning to play a sport and improving over the course of the season. I also enjoy the sense of community that exists at Hopewell.”

Sisson’s son Hank is currently on the 7-year-old Hopewell Cannons All Star-Team.

“My son loves baseball, and loves to get out and play with his friends from school and his new friends he makes on his teams. He loves being part of a team and is learning how to compete (winning and losing) and learning about sportsmanship,” says Ken.

Despite the economy, Ken says that participation has been strong.

“Our total participant numbers have been consistent in the last few years, and only slightly below the capacity of our field space,” said Sisson, “Interest remains strong in our younger age groups.”

In addition to being a coach Ken is also on the board of directors of the league and says that Hopewell strives to provide kids and their families with a well organized, appropriately competitive opportunity to enjoy baseball in the community.

Registrations fees will be posted on the HYA Web site prior to registration.

“The HYA Board is continually looking for creative ways to raise funds and minimize costs to keep the registration fees as low as possible,” said Reed Draper. "We believe that the costs for Hopewell are reasonable compared to other leagues in the area. We have actually seen the number of players remain relatively constant over the last couple of years. From the feedback we have received, the parents at Hopewell believe that the league is a great value.”

Marc Fein, president of the Hopewell Youth Association, said that there are three major fundraising events each year: a poker night in the fall, a casino night in the spring and a basket fundraiser at the association’s spring festival. Banner space is also sold on outfield walls to raise funds.

Fundraising is something close to Fein’s heart.

“My plan is to move from my position as president into a fundraising role in the upcoming year,” said Fein.

Scholarships are also available on an individual basis.

For more information on the Hopewell Youth Association visit the website here.