The smell of a fresh cut field and the crack of the bat are in the not-so-distant future.
Get ready for the upcoming season with an eight-week youth baseball and softball session through the Campbell River Recreation and Culture Department.
Starting Jan. 31 at Ripple Rock Elementary School, Drew Ferrill and Derek Drinkwater will tune up players from six to 15-years-old.
With more than 35 years of playing experience and 29 years coaching experience, Ferrill will lead participants through ball hitting, throwing, fielding and conditioning drills.
With 20 years of hands-on experience, Drinkwater will pitch in on the art of pitching.
Sessions run Thursdays from Jan. 31 through Mar. 21 (5:45 to 7:15 p.m. for youth six to 10-years-old and 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. for youth 11 to 15-years-old.
Pre-registration is required at the Community Centre or Sportsplex.
Along with physical activity and developing the love of sports, the benefits of baseball and softball include developing hand-eye coordination and learning the valuable lessons of sportsmanship.
Players also have a chance to make new friends and maintain those friendships through the years by participating on an organized team.
For more details for these programs or any other youth activities, see the City of Campbell River Recreation & Culture Recreation Guide.
Or call the Sportsplex, 250-923-7911 or Community Centre, 250-286-1161.
The guide is available online at www.campbellriver.ca by simply clicking on the Recreation Guide link.