Opening Day for Coal City youth baseball, softball

Coal City’s youth baseball and softball seasons officially got underway Saturday with an opening day ceremony that felt more like a community festival than a simple first pitch.
The day was about more than just games. Local vendors lined the area, raffle baskets filled tables, and kids eagerly explored a popular “touch-a-truck” display featuring vehicles from the local fire department and equipment brought in by Tyler Curl.
By day’s end, vendors like A&M Cookies — operated by a league coach — and LincsLinks, a small business run by fifth grader and league player Lincoln Wren, had completely sold out of their offerings.
Wren’s custom 3D-printed chains, created for the league’s first home run derby-style “Backyard Baseball” game, were especially popular.
League player Ryliee Kargle delivered the national anthem while a local Girl Scout troop raised the flag, setting the stage for a day centered on youth sports and community pride.
The league continues to see steady growth, with 191 players registered this season — an increase from 182 a year ago. The program fields teams across multiple levels, including eight Shetland teams (ages 4-6), four Pinto teams (7-8), three Mustang teams (9-10), and one Bronco team (11-12), along with two travel squads at the 10U and 11U levels.
Softball, meanwhile, features 59 recreational players and an additional 15 athletes competing on the 12U Diamond Girls travel team coached by Kris Spiezio. Rec teams include three Pinto squads, a Mustang team and a Bronco team, each backed by local sponsors and volunteer coaches.
While softball participation dipped slightly from last year, league officials noted that several players have transitioned to full-time travel teams following a highly successful 2025 season, when Coal City programs were heavily represented in Tri-County championship games.
On the baseball side, efforts are underway to expand Field 3 to meet Pony League regulations, part of a broader goal to keep more athletes competing locally.
Saturday’s event showcased the deep connection between Coal City youth sports and the community that supports them.
It was a reminder that while wins and losses will come over the course of the season, the foundation of Coal City baseball and softball remains firmly rooted in community involvement.