Mid-Placer Little League experiences biggest year to date

Mid-Placer Little League in Newcastle is experiencing its best season ever in terms of numbers. There are 135 players registered in the league, nearly double the 70 that were signed up for the 2021 season. "I think a lot of kids during COVID took off for travel ball and did stuff where they could still play ball where Little League was kind of restricted. But we're coming back," Mid-Placer President Jeff Maro said. "We're coming back. We've doubled up from where we were in 2021 to now, and it's pretty amazing to see." Mid-Placer's players had the chance to meet some idols at opening ceremonies, as the Del Oro High School baseball team came to cheer on the little ballplayers as they took the field. "They still talk about that," Maro said. "All these kids here really look up to those high school players. In fact, we went to a Del Oro game last Saturday when they played Placer, and these kids were there and they're running around with baseballs getting their autograph and stuff like they were big leaguers, and it's really cool to see." Mid-Placer plays its games at one of the most historic ballparks in the area, as Newcastle's Chantry Hill Park has been used for baseball since 1901, 11 years before Fenway Park opened. "Our major objective is to ensure that all these kids get a great experience. We feel the more kids that are out on the field, the less kids with their faces in iPads and out causing trouble in the streets," Maro said. "I love watching them grow from tee ball all the way up to majors. Man, it's really important. Youth sports is just something that can't be beat."