Youth Baseball/Softball Finally Has Opening Day Jamboree

Program Director Greg Hudson welcomes everyone at the Jamboree.

With an extreme amount of rainfall this early spring, frustrations began to rise with parents, coaches, players, and workers involved with the Edmonson County Parks and Rec Youth Little League Baseball and Softball programs. The opening day Jamboree, originally scheduled for April 11th, was postponed to heavy rainfall until this past Saturday, April 25th. During the two week period, even more rain fell, keeping not only games postponed, but also practices as well. 

Newly hired Program Director Greg Hudson said he's understood everyone's frustration, and that he's been just as eager to get the season started. "It's a simple matter of safety," he said. "Coaches and parents were driving by the fields and saying, Well, the infields look fine, why can't we play or practice? With water standing in some of the outfields and soft mud at home plate, we couldn't allow games or practices because it just a greater liability." 

Luckily, there was just enough sunshine and wind to dry everything enough so that Parks and Rec Director A.B. Webb could finish preparing the fields for the Jamboree.

Some parents and coaches have wondered why practices can't be held elsewhere when the field conditions are not favorable. Hudson noted that practices can only be held on county park property due to insurance purposes. School property or other areas are not included in the county's insurance. 

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Special recognition was given to former members of the Edmonson County Women's Club, who traveled to Frankfort some 30 years ago in search of state funding for the very first Parks and Rec program in Edmonson County. Ladies in attendance received medallions for their ground breaking effort, they were: Becky Goad, Regina Byrd, and Darlys Booker. Family members received awards on behalf of the ladies that had already passed away: Anna Lich, Rita Raymer, and Peggy Meredith. Not present were: Sandra Potter, Marcia Cassady, and Carol Clemmons.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Photos courtesy of EC Parks and Rec Baseball/Softball Board