Parks and Rec Youth League Baseball and Softball Begin 2023 Season at Annual Jamboree

Youth baseball players celebrate at the 2023 Parks and Rec Jamboree.

Edmonson Voice Sports:
The Edmonson County Parks and Rec youth baseball and softball youth leagues began this past Saturday at the HWY 70 ballparks for the 2023 season.

Program Director for Parks and Rec John Kiernan said it was great day with beautiful weather.

 "Everything went great and we all had a great time," he said. "We have 267 kids enrolled in our youth baseball and softball teams and we're looking for another great season."

Longtime youth umpire Dez Simcoe throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2023 Parks and Rec Jamboree.

Longtime umpire Dez Simcoe was honored by throwing out the first ceremonial pitch this year. Dez, an Air Force veteran as well as a veteran of umpiring youth sports for 38 years, has been a local favorite in Edmonson County, umpiring for 10 years, as well as helping start Edmonson County's youth soccer program.

Dez followed in his father's footsteps, Dez Simcoe III, who umpired youth sports for 50 years. The two had the opportunity to umpire games together at HWY 70 before the senior's passing this past January.

Fourth grader London Simon sang the National Anthem before games began and teams played throughout the day and evening.

"We've seen some very impactful improvements to our fields and facilities at the ball park at Highway 70," Kiernan added. "We've installed rock around the creek, we've built three new bridges around the fields, and we've upgraded the score booths as well as the installment of two new batting nets. We're looking forward to another great year for our kids."