The Bradford Minor Baseball Association (BMBA) House League baseball and softball season is all set for a full comeback in 2022. With COVID restrictions lifting, the season is shaping up to be a return to normal.
After losing the 2020 season and going through a challenging 2021, BMBA President John McBeth can’t wait for the upcoming season.
“We are very much looking forward to getting back to the sport in full capacity with minimal restrictions in place,” he said.
The excitement comes not only from the prospect of a ‘normal’ season but also the addition of an all-girls softball program. The new offering is meant to bring in more girls to the diamond as baseball grows in popularity.
“All across Canada, female registration in sport continues to decline, mainly because of the lack of opportunity for girls to play with other girls,” said BMBA Vice President, Chirs Deniet.
Despite the existing co-ed program, McBeth feels that the all-girls softball program is in demand as it provides girls with an opportunity to play with their friends on regular basis.
“We are already seeing multiple girls signing up because they have talked with their friends, and want to play together,” said McBeth.
“We have coaches and volunteers in place who are very excited to help get this program going, and want to see it be successful for the long term, as well,” added Deniet.
Assuming Covid protocols continue to stay in a relaxed position, activities are expected to return full scale this year. That said, the BMBA will keep following the direction of the governing bodies and the provincial government.
“Regardless of the COVID protocols in place, I think the pandemic has taught us valuable lessons on safeguards that we can all employ in our daily lives,” noted Deniet.
The hope is that some of those same pandemic safeguards would transfer onto the field in terms of hand hygiene and keeping one another safe.
McBeth believes that ensuring the interest level is still there for BMBA members is the biggest challenge for this year’s season.
“Throughout the pandemic, many people have not been able to enjoy sport as they did before and may not be entirely comfortable coming back,” he said.
Concerns aside, Deniet anticipates the house league and rep programs will be completely operational and ready to provide a full season as their members have grown accustomed to over the years.
With Joe Magani Diamond 4 added to its field roster last season, the BMBA is expecting Diamond 5 to come online this spring. As the association grows, McBeth is thankful to the Bradford mayor, council, and staff, for their support along the way.
“The town is growing, and our Association is growing. It's nice to see the support at the municipal level for not only the BMBA, but for any other number of sporting associations,” he said.
With the registration system already open, McBeth encourages families to register early so that teams can be planned and coaches get assigned for a May start.
BMBA will be having an in-person registration at the Bradford Leisure Centre on March 26. They encourage parents who have questions to come out from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To learn more visit the BMBA website here.
