Petersburg Pilot -

The Petersburg Little League season began May 4 and games can be seen Tuesday through Saturday at the ball field.

“Our junior team traveled to Wrangell May 11 and then Wrangell came here during Mayfest,” Petersburg Little League President Cheryl File said. “We played one game each and the softball team let us play for two hours.”

Little League is a non-profit, volunteer organization with six board members.

“Some of our members are not around all of the time,” File stated. “Our season falls during fishing and many other activities across the community.”

There are 105 kids in the program this year which is down from 150 in the previous year.

“We don't have as many volunteers this year and we are lacking in coaching,” File said. “We only have one referee.”

File explained that they are in need of equipment volunteers as well as people to check in uniforms and order new ones.

“Every volunteer organization has problems in this area,” File said. “We are not any different. It is frustrating, but it is worth it for the kids to be able to play.”

There are three T-Ball teams, two minor teams, two major teams and one junior team participating in Little League this year.

“These teams are basically playing themselves all the time,” File said. “Wrangell is the only team that will travel to play here.”

The Petersburg Little League charges $30 for one and $50 for a family as opposed to Juneau's cost of $150.

“Our concession is our big money maker,” File stated. “For the last two years we have split with the sophomore class for their help. They receive a percentage for their prom expenses.”

Last year's burglary cost the organization a lot and it hurt the organization quite a bit.

“That incident really cost us,” File stated. “It happened right before our big All-Star tournament as well.”

The regular season will end June 22 then post season play begins.

“Our nine and 10 year olds will travel to Ketchikan for a special tournament,” File stated. “The 11 and 12 year olds will go to Wrangell and the 13 and 14 year olds will travel to Sitka for All-Star games.”

In the past Little League has paid for all of the travel for the players, coaches and chaperones but this year there will have to be a charge for the travel.

File stated that the next All-Star competition will be in 2015.

“In 2015 we will have the majors and the state tournament,” File stated. “It will be a great year for Petersburg and the Little League organization.”