It took years but the end result was worth it.
The city used $2.4 million in redevelopment funds to overhaul the entire George Costa Ball Field Complex at Smyrna Park for the 2011 season.
"It's a nicer complex all the way around," President Lance Goblirsch said. "Everything is just so much easier. People seem to be pretty happy. The only issue we have is parking. We need more space."
The 2012 campaign started on March 31.
About 1,000 players, aged 5-18, registered to play baseball and softball this year.
The organization waived its registration fee of $80 for 50 hardship players.
"We do it every year," Goblirsch said. "It's very important. It's not about making money. We want to keep these kids off the streets and safe, and give them a place to play."
The league consists of 93 teams, including 60 baseball and 33 softball.
There are six divisions for baseball: 6&under, 7-year-old, 8-year-old, 10&under, 12&under and 15&under.
There are five divisions for softball: 6&under, 8&under, 10&under, 13&under and 18&under.
The organization split up its 8&under division for baseball into two groups: kids (8s) and coaches (7s) pitch.
"We're giving parents a lot more options now," Goblirsch said. "We offer a better facility to play at and more games than other leagues."
The Closing Day Ceremony was held on Tuesday.
The Costa Ball Field Complex project was funded with bonds issued by the Ceres Redevelopment agency. Work included razing and rebuilding the restroom facility and concession stand, installing new dugouts, bleachers, scoreboards, lighting and fencing, and replacing old asphalt with 1,000 yards of concrete.
The city used $2.4 million in redevelopment funds to overhaul the entire George Costa Ball Field Complex at Smyrna Park for the 2011 season.
"It's a nicer complex all the way around," President Lance Goblirsch said. "Everything is just so much easier. People seem to be pretty happy. The only issue we have is parking. We need more space."
The 2012 campaign started on March 31.
About 1,000 players, aged 5-18, registered to play baseball and softball this year.
The organization waived its registration fee of $80 for 50 hardship players.
"We do it every year," Goblirsch said. "It's very important. It's not about making money. We want to keep these kids off the streets and safe, and give them a place to play."
The league consists of 93 teams, including 60 baseball and 33 softball.
There are six divisions for baseball: 6&under, 7-year-old, 8-year-old, 10&under, 12&under and 15&under.
There are five divisions for softball: 6&under, 8&under, 10&under, 13&under and 18&under.
The organization split up its 8&under division for baseball into two groups: kids (8s) and coaches (7s) pitch.
"We're giving parents a lot more options now," Goblirsch said. "We offer a better facility to play at and more games than other leagues."
The Closing Day Ceremony was held on Tuesday.
The Costa Ball Field Complex project was funded with bonds issued by the Ceres Redevelopment agency. Work included razing and rebuilding the restroom facility and concession stand, installing new dugouts, bleachers, scoreboards, lighting and fencing, and replacing old asphalt with 1,000 yards of concrete.
