Welcome to Woodburn Youth Ball for the 2023 Spring Baseball Season!

Woodburn Baseball has seen some exciting growth in the past year, and we look forward to running with that momentum this spring.  Last spring our program grew from 37 players to 96 and was able to field two teams at each level for the first time in years.  We added a fall ball season with play in Keizer and had three teams hone their skills and compete with class.  In off-season board meetings and conversations, we’ve identified successes of the past year and identified some areas in which we can grow.  

As we register for the upcoming spring season, I would like to share some news and updates from the program.  You are always welcome to contact me with questions, too!

We have renewed our partnership with the Woodburn High School baseball program and will be holding open gyms at the high school most Sundays beginning in early January.  Only players registered for the spring 2023 season will be welcome to run drills and practice batting in Woodburn’s facilities with same age/level players.

Dates for open gyms are as follows:

• January 8, 15, 22, 29
• February 19, 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26

Times are as follows:  

• Rookies (1st/2nd grade): 3:00 - 4:00
• Minors (3rd/4th grade): 3:00 - 4:00
• Juniors (5th/6th grade): 4:00 - 5:00 
• Seniors (7th/8th grade): 5:00 - 6:00

Our goal for the 2023 spring season is to field two teams at each level, but this year we intend to split players into an American team and a Nationals team at the Senior, Junior, and Minor levels.  American teams play at a higher skill level and have a few slightly different rules.  For example, American Minor teams can steal home while National Minor teams cannot.

In order to determine teams, MANDATORY assessments will be held on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 at Woodburn High School for all Minor, Junior, and Senior players.  Assessments will be run by the high school baseball staff.  Players will be rated in fielding, hitting, specifics of preferred positions, and work ethic/attitude.  Assessments are scheduled between 3:00 and 6:00 each day.  Specific times per level will be provided as assessment days near.

Woodburn Youth Ball will continue as part of Clackamas County Junior Baseball Association.  Practices will begin in April and games will be played on weekdays between late April and early July.  We are currently exploring additional tournament play at the Minor, Junior, and Senior levels, with the goal of participating in one tournament per level during the season.  Tournaments will incur additional costs per player.

We intend to sell family spirit wear, organize one main fundraiser, have team and individual pictures, and incorporate some aspect of concessions at select home games.  We look forward to sharing more information about each of these things with you at the first parent meeting, Sunday, January 29 at 3:00 at the high school.  

If you know anyone (family or business) who would like to be a sponsor of Woodburn Youth Baseball, please thank them and encourage them to call or text Amanda Burlingham at 503-951-1185.  We would like to create banners for sponsors to display at the fields during games.

If you or someone you know is interested in coaching or being trained as an umpire, please contact me!  We will be holding an umpire certification class at Woodburn High School soon.  

Before your athletes can join in on all of the fun this spring season promises, you must get them registered!  Visit www.woodburnyouthball.com TODAY and sign up your player using the SportsEngine registration link!  We look forward to seeing you at open gyms in January.  

GO BULLDOGS!

Roger Williams, president

rogerwilliams25@gmail.com