Over fifty-three years ago, Dilworth little League was but a vision in the minds of few dedicated neighbors. But in March, 2006, over 400 children from the Dilworth area celebrated that vision and kicked off Dilworth Little League’s 53rd Anniversary season. During the season, Dilworth teams played up to 20 regular season games, including double headers, won a Mecklenburg County Champions Tournament, and finished runner-up in the District III (11 & 12 yrs.) All Star Tournament.

 

Dilworth Little League (now a subdivision of the Dilworth Youth Athletic Association) fields boys’ and girls’ baseball and softball teams in the spring and fall of each year. Children between the ages of 5 and 16, supported by a cast of adult volunteers, participate in seven levels of competition. The youngest boys and girls, ages five and six, play Tee Ball, hitting a softly tossed or tee-placed pitch. All game send in a “tie,” everyone plays, and while the fascination of bugs, butterflies and dandelions occasionally interferes with concentration in the field, a cheering crowd generally sends everyone home happy. Ten teams of 12 to 14 players each participated this year.

 

As the children grow older and stronger, the level of skill and competition increases. Seven-and-eight-year-olds usually play Coach or Machine Pitch, with an emphasis on hitting a moving target. As the children pass the nine-year-old mark they face live pitching in the AAA Minors, and many move into the Majors depending on their interest and skill level. While the younger leagues play most of their games at the lower Freedom Park fields, the Majors play exclusively at the beautiful Jim B. Whittington Field on Princeton Avenue, arguably the premiere youth baseball facility in the county.

 

Named after the late Jim Whittington, the field was extensively renovated by the Parks and Recreation Department working in concert with the league. Mr. Whittington was an extraordinarily dedicated Dilworth businessman, whose Little League involvement extended well beyond our neighborhood. He ultimately served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Little League Baseball, Inc. His service to children of Dilworth and the entire Little League organization was recently recognized by the dedication of the new headquarters of the Southern region of Little League Baseball, Inc. in St. Petersburg, Florida, to his memory.

 

After completing the Majors, interested children can continue on a regulation-sized field in the Junior (13-14) and Senior (15-16) programs, where they compete against other teams from throughout the region. And while all levels of baseball are open to both boys and girls, the Dilworth Fastpitch Girls Softball program has enjoyed tremendous success in the Mecklenburg County Girls Softball League for a number of years. County Championship and Runner-up recognition have become a regular occurrence.

 

In addition to traditional baseball and softball, Dilworth Little League also offers the only Challenger League in the county. Open to children of all ages with physical impairments, these players can be seen on weekend mornings scooting their wheelchairs and braces around the bases at Freedom Park. With the help of “buddies” from other teams, they are able to enjoy the pleasures of baseball despite their other limitations.

 

The Fall Ball program places less emphasis on competition and more on informal instruction. It’s a great way to hone some skills and prepare for the season ahead.

 

The season kicks off in March and April. Registration takes place on consecutive Saturdays in February, with evaluations to follow in March. Look for flyers and signs around Dilworth and notices in Mecklenburg Neighbors as well as the DYAA website (see below). The League relies on the services of over 100 volunteers, and newcomers are always welcomed. Additionally, critical financial assistance from over forty commercial sponsors has allowed us to keep our fees among the lowest in the area. Come out and join us – the kids aren’t the only ones that have a great time! To all kids and parents involved in Dilworth Little League--you’re involved in something special!

 

For more information, visit our website at //www.dyaa.net.