A Legacy on the Diamond
The West Denison Baseball League is celebrating its 71st season in 2026, a milestone that traces back to its humble beginnings in 1955 when a single team of 28 boys took the field. Over the decades the organization has expanded its offerings to include tee‑ball, traditional baseball and adaptive programs that welcome children and teens from age four through eighteen.
Challenges and Community Response
Today the league fields roughly 120 players across a handful of teams, a stark contrast to the peak of 1,583 participants spread over 105 squads in the 1980s. Leaders attribute the decline to the rise of travel‑sports culture and increasing parental pressure, yet the league remains steadfast in its mission to keep baseball fun and accessible, prioritizing enjoyment and skill development over competition.
Safety has become a central concern after a tragic shooting at Thrush Park in 2014 that claimed a life during a league game. Since then, the league has maintained a close relationship with local law‑enforcement, kept the park open for play, and instituted mandatory background checks for all volunteers along with required concussion‑training modules.
Inclusive Spirit and New Faces
Registration fees range from forty to eighty dollars per season, with family discounts available to ease the financial burden. Practices typically begin in May, and the regular season unfolds over June and July, featuring two to three games per week. The league welcomes anyone who wishes to play, regardless of residency, and relies on donations to cover expenses such as snacks and uniforms. New families like Tony Dove and his son TJ have found a welcoming community that celebrates diversity and support. Long‑time leaders such as Donna Woods, who has served as president for more than three decades, and treasurer Mike Balina, whose family spans three generations with the league, continue to guide the organization alongside vice president Matt Jenks, a former player from the 1990s.