Baseball is big in Kamloops these days.

“I believe in the strength of the sport in the City. Be it our programs, the new Senior Men’s League, the Northpaws and TRU, there’s something there that people see,” says Kamloops Minor Baseball President Earl Corsi.

In fact, KMBA has never had a stronger year for youth players.

“This year is the highest registration numbers ever in our 61 year history. We have over 750 players registered. That’s cool to see. Our kids playing and making use of our facilities,” continued Corsi.

It could be a change in philosophy that’s spurring growth at the younger age groups.

“We’ve tried to maintain as much flexibility around being a multi-sport athlete as possible.  We try not to have too much programming that’s mandatory. We have a lot of kids that play hockey in the winter and others that play both baseball and soccer (in the summer).

While facilities like the fields at McArthur Island are definitely unique across BC, Corsi says they’ve been able to maintain a strong relationship with the City of Kamloops.  He also says the focus needs to be on having fun.

“To be honest, less than 1% are going to be that elite talent. We need to have a mentality around the other 99%. That’s the way I look at it.”

KMBA will also be sending three teams to Provincials.  The 18U College Prep Riverdogs are off to Trail.  The 18U “AAA” team will head to Maple Ridge while the 15U “AAA” Riverdogs head to Chilliwack.

Corsi hopes they can continue to deliver for the kids in the KMBA in the years ahead.

“I’ve had a lot of laughs and a lot of smiles and take a lot of pride in the organization.  Presidents and Boards before me have kept things in a good state. I’ve really been picking up the torch of those previously and carrying on the pride of 61 years of Kamloops Minor Baseball.”