Mike Kudisch
By Cary Shuman
Mike Kudisch is pleased that Mother Nature has given Boston a mild winter so far.
Last year, Kudisch and other youth baseball administrators across the city saw baseball fields fully covered in snow in March after a succession of major storms.
Kudisch, commissioner of South End Baseball – an independent organization that serves baseball players in different age categories from youth through adult – seems confident that league games will get underway as scheduled in late April. The opening day parade and ceremonies will be held on May 7.
“We’re very excited about the new season and the fact that it looks like we’re going to be able to start on time after having to delay last year because of all the snow,” said Kudisch.
Minor League and Major League registrations will be held on Saturday, March 26 and Saturday, April 2 at Peter’s Park, 1200 Washington Street. Minor League signups will be at 10 a.m., followed by Major League signups at noon. Senior League (13-15 year-olds) registration will be held on March 26 and April 2 at 11 a.m. at Jim Rice Field (1900 Washington St.).
Signups for the 15-19-year-old baseball league and the adult baseball team (South End Astros) will be held later in the spring.
Kudisch said that registration is free and the league is open to players from throughout the city.
South End Baseball youth teams play a regular season schedule and compete in special events such as the Bay State Tournament of Champions and the Mayor’s Cup.
The Boston Red Sox organization annually hosts a baseball clinic at Jim Rice Field, which is named after the Hall of Fame leftfielder.