By Russell Falk
East Madison Little League

The closing of the Oscar Mayer plant was certainly a huge economic blow to the North/East sides of the city. However, many people don’t know that Oscar Mayer owns the property currently occupied by the East Madison Little League (EMLL).

Having played ball at their current location since 1993, the EMLL Board of Directors has been actively involved with business leaders in retaining that location for the future, regardless of the status of the Oscar Mayer facility. EMLL board members Tad Turek, Wes Gill and Russ Falk have met with officials of the City of Madison and Reich Brothers Inc.to present the interest of the EMLL community and the 400 families served by the league every year.

Our Little League is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization dedicated to providing a positive youth baseball and softball experience to boys and girls of all abilities in the Northside and East Madison neighborhoods through instruction in the fundamentals of the game and by developing the qualities of leadership, citizenship, discipline, character and teamwork.

By providing fun, balanced and competitive baseball in a safe and friendly environment, EMLL aims to contribute to the physical, personal and emotional development of each player and to assist in building a strong, healthy community.

The community of youngsters, parents, coaches, umpires, concession stand workers/volunteers, field maintenance workers and league officials is what makes EMLL such a pleasant place to come and enjoy an afternoon of baseball or softball. It’s like an extended family gathering for a day of fun.

EMLL is committed to continue providing a rewarding baseball experience to the residents of North/East Madison even as the status of the facility remains undecided. EMLL welcomes all children (boys and girls, ages 4‒14) to participate in our on-going leagues in 2018.

Registration information can be found at emll.org. Early registration, multi-player and full and partial scholarships are available so every child who wants to play is able to play.