By Virginia Scholtz
Northside News

If you hear the crack of the bat when you pass the corner of Packers and Aberg Avenues, that’ll be the East Madison Little League. Their president, Jake Hughes, is hoping COVID-19 won’t stop play this spring.

Little League has played on this field for the past 21 years. Prior to that, they played on land now known as Hartmeyer Natural Area. When Oscar Mayer was in operation. their wells pumped enough water to keep the fields high and dry. But eventually the water table rose, and the land returned to marsh. Little League moved to new ground; their official address is 1010 North St.

Boys and girls ages 4‒14 can learn to love the game and play by its rules. Players are grouped by age, and the type of play is adjusted to meet each age group.

For T-Ball (ages 4, 5, 6), the emphasis is on the individual’s enjoyment of the sport. No tryout is required. 

The older children (ages 7‒8) try out for teams and the level of competence and competition gradually increases. Machine Pitch works on skills development. It is slightly competitive.

Minors (ages 9‒10) play umpired games with team members able to pitch, bat and hone their offensive and defensive skills. Majors (ages 11‒12) have a variety of playing experience, and some players begin to specialize.

The Junior Division (ages 13‒14) plays on a full-sized baseball diamond. They play by WIAA and Little League rules. Everyone interested tries out, and players are positioned on teams based on physical capability and skills. Teams sometimes travel to play other Little League teams.

Girls are invited to be in Little League, too. Slow pitch softball, often played by women in high school and college, is open to girls beginning at age 7. So far, there has been only one team per division. The 10U (age 10 and under), 12U (age 12 and under) and 14U (age 14 and under) teams often travel to nearby slow pitch clubs for competitions. Skill and competition increase at each level. The 14U games are played by Little League and WIAA rules.

There are four diamonds on the Packers/Aberg site, all equipped with night lights. Volunteers maintain the grounds, run the concession stand, take on miscellaneous chores and, most importantly, coach (teach and encourage) the players. Hughes said baseball players at East High are a tremendous asset to the coaching and practicing that helps build player confidence.

East Madison Little League has been affiliated with National Little League since 1958. The local League maintains their own field and manages their own games. Anyone can come to watch a game. Admission is free and a concession stand provides traditional ballpark treats. The program is independent of the Madison School & Community Recreation sports league.

It takes people and resources to make everything work. Fees range from $85‒$195 per season. Scholarships, family rates and early registration prices are available. Full information is available at their website (emll.org). 

Many area businesses sponsor the organization; your support of local businesses helps them help the players. Direct donations also help East Madison Little League keep up their record of inclusion. “In our history, we have never turned away a family due to financial constraints,” Hughes said.

Hughes grew up in Madison and played Little League ball in the area. He is one of several parents who are sharing the game with their children and giving back to the larger community. When Hughes isn’t eating and sleeping Little League, he works as a production supervisor for a manufacturer of steel storage buildings. Hughes and his wife, Melissa, have three sons: one in high school, one in middle school and the youngest is just right for T-Ball this spring.

Last season was unique for the players. COVID-19 made it necessary to modify play in ways to maintain safe distancing and allowed only a limited number of players at a time. Equipment was spread out on the sidelines and there were no dugouts. 

This spring Hughes plans to keep everyone safe by adhering to health department guidelines for sanitation and separation. His one wish for the season is “to play.”