Williams Little League in dire need of volunteers

There is nothing quite like the din of a crowd gathering for the start of a baseball game, nor the snap of a ball being caught in new leather.

But above it all, there is a sound more than any other that represents the start of a new Little League season, and each game during that season.

That is when the umpire yells out, "Play ball!"

Williams Little League officials are wondering if they will hear that sound this spring.

The league is in need of a variety of volunteers, including those willing to help with the field, snack bar, scorekeeping, and most of all, umpiring.

Justin Myers, the president of the league, said last year the games were often umpired by parents simply pulled from the stands and that is not the ideal situation.

"We have all the board in order now; we have all the officers," Myers said.

In addition to himself, his wife, Jessica Myers, is taking on the role of player advocate, while Wayne Grishaber is vice president and Jaime Umble is both secretary and treasurer.

Myers said the next person needed is a head umpire to handle scheduling and to train other umpires about the rules.

"We are going to do an umpire clinic, so we need a head umpire who will go to that class and then, hopefully, we will have enough volunteers who he can teach," Myers said.

The league recently went to the Williams City Council to ask permission for use of city parks for practice, which is expected to be approved at the next meeting.

The group also has sent out sponsor sheets to area businesses for support.

Myers said the league basically was broke when this latest group took over and started to reorganize.

Myers said without the support of the community, his three children and many others in Williams will not be able to play.

Anyone wishing to volunteer for any of the league's needs, or wishes to be a sponsor or make a donation, contact Myers at 519-9185.