AustinTalks | baseball

Register now for youth baseball, softball

The Garfield Park Little League is looking for players, coaches, volunteers and sponsors for its 7th season.

Boys from across the West Side come together to play a sport and form friendships that organizers hope will transcend time and gang lines.

Austin will receive the greatest share of $12 million in state grants being spent on 39 parks and three land conservation projects across Illinois.

The merger increases baseball diamonds from one to eight for Austin kids, and players will receive free tutoring, mentoring and ACT prep classes.

Gym teacher Darrell Mathis has been playing the sport since he was 5.

The Westside Big League Baseball league’s season has begun.

To sign up to play or to volunteer, contact the Westside Health Authority or Austin Safety Net Works.

Dozens of Austin kids are learning more than hitting and catching. They’re also developing life skills like discipline and leadership.