Batter up!

The start of the City of Andalusia and Opp recreation baseball and softball leagues will be held on Sat., April 5.

Boys and girls ages 5-15 will start their respective seasons at Johnson Park and the Opp Sports Complex, where opening-day ceremonies will be held.

“The City of Andalusia is geared up for another exciting baseball and softball season,” Andalusia Youth Sports Coordinator Caitlin Shipman said.

Opp Director of Parks and Recreation Willie Edwards said, like Shipman, that they are excited to get the season under way, too.

In Andalusia’s baseball leagues, there are 10 boys teams for the 5-to-6-year-old age group; 12 teams for the 7-to-8-year-old age group; nine teams for the 9-to-10-year-old age group; and eight teams for the 11-to-12-year-old age group. In softball, there are six teams each in the 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 age groups; and five teams in the 11-12 age group.

For Opp, there are 12 softball teams from the T-ball age to 12 years old, and 25 baseball teams from T-ball to 15 years old.

Edwards said there’s been a big change in the structure of the teams, which will make for more competitive games.

In fact, the City of Opp put an equal number of kids in the same age group on each team.

“We think it’s going to be more competitive each night,” Edwards said. “We hope the kids will come out and it be 5-4 and 13-12 ball games. We’re excited. We’re looking forward to it being a great season.”

The season will open for the City of Andalusia at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at Johnson Park. Opening ceremonies in Opp begin at 9 a.m.

All teams in the city and county leagues will play during opening day.

Other activities next weekend include the Miracle League of Covington County kicking off its season at 12:45 p.m.

The “Angels in the Outfield” will be the LBWCC Lady Saints softball team, which will help players in a variety of ways.

Additionally, there will be a dedication ceremony for the Durrell “Duke” Smith Memorial Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend the event, which will be held beside the Miracle League playground.

“Our hopes are that everyone has a very enjoyable season, and we are going to do everything possible to make sure that happens for our volunteers, parents and players,” Shipman said. “We would like to thank everyone for their support of the City of Andalusia baseball and softball program.”