GH Little League hosting District 2 championships, again

Art Mikelson Field to host Washington state Majors tournament

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

The Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Little League baseball seasons are winding down.

From the Majors Division to girls softball, each team will have an opportunity to capture a league championship this weekend prior to the announcement of the all-star teams on June 15.

Here is an organization update on both the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Little Leagues:

Gig Harbor Little League

The Gig Harbor Little League received its designation to host the District 2 all-star tournament for the 9-10 boys and 10-11 boys division. It’s the second year in a row that GHLL has been the host for District 2 play.

Also in its second year is the girls softball program, which has grown faster than any other division within the GHLL non-profit organization.

Since its inception last year with 84 girls, it has grown more than 100 percent.

As a result of the increase in players, GHLL was forced to turn away a small number of players, said Bob Werner, GHLL board member.

“We were able to honor kids who signed up on time,” Werner said.

Finding adequate space for the little leaguers with a significant increase in the girls softball program has become an issue, Werner said. Sehmel Homestead Park — scheduled to open this fall — will address the lack of field space.

GHLL board members are still pushing to attain additional ball fields in Gig Harbor North. However, the legal document that would give the organization permission to begin the construction is still not finalized.

Key Peninsula Little League

While Little League registration numbers rose from last year in Gig Harbor, they decreased on the Key Peninsula.

Scott Russell, vice president of Key Peninsula Little League, said there are about 320 players participating this year. He attributes the registration decline to the economy, and new youth programs that have recently sprouted up.

“As far as the season goes, it’s been pleasant with the parents and kids,” Russell said.

Other Little League notes

The Washington state Majors tournament is being held in Port Orchard at Art Mikelson Field this year. The best little league players from around the state will compete for an opportunity to play at regionals with the possibility of traveling to Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League World Series. Mill Creek was the state’s Majors champions last year.