Xenia Little League Has Officially Become Reality

The newest program in Xenia for all the boys and girls is the Xenia Little League. The league is founded on the principles and philosophy by Thom Armstrong. The league is designed for the whole family, with the number one goal of having fun! Xenia LL is here to stay as Thom agreed to a 10 yr contract with the city to utilize West Side Park as their home. Xenia LL plans to give great instruction while having fun and just enjoying the game of baseball and softball.

"The philosophy is simple: just have fun," states Thom Armstrong, President of the newly formed Xenia LL. The goal of having fun ensures that each player will enjoy the game and most likely will play the sport longer and achieve more success. Thom, although new to the Xenia, community states that the league will have many positive re-enforcements for the youth in the community. "EVERY kid in Xenia should be able to play regardless of ability, age or income," continues Thom. Xenia LL has set up a financial aid program that will allow every boy and girl in the Xenia community that wishes to play will have that chance. "No boy or girl will EVER be told that they can’t play with us. Every one of the youth in this community deserve to play and have the opportunity to learn the game as well as learn life skills as well," comments Thom.
 
The whole family will find a home within the Xenia LL. The community is responding very well as the league is growing with leaps and bounds every day. Up to the printing of this article the league has brought in enough money to begin the upgrade process of West Side Park, and has 18 sponsors. ALL of the sponsors are businesses in the Xenia community. "We thank every business that has helped us, and helps us in the future. This league is for the community, the youth, and the business that help to make it succeed. That’s why we are Xenia," states Thom. Xenia LL prides itself on being the "hometown" little league and strives to involve the whole family while keeping the focus of teaching the youth of Xenia to be good citizens.

This past December, the City Council of Xenia agreed to a 10 year contract with Xenia LL to utilize West Side Park to use as its home. This makes the league the only youth baseball and softball program located in the City of Xenia. The league only accepts the youth of Xenia to participate in the league. Xenia LL has an updated and operational website at www.xenialittleleague.org that has information on the league, contacts, and a boundary map for location of which youth players can play. "We intend to continue building the program as much as possible to ensure all the players have a great place to play ball," comments Dave Gnau, Vice-President. Thom adds, "We appreciate the cooperation we received from the City of Xenia and look forward to a long and continued relationship."

Xenia LL promises to give great instruction to the young players playing baseball and softball in the league. The Xenia High School softball and baseball coaches have agreed to help endorse the league so that the players grow in their ability to play the game. "It’s very important to have a connection between the High School and any youth program, so that the flow and transition is better and that the players are ready for that next level," explains Thom. Xenia LL is having a free camp to all registered players given by several Major League Baseball Players. "The kids will love it and learn a lot of from this," adds Dave. The league is also hosting the MLB Skills Competition at their home park to all the youth players in Xenia, including those that currently play at the Xenia YRC and select baseball. The coaches will also attend training clinics to receive extra tips and drills to help them coach the young players. Xenia LL will be utilizing a website produced by Little League Intl. called Little League Coach which is a site totally dedicated to the coaches of Little Leagues.
 
Xenia LL, Thom and Dave wish everyone the best of luck, and thank everyone for their help and partnership in this endeavor. Now, Get IN the Game and off the bench and LET’S PLAY BALL XENIA!!