Registration Open for Swissvale Youth Baseball Association

The Swissvale Youth Baseball Association is now in its 60^th year of bringing families together for the great American pastime.

From children ages five to 13 years old, the local league has a spot for anyone who wants to play some baseball, said Coach Michael Alder.

“It’s great to be a part of a team,” Alder said. “It gets them out of the house and teaches them other things than just baseball, some life lessons, how to be accountable and how to trust people. It transcends into life – and it’s just fun.”

Registration is now open for the season at www.swissvalebaseball.com. Games will start near the end of April or beginning of May and are played at Les Getz Memorial Field on Church Street. There are usually about 15 children per team.

Alder said he enjoys coaching because it brings the community together for a sport he loves.

“I love getting out and teaching kids how to play baseball,” he said.

Alder also said he is proud to be a part of an organization that has lasted so long in Swissvale.

“It’s been fun for the kids and it’s all volunteers who have kept it going year after year,” he said. “They do it for the love of the game. It says something about the community having this through the years and the ups and downs.”

Bob Lybarger of Swissvale, president of SYBA, got involved with the league as a coach 25 years ago when his nephews started playing.

“I like giving the kids a place to go,” Lybarger said. "I think it’s a key factor to our community.”

Lybarger said he hopes to continue the legacy the league has in the neighborhood.

“It seems like there is no place for kids to go so I hope I am providing that place where they can have a good time and play some baseball,” he said. “It’s important for us to have this in the community.”

For more information, visit www.swissvalebaseball.com.