Pitchers & Catchers Report

Every year it is amazing how that short phrase adds life to northern baseball players. It's hard to believe that at the southern end of the country baseball is stirring to life. Somewhere beneath the feet of snow that remain piled on top of baseball diamonds across Wisconsin, there are 90 foot dirt paths waiting to be sprinted across. There are pitching rubbers itching to be toed. There are home plates waiting to be brushed off. And there are fences waiting to be scaled. All that remains now is for the arctic air to move on to other areas of the world and allow the warmth of spring to reveal the diamonds we know lie just beneath the snowy surface.

Until then, baseball players will begin to get ready for the upcoming season in a variety of ways. Some will hit the gyms in an effort to lose the winter blubber that piles on during the cold months. Some will get in line at the batting cages to swing off the rust. And some, no doubt, will plop down in there overstuffed sofas and turn on the MLB network hoping to improve through television osmosis. 

The Rebels are close to beginning their Spring Training workouts. Starting the first week of March, the Rebels will begin throwing and hitting. The Rebels will meet once a week until the snow melts away. The location is yet to be determined as batting cages and gym time are a hot commodity right now. Stay tuned for more information. 

In the meantime, mark your calendars for two important dates. The rest of the LOL schedule is still being finalized, but there are two dates that are pretty much set in stone. 

The Rebels will hold a Youth Baseball Camp the first weekend in May. May 2nd will bring youngsters between the ages of 8-18 to Genesee Town Park for a day of learning baseball from the Rebels. The Spring Training Baseball Camp will run from 10:00am - 2:30pm. Check the "Baseball Camps" tab for more information.

Opening Day for the Rebels will be on Saturday, May 9th. The Rebels will host the Waterford Rivermen for the official LOL Season Opener. The rest of the league will have their first pitch on Sunday, May 10th. 

Baseball is coming. Slowly, but surely. Stay tuned for more information.