T-ball lands gloves, donation

A donation drive for youth baseball mitts caught an extra donation on March 20 in Elyria.

The South Tee Ball Youth Baseball League will offer a month of coaching in baseball fundamental skills starting in May.

South Tee Ball Club asked residents to bring out youth gloves to the pavilion at the Thomas O. Shores South Recreational Center, 101 South Park Drive.

“I’m just trying to give back to the community what once was given to me,” said league organizer Aric Bowens.

The Elyria-based nonprofit Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. showed up with a $1,000 check to support the program.

Our F.A.M.I.L.Y. is short for Fathers and Mothers Involved in Local Youth. The Taylor family started it in 1996 and incorporated in 2007 to provide spiritually and educationally uplifting programs for children dealing with poverty, troubled homes or abuse.

“We want to get behind the vision,” said Bobby Taylor, whose parents, Bobby Sr. and Emma Jean Taylor started the organization. The three came out to the park for the donation drive and the younger Taylor said the family has supported youth baseball for years.

Bowens said he was not expecting a donation that size.

“It was a blessing,” he said.

“I had no clue,” Bowens added. The Taylors have become pillars of the community on Elyria’s south side, producing opportunities for youths, he said.

The league will be sponsored by the Elyria YWCA.

A registration day will be April 10 at the recreation center, with Lake Erie Crushers mascot Stomper making a guest appearance.

Cost is $20 per player, with scholarships available for the first 30.

The league is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 7. Each player will get a free glove.

“We’re trying to make it an affordable option at getting involved in baseball,” said Ethan West, who will serve as a volunteer coach with Isaac Johnson. Bowens’ son, D’aunte, and coach Brian Ruggles also will help with the league.

The league will play at the recreation center baseball diamond.

For more information call 440-458-1538.

The organizers also thanked Elyria City Schools and Superintendent Ann Schloss for supporting the program.

RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Our F.A.M.I.L.Y., an Elyria-based nonprofit created by the Taylor family to help youths in need, donated $1,000to the South Tee Ball Youth Baseball League during a baseball glove donation drive held March 20 at the Thomas O. Shores South Recreational Center, 101South Park Drive, Elyria. The league will hold a signup day April 10for play starting in May. The supporters and organizers include, from left, Bob Taylor Sr. and Emma Jean Taylor of Our F.A.M.I.L.Y., Issac Johnson, Aric Bowens, Ethan West and David Cooper in front, and George Sharlow, Bobby Taylor, Montress Sharpe and Chris Jones in back.