Jim Belliveau has seen a rise in enrollment since taking the reins as president of Greater Lynn Babe Ruth baseball and softball organization three years ago.
This season, GLBR is resurrecting its senior baseball program for players ages 16-18.
“We’re hoping for four teams and 60 players at that level,” said Belliveau. “We had over 350 players in our baseball and softball programs last year.”
Belliveau said the organization has stepped up its marketing efforts. Last week, Belliveau, Jeff Earp, and John Kasian visited Marshall Middle School to talk to students and distribute flyers about GLBR.
Belliveau said the organization gives scholarships to players who may need assistance in paying registration fees.
“We’re actually looking for past coaches and players who would like to sponsor a player,” said Belliveau. “It costs $145 and you would be doing someone a world of good. Our job is to find some place for these kids to play.”
Belliveau said baseball is still an important part of Lynn’s athletic heritage.
“There is a ton of baseball talent in this city,” said Belliveau, whose son Ryan is a GLBR alumnus and plays baseball at Salem State. “Baseball still a vital part of this community.”
In addition to the 16-18-year-old division, GLBR will launch inter-league play.
“Inter-league play is starting in the 13-year-old level,” said Belliveau. “Lynn will play against Peabody and Saugus in home-and-home series. We’re trying to compete with AAU and their travel teams. We’re offering a cheaper alternative to AAU, but a very good style of baseball.”
GLBR has an-house leagues that consist of four (possibly five) teams in the 13-year-old division, eight teams in the 14-15-old division, and tentatively four teams in the new 16-18-year-old division.