With the spring closing in, Troy Parks and Recreation department is getting ready to open another season of youth softball and baseball.

For the first time all three leagues, softball, baseball, and Miracle League will be playing their season at the same time starting in mid-April.

The Miracle League is a special set of teams for players with physical or mental disability, and has no set age limit.

“We really want to get the word out and promote that it will be playing alongside the other baseball and softball teams,” Youth Sports Coordinator David Dickey said. “It’s the first time all of our teams have played at the same time and we want them to know they are a part of everything.”

Though the Miracle League has no age groups, the baseball and softball leagues will have age groups ranging from ages five to 18.

Baseball offers T-ball, pitching machine teams, and Dixie Leagues which include tournament teams and postseason play.

Troy Dixie youth teams in the past have had success in the postseason, and have won three World Series tournaments in 1991 and 2004 for the boy’s team and once in 2005 for the minor team.

Softball has similar opportunities for players, and offers teams for girls ranging from ages six to 15, as well as offering tournament play.

“It’s something everyone can come and try,” Dickey said. “We’re not going to pressure anyone to play. It’s just good fun and good times and it’s all for the kids. We try to learn and improve every year and put out a great program for them.”

Parents who wish to register a player can do in two ways, by visiting the Troy Rec center just off of Elba Highway, or by going online to www.troyrecreation.org.

Those who wish to register in person can do so on Friday, Jan. 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday, Jan. 14, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Registering in person after these dates will still be available at the offices, but a $5 late fee will be applied.

Registration online can be done anytime throughout the month of January.

Prices for registration are $25 dollars for one player, $40 for two players, and $60 for three players or more.

The Rec Department encourages all those who wish to take part to sign up for a league and take part in learning more about the sport in a family-friendly environment.

“We try to give the kids a good time and help them learn the fundamentals of baseball,” Dickey said. “Troy has always been bit of a baseball town and we just want everyone to be a part of that and have a good time.”

For more information about youth league baseball, softball, or the Miracle League contact the Troy Parks and Recreation Department at 334-566-4031.