Pee wee, softball teams secure coaches; games start later this month

    With so much up in the air this year for summer ball programs, Imperial squads will finally get on the field for games as early as next week.
    After action by the city council May 18 okaying play for older teams, Ryan Wisnieski, summer recreation director, got busy getting teams scheduled in the Tri-County League.
    Imperial’s two Pee Wee baseball teams and the junior girls’ softball team are competing in the Tri-County League as in the past.
    The senior girls’ softball team is scheduling its own games this season and not part of a specific league, Wisnieski said.
    The Pee Wee and softball home games will be played at Schroeder Park.
    Here’s a recap of the teams and coaches:
    Pee Wee baseball—31 players split between two teams coached by Jeff Lempke and Eric McDaniel. Lempke’s team (Pee Wee #1) travels to Grant June 24 for opener; McDaniel’s (Pee Wee #2) will be home June 24 for opener.
    Junior girls’ softball—12-13 players coached by Atlanta Maronde. First game at home June 18.
    Senior girls’ softball—11-12 players coached by Denise Smith. Schedule being developed by Smith.
    The two youngest programs for ball, T-Ball and Pony, will not be playing this summer due to concerns with the COVID-19 restrictions. The city council did not approve those two programs for play in 2020.