Getting behind baseball: 2A Little League finishes season 8-1, leading effort to promote game

All around the country, little league baseball coaches are increasing their efforts to create a positive environment for youth to learn and remain interested in the game of baseball.
Justin Lewis and many volunteer coaches are local examples of that effort. With their children in mind, they are actively working to keep the desire and excitement going in Glenrock.
“Glenrock youth baseball has had great success in the past,” Lewis said. “We want to contribute to that success and keep kids interested in the game.”
Lewis is the head coach of the 2A Little League team in Glenrock. With the help of Derek Eager, Carl and Ashley Federer and several other parents of players, Lewis’ team finished 8-1 this season, the best in the league.
Comprised of nine and 10 year olds, Lewis’ team competed in the Douglas Little League this year. They began practicing in March and finished their season last week. Lewis is encouraged by the amount of support his team received throughout the season and is hopeful that many kids will return next year for another season of baseball.
“They learned a lot this season,” Lewis said. “A bunch of the kids talked about how much fun they had and that they’ll definitely be back next year.”
With many youth players traveling to play in Casper or other leagues in years past, due to a lack of opportunities in Glenrock, Lewis’ goal is simple. He hopes to create enthusiasm for the sport not just at the older levels, but also beginning with T-ball and Machine Pitch.
“We’ve always had good baseball players in Glenrock,” Lewis said. “I think it’s important that we continue to promote the game here so that kids won’t feel like they need to go play somewhere else.”
Lewis believes baseball players are built and not born, a belief that has stood the test of time. Throughout the fall and winter months, he will work with kids of all ages at the Recreation Center in Glenrock to improve hitting, pitching and other skills of the game.
It’s one step in the right direction. Lewis also said that many parents in Glenrock unassociated with his team came out to watch them play this season, always a positive sign for baseball in the community.
Next year, Lewis hopes to move his team to the Casper Little League and play about 15 games. By traveling to Casper and Douglas to play games, he’s hopeful the league will continue to grow and create more opportunities for kids. To him, the efforts are all aided by the help of parents, whether it’s helping with practices, games, keeping scorebooks or team organization.
“Once you get the town behind something, they’re going to continue to support it,” Lewis said. “We’ve seen that with baseball here and our goal is to keep improving.”