Changes are coming at McMinnville Civic Center, but last week felt like any other when the lights finally came on at the diamonds. McMinnville Youth Baseball and Softball opened play with four nights of action, packing the fields as kids began their early battles for city supremacy.

While the games went on as usual, change is also in the air for the city leagues. All age groups are now playing by TYBA rules, a move the city made this season in hopes of streamlining rules and drawing tournaments to the area.

It seems to already be paying off.

“I think this week went well. We’re trying to get used to the new TYBA rules,” said athletic director Terry Beard. “All leagues have some differences. There’s a lot of changes. It’s too early to gauge now, but we’re hoping it will be a positive.”

Joining the new association did have one immediate impact. Two youth tournaments were scheduled to be held over the weekend, though rain threatened to cancel the first youth event in several years. 

Even if the first tournament ran into weather issues, there will be plenty more chances.

“We have another tournament already scheduled for June 1-2. It’s open to all age groups, boys and girls,” said Beard. “We had eight teams in two age groups for this weekend and I think we’ll see even more next time.”

Beard estimates 60 more kids signed up this year than in 2018, a good trend after seeing years of decline. There are 35 teams playing in 10 leagues, including one making its way around the Midstate.

The boys 13-15 baseball team, which will feature 11-12 players, will play its games against other teams from Christiana, Manchester and Eagleville. Other communities could join soon too as Beard finalizes the schedule.

It’s all in an effort to get more and more action at the Civic Center. For the first week, it seemed to work wonders.