Festival to Kick Off 2024 Argyle Youth Baseball Program
New beginnings deserve something special as evidenced by the Argyle Youth Baseball Program. Billy Bishop, who took over as president about seven months ago with the goal of improving the program, has organized the first-ever Argyle Youth Opening Festival. It will take place March 23 from 9am-noon at Unity Park.
“The festival is aimed at unifying the community because I’m one guy and need the community to help out,” said Billy, who served in the U.S Army from 2011-2017 before joining Coldwell Banker as a real estate agent. “I’m just trying to get people involved. I’m a military guy, and I like things organized and want things right. I have one son (Jack, 7), and I want him to enjoy his Little League days.”
Festivities will include speeches by Billy and Argyle Mayor Rick Bradford, plus the introduction of all team members. Several former major league baseball players, including Vice President Cody Allen who played for the Cleveland Guardians, will be in attendance. Cody is one of the program’s tee-ball coaches.
Vendors including 407 BBQ, Advent Air Conditioning, Executive Sentinels, and A Town Apparel will have booths. Billy believes the program has been around for more than 20 years since some fathers say they played on the fields when they were kids. Players will utilize three fields – two baseball and one tee-ball – to play their games.
“This year we’ll have 30-plus teams (in four divisions) from 6-and-under tee-ball to 12-and-under kid pitch,” Billy said. “We’ll have roughly 350 kids registered.”
The program needs volunteers to help it operate smoothly. This includes members of the board of directors to join Billy and Cody. Tasks include filling, leveling, fertilizing, and maintaining the fields and upgrading and staffing concession stands.
“You name it, it needs to be done,” Billy said. “I’m trying to get sponsors including local businesses to donate money in return for being part of the opening day festivities on the field.”
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Billy Bishop at billy.bishop@cbrealty.com or 817-528-1499.
