By Edmond Ortiz
Staff Writer

The Windcrest Little League has plans to redevelop its relationship with the city and surrounding service areas. League representatives and players have been present at recent City Council meetings, informing elected officials and attendees on its objectives.

“We’re trying to build back the community,” league President Tony Reyna said. “I’ve been with the Windcrest Little League for six or seven years now. We keep losing kids. We used to register more than 300 kids each year, but now we’re at 150-175.”

The Windcrest league is able to serve neighborhoods as far west as O’Connor and Rittiman roads. It also once served Live Oak, but has seen its coverage area – and membership – shrink over the years.

The organization, which formed in September 1970, seeks to achieve several short- and long-term goals. A larger objective is to increase its visibility with local residents, merchants and other groups.

Reyna said the league has been trying to form a parade to celebrate the opening of the 2008 season. The parade would run through the Midcrown/Crestway drive and Takas Park area. Opening ceremonies are scheduled to start at 9 a.m. March 29.

WLL plans to take part in local annual events such as Windfest, the volunteer firemen’s picnic and the Lions Club’s Mexican dinner. WLL even hopes to have a friendly game with one team featuring league board members and coaches and the other team featuring city employees.

The league seeks a mixture of public and private financing for some improvements and enhancements envisioned for the ballfield complex. Reyna said funds raised this way would help develop a monument to the late Mike Coolbaugh, a professional player and San Antonio native who was killed by a foul ball during a minor league game last year. A Roosevelt High School alumni, Coolbaugh played with the Windcrest Little League.

Reyna said the aim is to put a tribute plaque on one side of the monument and a public bulletin board on the other side. Selling bricks with donors’ names to be installed at the site is one idea, he added.
The league has a three-year plan to remodel bathrooms and concession stands, install mandatory breakaway bases, put lights on the minor and major northern field, and upgrade dugouts and scorekeepers’ booths. Reyna said he and fellow league officials hope these improvements will be realized in time for the WLL’s 40th anniversary in 2011.

Reyna said it is important for the Windcrest Little League to expand and enhance itself as the community grows.

“There are lots of younger families moving into the area. You’ve got that, Rackspace coming in – the league can be able to better to provide their kids with opportunities,” he added.

For more information on the Windcrest Little League, visit online at http://eteamz.active.com/windcrest/index.cfm?