Played just for fun, the program involves no tryouts, no daily practices and no competition, and attracts youth from all over the area. Kids can request to be on the same team as their friends or siblings.

 

“It’s sports the way it should be,” said Program Coordinator Laura Kangas. “There’s no pressure, you’re just there to have a good time together.”

 

The program is run by volunteers; Amanda Wilhelm coordinates along with Kangas. This year over 200 kids and 40 coaches are participating.

 

Each player who signs up receives a Palmer Ball shirt and hat, coaches who volunteer receive a free shirt and hat and their child can play for free.

 

Palmer Ball is co-ed and is separated into three divisions; t-ball recommended for ages 5-7, pitch ball recommended for ages 8-9, and softball recommended for ages 10-14. This year there are eight t-ball teams, four pitch teams and five softball teams.

 

All games start at 6 p.m., with t-ball playing until 7 p.m., pitch ball until 7:30, and softball until 8:30 p.m.

 

“It’s great because you can watch all your kids play in the same night at the same place,” said Kangas. “There are often three generations of Palmer Ball players out there, from grandparents to their grandchildren.”

 

Along with watching the games, Palmer Ball attendees can enjoy food from the Clear Lake Lions’ patty wagon, which arrives each Monday night during the season to serve hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken strips.

 

Palmer Ball runs every Monday night through July with the exception of July 1.