12U Margate Legacy Elite won the South Florida Travel Baseball League in 2023. {Courtesy Margate Baseball}
By David Volz
The recreational baseball and softball program in Margate has been taken over by the city.
Previously, the league was run by Margate Baseball and Softball, Inc., which was comprised of volunteer parents. The league was previously run by Margate Baseball and Softball, Inc., which was composed of parent volunteers. This led to inconsistency, according to the city.
Michael A. Jones, Director of Margate Parks and Recreation, explained this change would provide stability to Margate youth sports and eliminate the need for community members to rely on volunteer parents to administer the league.
Jones said the volunteer parents have done a fantastic job for decades. However, youth sports in South Florida are moving in a travel-first direction, which may not benefit all players.
“Margate residents deserve a recreation program that puts the Margate players and families first. We welcome all baseball coaches to help support recreational baseball in the City of Margate,” said Jones.
The season runs from February to May, including coed baseball and female fast-pitch softball. The program is looking for approximately 400 youth aged 3 to 17 who want to improve their baseball and softball skills.
Each player will benefit by developing skills and abilities every season while developing lifelong memories and friendships.
“We will host numerous baseball clinics, coaches’ clinics, open-day festivities, and more,” said Jones.
The teams will be divided up based on age. However, if a child is advanced in skill, they can play up in age but will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Players will have two games and one practice per week. All teams will make the playoffs, which will be a single elimination tournament.
The city is not running a travel baseball and softball program. According to Jones, travel teams are independently run and will have access to rent the fields.
Baseball and softball games and practices will take place at Vinson Park, Margate Sports Complex, Margate Middle School, and Oriole Park.
For more information, go to parksrec@margatefl.com
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