Hometown youth baseball in Nokesville still a big hit after 42 years

The Brentsville District Youth Baseball (BDYB) spring opener on April 16 brought children 4-18 together again. The Nokesville league, active for more than 40 years, continues to teach children.
In 1970, Monte Irvin played in the league’s second year. He is now a BDYB vice president and an assistant coach as his son Travis, 17, plays in the senior division. BDYB is not affiliated with any other league and promotes participation in a family friendly atmosphere.
“It is just more laid back than other leagues,” said Irvin, who lives in Greenwich with a Nokesville address. “People stick around. It brings us together, and it is for fun. It is just a community league, and it takes away a lot of pressure.” As an example, he lauded the late Stan Sheeder, whose 30 years of volunteer service included putting together an annual BDYB slide show. He sought no recognition, just the satisfaction of serving the league.Ali Kerem, BDYB president, recognizes its history and tradition. There are separate divisions, including T-ball, minors (machine pitch), intermediate (kid pitch), majors, seniors prep and seniors. Kerem said there are roughly 240 players this spring on 24 teams with a volunteer base approaching 75. All family members are encouraged to volunteer. This year, each team, which has a sponsor, will play about 10 games this season; overall, BDYB teams will play about 120 games. The home team sets up bases, limes the foul lines and batter’s box and puts things away when the game’s over.
Dawn, Kerem’s wife joins him on an elected board of volunteers and is in her second year as registrar. There are seven voting board members, including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, player agent, registrar and division commissioner.
Last year, Karem said BDYB was described as, “Little Town - Big League.” With the family atmosphere created by the players, parents and volunteers, BDYB has hit a home run. “Everybody knows everybody,” said Kerem. Once spring comes, baseball is the main subject of conversation.
Dawn agreed, saying, “It is a wonderful league. It is a lot of work, but I do as much as I can for my kids. We are here for the kids to have fun and to teach them how to play. I like how the parents come together. It brings the community together.”
Brentsville District Youth Baseball information can be found at http://www.eteamx.com/BDYB .
For the full story about Brentsville District Youth Baseball (BDYB) see the May 20 edition of the Bull Run Observer.