Humboldt Minor Baseball aims to get more girls to pick up a glove this year, president Paul Strueby says.

“Girls baseball has been really growing in the province the last few years and Sask Baseball has been pushing it, so we’re trying to increase our registration numbers, and just make people aware that we want to try and offer the opportunity for girls to play baseball.”

In the past some girls have played on co-ed teams, but the organization wants to start building younger girls-only teams, he said.

Baseball Canada has been promoting girls baseball with national and Western tournaments so there’s more to play for, he said.

The number of baseball players in the area has risen around 10 to 15 per cent annually over the past three years, with some going on to Western and national championships, he said.

Saskatchewan Baseball recorded its highest numbers ever last year. That’s partly due to the recent playoff runs from the Toronto Blue Jays, and indoor facilities in Saskatoon let kids get an earlier start, he said.

Strueby is excited about the $150,000 in improvements slated for the Humboldt diamonds this year. Improving the dugouts and playing surfaces would let them host some tournaments to boost the local economy and build some hype around the sport, he said.

Humboldt Minor Baseball also needs volunteers to be managers or coaches. The group pays for coaches’ clinics if someone wanting to help out feels they don’t know enough, he said.

Players and coaches can register online at the Humboldt Minor Baseball site.