Sisters Little League closed the 2006 season last week and by all accounts the season was a home run. A record 235 Sisters-area kids played more than 150 ball games, the highest participation rate since Little League started in Sisters, over 34 years ago.

Sisters teams also played games in or against Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Madras, Christmas Valley and Warm Springs Little Leagues. For the first time, there were two girls’ softball teams representing Sisters.

“We had over 65 T-Ball players (age five to six) as well, so future participation look promising,” said umpire-in-chief and board member Davina Luz.

Sisters Little League is guided by a board of 12 parents and coached by 39 volunteers and “Team Moms.” Seven volunteers umpired about 100 games.

“We are constantly drafting umpires,” said Luz.

Though a member of the international Little League organization, Sisters Little League is very much a hometown operation.

“The support from our community is fantastic,” said Luz. “The business community always sponsors teams and advertises on the outfield fences. The rodeo association contributes and lots of people volunteer their time.”

“We provided a lot of extra activities this year including a season ending fun tournament and All-Star teams,” said board member David Banks.

“Our program keeps getting bigger and we really need the two new community ball fields. In a week or so we will pour concrete for the dugouts and bleachers thanks to a fine contribution from Sisters Rotary and Kirby Nagelhout Construction.”

Banks added that Sisters Little League continues to seek funds and volunteers to build the two new ball fields adjacent to the SOAR building. He can be contacted at 815-1975.