PILOT MOUNTAIN — Spring may still be a few weeks away but for many local youths, baseball is just around the corner.

The East Surry Little League (ESLL) will be holding sign-ups Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Armfield Civic and Recreation Center for its baseball, softball and T-ball programs. Registrations will also be taken during the same time period on Feb. 6 and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Play will be available to youths ranging in age from 4 to 18. Parents are asked to bring each child’s birth certificate along with three proofs of county residence. Acceptable proofs of residence may include utility bills, automobile registrations, driver’s license or financial documents such as a check.

“We are the only official Little League sanctioned body in the county this year,” noted ESLL Public Information Officer Adam Key, “and, as such, any child residing in Surry County is eligible to participate in our program. But proof of residence in the county will be required.”

According to Key, registration cost for participation in this year’s program will feature a 20-percent reduction from last season. Fees will be $70 for play in baseball or softball or $55 for the T-ball division.

“We’re reducing fees,” he explained, “due to the economic environment, as a way of helping those who want to participate. We realize the need to be efficient and to offer Little League play at as good a cost as possible. This will not affect the quality of instruction or of the overall program.”

Play will also be offered in the program’s “Challenger Division,” for youths with disabilities which prevent them from participation in other divisions. Registration information and details on the Challenger program are available by contacting Curly Powell at 783-0430.

The East Surry program has developed a strong tradition over the years, often while competing against teams from areas with a much larger population base. According to Key, the program has claimed more than 50 district titles and 15 state titles, along with two regional titles and one World Series championship.

“Over the years,” he said, “we’ve definitely accomplished a lot for a small market. In the triad, Little League has a rich tradition and in those teams we’ve gone up against some much larger markets. But we’ve fared well. Our softball has established an incredible tradition of excellence and that has probably helped our high school program. Last year, our 8-year-old boys won state and were one win away from a regional title. And our Junior boys had an incredible year.”

But, Key added, the program’s goals go beyond simply winning lots of games.

“Our focus,” he explained, “while providing quality instruction, is to instill character and to encourage teamwork and sportsmanship.”

After sign-ups, this year’s season will begin with the traditional February “skills and drills day” and team drafts. Practices will begin in March with opening day scheduled for April 10. Opening day festivities will include a “Port-A-Pit barbecue” along with visits from past players who have advanced to play at higher levels. Regular season play will continue into early June with all-star play potentially continuing through much of the summer.

“This is a major effort,” Key said, “and we have a wide range of opportunities in virtually every area. No specific baseball knowledge is required and we’d love to have more parents and local residents volunteer to help.”