Lafayette forming second Little League

Children in Acadiana may have expanded access to baseball and softball, as Lafayette Consolidated Government announced the creation of the Greater Lafayette League to serve Lafayette and nearby parishes.

“Our goal with creating the Greater Lafayette Little League is to provide additional opportunities for families and children in our area,” Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory said in a release.

The league is the second chartered league in Lafayette. The first — the Lafayette Little League — was formed in 1972. The new league's boundaries expand beyond Lafayette Parish. 

The new league's boundaries include Crowley and Rayne, as well as surrounding areas in Acadia Parish; Opelousas, Sunset, Grand Coteau and surrounding areas in St. Landry Parish; and Breaux Bridge, Arnaudville, Cecilia, and surrounding areas in St. Martin Parish.

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“The boundaries of the Greater Lafayette Little League reach beyond Lafayette Parish, giving more boys and girls the opportunity to play in the world’s largest youth sports organization," Lafayette Parks and Recreation Athletic Supervisor Walter Guillory said. "Ultimately, it gives them a shot to play in the Little League World Series, the pinnacle of Little League Baseball.” 

Kirk Schexnaider, the president of the Lafayette Little League, welcomed the addition of the new league, saying "it not only helps the city, but it also helps Lafayette Little League to have local competition for Little League All-Star and State Tournaments.”

Boys and girls ages 4 through 18 are eligible to play, and registration ends March 18. The season runs April 15 through May 27. Postseason tournaments are May 28-30.