When Cochrane Minor Ball (CMB) registration opened on Jan. 15, it included a new 15U competitive team.

The seeds were planted for the team last season but fell just short of the required number of players.

"We attempted last year and we got really close but it never quite came to fruition," says Corey O'How, Cochrane Minor Ball president. "So this year, we tried again, and we have a lot of interest, so we're pretty excited."

"We've talked to coaching candidates, so we're hoping to have a coach in place by the beginning of February and then start to develop the program and have tryouts in mid to late March."

The team will play from late May to early August. It will fill a gap that saw those seeking stiffer competition join teams in Calgary. It was previously referred to as bantam ball and is for those born in 2005 and 2006.

Minor ball registration opened yesterday. The association expects about 700 youth will once again take to the fields for popular spring and summer leagues. Divisions range from T-ball for youngsters to senior ball for older teens.

Minor ball is also returning to interlocking play with Calgary teams in the major age division.

With the use of local diamonds maxed out, CMB has had to establish caps, and some waiting lists have resulted. O'How says they accommodate as many youth as possible.

CMB anxiously looks forward to more diamonds coming on stream in both the future Horse Creek Sports Park and Greystone development. The net result will be four additional ball diamonds.

"It's going to help, and we're looking forward to working with the town in the design of the Horse Creek Sports Park, as far as the ball diamonds go, to help ensure they end up working for everyone."

Relations with the town have improved in recent years, he says.

"Our communication lines with the Town of Cochrane have definitely gotten better over the last couple of years. I think both sides realized we have to work together for the benefit of our players and families."