The 2009 Murfreesboro Optimist Junior League (13-14 years-old) American All-Stars became the organization’s first state champion and reached the Southeast Regional before falling one step short of a trip to the World Series.

Murfreesboro Optimist Little League Baseball has provided a program for area youngsters for more than half a century.

This year will be no different.

Online signups for new and returning players began Saturday and continues through Feb. 4. Additionally, there will be three physical signups at SportsCom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12.

Baseball signups in January is nothing new but, think about it, 53 years.

Much has changed in in the last half century but, like clockwork, the start of each new year has also signaled the start of Little League baseball for the hundreds of area youngsters who participate in the Murfreesboro Optimist Little League program.

The league, which presently plays its games at StarPlex, has relocated several times, seen an increase in numbers, and even added age groups, but through change and restructuring of youth baseball at all levels nationally during the years, Murfreesboro Optimist Little League has withstood the test of time.

The first Little League Program in Murfreesboro was actually sponsored by Kiwanis in 1950. Murfreesboro Optimist began sponsorship in 1958 and has maintained its affiliation with Little League throughout the years.

“Other leagues have come and gone but we have remained true to Little League and its tradition,” said longtime coach Dick Palmer, who is a MTSU play-by-play announcer and has coached Little League Baseball 42 of the last 50 years. “One reason we have endured is we have had quality leaders, many of whom have had no children in the program. Many who did have children in the league have remained after their children left.

“Although we haven’t had the same leadership every year, we have had dedicated leaders who wanted to continue in the traditions of Optimist Little League.”

And, for the 53rd consecutive year, aspiring Little Leaguers from Rutherford and Cannon County can chase their dream of playing in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Youngsters who have never picked up a baseball also can find a home in the Murfreesboro Optimist Little League.

Members of the organization say the league has something to offer youth from ages 4-to-16.

“Our league does not lose sight of our top priority, which is ultimately the youth that play in our league,” said Kevin Davis, president of the Murfreesboro Optimist Little League. “From the player that struggles to hit a ball off of a tee to the player that is dominant in all aspects of the game, each player is equally important.”

Ken Austin is a past president of the Murfreesboro Optimist Baseball and is a 15-year coaching veteran in the league. He said the organization’s foundational aspects are part of the secret to success.

“Little League International and the Optimist Club have the same philosophy, ‘Be a friend of Youth,’ Austin said. “Our league is about teaching every player to be the very best they can be. The best ballplayer. The best person. The best role model. We guide them to be a better individual, become an integral part of family, team and community.”

Little League affiliation also is an important ingredient, Davis said. It is the oldest and largest youth baseball program in the world with more than 7,000 Leagues and 2-1/2 million participants.

“Little League is based on the three fundamentals of character, courage and loyalty,” Davis said. “When you have those three traits you can’t help but be successful. Little League is also good for Optimist and Rutherford County based on its world-wide exposure that is second to none. Each summer families across the world tune into ESPN to watch the Little League World Series. The only way that a young player in Rutherford County can achieve reaching that grand stage is through the Murfreesboro Optimist Little League.”

Board member and seven-year coach Adam Sauer says he believes the league continues to attract hundreds of players and continues to show growth in the face of competition from other leagues and travel teams due to the multi-level platform Little League offers.

“People have the misconception we are a ‘Rec League’ but we are the Murfreesboro Optimist Little League program,” Sauer said. “Our league is highly competitive but at the same time we work to develop all players who come through our league. That’s the goal and based on the good number of players from our league who are making middle school and high school teams it reinforces we are doing some good things. There are postseason tournament opportunities and I believe players like that chance to represent their city and advance through the different stages of the tournaments. It brings communities together.”

Though the fundamental values of the Murfreesboro Optimist Little League program never change, Davis says the league is always working to come up with new ideas and make the experience more rewarding for the participants.

“This year we will have paid scoreboard operators and a new PA system to announce players when they come to bat,” Davis said. “We are going to new dry-fit jerseys for all of the players and we are planning an Opening Day Celebration for April 2. We strive to provide not only great baseball games, but also a great baseball experience.”

It’s a recipe that has worked for more than half of a century and Murfreesboro Optimist Little League is showing no signs of slowing down.

Murfreesboro Optimist Little League Signups

Online signups for the Murfreesboro Optimist Little League began Jan. 15 and will run through Feb. 4. The League also will conduct physical signups at SportsCom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12, all Saturdays. To register online go to murfreesborooptimist.com.

Age Groups
Murfreesboro Optimist Little League provides baseball for the following ages:
4-5 Tee Ball
6 Beginner Coach Pitch
7-8 Coach Pitch
9-10 Minors
11-12 Majors
13-14 Juniors
15-16 Seniors