An exciting merger is on the verge of completion in Antioch, where Antioch West Little League and Antioch East Little League have agreed to a plan that would create a unified Antioch Little League next month.

According to Antioch West Little League Vice President Dennis Felix, the merger will become official as soon as Little League International signs off on the plan, and will immediately benefit the children of Antioch.

I think we're going to have a really good turnout this year, with a lot of kids coming back to the league. The boundary is now the entire city of Antioch rather than the city being split in half, and it will provide the kids a better opportunity to play with their friends, said Felix.

Antioch Little League will be holding open Fall Ball registration the next two Saturdays, Aug. 9 and 16, at the Antioch Fairgrounds' Little League Field from 10 a.m. to noon.

Boys ages 5 to 12 and girls ages 5 to 16 are welcome to enroll, and no player will be turned away. Fall Ball is not restricted to Antioch residents, and players from other towns are welcome to participate.

For more information and for registration forms, go to www.antiochwestll.com.