As kids step onto local diamonds for the first day of practice, a long tradition of good old-fashioned Little League ball dating back to 1957 continues in Antioch.

After a decade of separation by a boundary dividing the city into two leagues, on March 14 Antioch High School will host the opening-day ceremony marking the return to one citywide league.

Antioch Little League serves children ages 4 to 16 participating in T-ball, challenger ball for the disabled, baseball and girls softball. The league allows kids to play on teams based on ability – not just age. This allows players to challenge themselves against other players of equal or better skills.

In the lower divisions of farm, T-ball and softball mini-minors, players can have fun mixing it up with their friends or family. In Antioch Little League, every child plays. In the competitive divisions, all players are required to play at least half the game and managers work hard to provide equal playing time for everyone.

The diamonds at the Antioch Little League Fields and the Antioch Youth Sports Complex are manicured and ready, and the league invites everyone to come out and share in the tradition. For more information, visit Antioch Little League or e-mail info@antiochlittleleague.com.