Players look on as a one of their own steps up to the plate to take 3 pitches from a pitching machine to show their batting skills.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The lights over the baseball diamonds at Gridley’s Manuel Vierra Park were on this week as youth in the community took the first step towards the season.

With registration now closed, Gridley Little League hosted try-outs on Monday, Jan. 26 and Wednesday Jan. 28 for youth baseball and softball.

During the two days of tryouts, girls and boys filled out necessary clearance paperwork and displayed their skills, fielding a few in-field ground balls and taking three pitches at the plate. The excitement was palpable as players looked on expectantly, watching as those in line took the plate to hit off a pitching machine.

The majors’ field was packed with parents and children on Monday evening as players aged 7 and up participated in league tryouts. Coaches observed the players, took notes, and rated their skills. Managers will review those evaluations and draft teams later in the week, while players who did not attend tryouts will be placed on teams at random.

Local volunteers help out with Gridley Little League tryouts, processing medical release and parent authorization forms on-site, for families of players to complete while players tryout.

Gridley Little League was seeking additional coaches and team managers as of Jan. 21 and based off the number of players on the first evening of tryouts, more may be needed. In November, the league announced it had already registered 149 players early.

In years past, the Gridley Herald has counted over 400 players on team rosters throughout the Leagues offering T-ball, Farm, Minors baseball and softball, Majors baseball and softball and challenger leagues.

Opening Day is typically held on a weekend in mid- early March; the Gridley Little League board has yet to announce the date of Opening Day 2026.