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Each Saturday morning, at Winterberry Park, kids play T-Ball as part of the Marco Island Baseball League. Unlike teams in other divisions, they do not keep score, they are busy learning the game. That means they don’t have the opportunity to see their names, or even photos in the paper every week. This weekly feature gives a chance to give them some recognition.

In the final feature of the T-Ball teams the Red Sox are presented. Head coach Andy Delgado is supported by assistant coach Sam Steele.

Delgado said, “I’ve really been impressed how quickly all the players have improved from fielding to hitting. Next year at least half of the team will be ready to move-up to the next division. This division, the youngest, is the foundation of the league.”

Steele added, “It’s been a great first year and you can see how much fun the kids are having. I want to thank the board for starting this league and all the effort that’s been put in for the kids.”

As each player was lining up to bat, each was asked, “What’s your favorite thing about baseball, your favorite position, and what do you want to be when you grow up?” Their responses were:

Joshua Jordan, 5, said, “Hitting and third base. I have 30 hits and 28 home runs. I want to play baseball for the Marlins when I grow up.”

Jacob Wagner, 6, said, “Hitting and first base. I want to play football for the Marco Eagles.”

Jesse Giansanti, 6, said, “Batting and first base. I have 99 hits and like 29 home runs. I want to be a purple bionicle (LEGO creation) when I grow-up.”

Raina Hollowsky, 5, said, “Hitting and first base. I have 99 hits too. I want to play baseball when I grow up.”

Cody Couture, 6, said, “Hitting and first base. I want to be a policeman when I grow up.”

Megan Brown, 5, said, “Hitting and playing outfield.” Megan wants to play baseball for the real Red Sox when she grows up.

Jonathan Wagner, 5, said “Hitting and first base. I want to play football for the Eagles.”

Hunter Delgado, 5, said “Hitting and shortstop. I want to play baseball for the Yankees.”

Sierra Prange, 6, said, “Pitching and pitching.” Sierra also wants to play baseball for the Yankees when she grows up.

Marisa Roath, 6, said “Hitting and playing first base. I want to teach swimming at the YMCA when I grow up.”

Joseph Steele, 6, said “Running and first base. Don’t know what I want to be when I grow up because that’s 34 years from now.”

Bobby Leithauser, 6, said “Batting and second base.” He also wants to play for the Yankees when he grows up.

Helping get the batters lined up and helmets on, Ivette Todd, said, “It’s been a really great season for the kids. They’ve had lots of fun and I’m really amazed at how much everyone has improved from the beginning of the season.”

The coaches, players, parents and board would like to thank the sponsor of the Red Sox, the Island Garden Center.

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Bill Hollowsky is a board member of the Marco Island Baseball League and coach for the Indians in the Minor Division.