Local youth baseball and softball players have something exciting to look forward to this upcoming season as the newly formed Oriole Diamond Club prepares to take the field. Founded by local community members Craig Luzinski and Cory Kimball, the league promises to facilitate the youth baseball and softball programs for residents of the Stanley-Boyd School District and offer a fresh, community-driven approach to the sport, bringing players of all ages and skill levels together for a unique baseball experience. The Oriole Diamond Club Board is made up of President Craig Luzinski, Vice President Cory Kimball, Secretary/Treasurer Sarah McQuillan, former High School Softball Coach Andrea Mahr as the softball representative, and High School Baseball Coach Ryan Sturm as the baseball representative. Working so closely with the high school coaches, the Oriole Diamond Club aims to make transitions smoother from one level to the next and enables them to collaborate in teaching key skills and focusing on important areas of development.

The purpose of the Oriole Diamond Club is to provide a competitive yet inclusive environment where athletes can hone their skills, build camaraderie, and enjoy the timeless game of baseball. The goal of the club is “to provide an opportunity for our participants to engage in a program that represents and promotes integrity, respect, and responsibility.” The club is committed to helping players become not only skilled athletes but also positive, contributing members of the community. Both participants and coaches will be held to high standards, expecting them to represent the program with integrity and in a positive light. According to Luzinski and Kimball, the goal of the league is not just about winning games – it’s about fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love of the game.

Luzinski shared that the idea for the club stemmed from a desire to give the league more structure, with the goal of increasing involvement from parents and volunteers.

“It’s been a really good program with great numbers, and we just want to try and improve on it however we can,” he said.  

The Oriole Diamond Club, which will play games at Chapman Park and Fandry Park, has exciting plans for the future, including installing new bases, repairing the batting cages and fences, and potentially adding a new concession stand and restrooms at Fandry Park. The Majors, Minors, and Ponys will move to the Seymour League which will allow for ease and flexibility of scheduling and where teams will play against local teams from Thorp, Cadott, Cornell, Augusta, Fall Creek and Seymour. Other changes for the club include, streamlined electronic registration, payments, schedules and rosters, a mobile app, and a new website. “We are trying to make things as convenient as possible for everyone by moving as much information as possible online,” Luzinski added.

Kimball is excited about the upcoming inaugural season for the new club, especially with the switch to a new league that will give players the chance to face teams closer to home. Luzinski, on the other hand, is excited about the launch of the new website, www.OrioleDiamondClub.org. He hopes it will be live before Christmas, with registration opening on January 1st. He explains, “It will contain everything there is to know about our program as well as numerous tools for players, parents, volunteers and coaches.” 

He points out that local businesses and organizations interested in supporting the club can get involved through sponsorship opportunities. One option is to reach out via email at OrioleDiamondClub@gmail.com. Additionally, once the new website is live, there will be a dedicated section for sponsorship opportunities. More information will also be available during the player registration process.

At its core, playing baseball and softball is all about creating memories and having fun. Kimball hopes that by the end of the season, players will walk away with the skills to perform at their best. Luzinski shares this sentiment, adding, “I just hope they can look back and say they have made memories... Of course, it’s about learning and improving as ballplayers, but ultimately baseball and softball are games and it’s about having fun and growing relationships that will last a lifetime.”

For more information on the Oriole Diamond Club and how to join, email OrioleDiamondClub@gmail.com and look for the new website to launch soon.