The opening ceremonies for a youth baseball tournament will kick off in Jeanerette Saturday, with multiple teams competing in the coming weeks. 

The Jeanerette Sandlot Youth Baseball Tournament will take place at Jeanerette City Park, and the opening ceremonies start with lineup at 9:30 a.m. and the games beginning at 10 a.m. The event is being set up thanks to the Jeanerette community and Iberia Parks and Recreation. 

Organizer Tavoris Marks said the idea for a Jeanerette baseball league came after a basketball league was started last year. Hoping to bring something for young people in the community, Marks and other supporters organized the baseball game with the desire to bring morale to Jeanerette. 

“I remember making a lot of friendships and relationships with guys that I played with in the park,” Marks said. “It brings out some good morale.”

About 50 to 60 kids had already signed up for the tournament, and Marks said he hopes that a proper league can be organized in the future if it proves successful. 

The tournament will include tee ball and sandlot league divisions. Teeball will include children ages 4-6 and the sandlot league will include children ages 7-9 and 10-13. Boys and girls will be able to participate free of charge for the event. 

Parents wishing to sign up their children still have the chance, and can go to King Joseph Recreation Center of Magnificent Kutz in Jeanerette to sign up.