BY STEVE KRAH
Instilling a love for and the fundamentals of the game.
That’s what the Wildcat Baseball League has been doing in the Fort Wayne area for decades.
In its 59th year in 2019, the youth league founded by Dale McMillen Sr. aka “Mr. Mac” where “everybody makes the team” has instruction and competition going on at 10 sites: Aboite (Summit Middle School), Arlington (Arlington Elementary School), Blackhawk (Blackhawk Middle School), Foster (Foster Park), Hamilton (Hamilton Park), Leo (Leo Junior/Senior High School), New Haven (Havenhurst Park), Northside (Northside Park), St. Joe (St. Joe Baseball Complex) and Wallen (Wallen Baseball Complex).
While the season is already underway with about 1,400 participants, players can still sign up at area sites. There is no cost to play Wildcat. Players provide their own glove. The rest is covered by the league.
Divisions are Kitten (6-8), Kitty (9-11), Kat (11-14) and Tiger (14-15).
“We’re flexible,” says Wildcat League president Bill Derbyshire of the age divisions. “We try to make it comfortable for the kids.”
That’s in keeping with the spirit of Wildcat.
“The fundamental principle is that we give all the kids a chance to play. They get to play without the fear of being intimidated or embarrassed.
“We teach baseball skills in an atmosphere of ‘you can do this.’”
Derbyshire, who first became involved with the Wildcat League as a director at Kekionga in 1969 and went on to coach baseball for 17 seasons at Fort Wayne Elmhurst High School (the field at that site bears his name) and has been league president since 2004, says a common memory for coaches is that of seeing youngsters get their first hit or catch their first fly ball.
The annual “Mr. Mac Day” brings together Wildcat Leaguers for fun and competition. This year it is scheduled for July 12 at Kreager Park. There are all-star games, relays and contests like hitting off a tee, accuracy throw, distance throw and baserunning.
Weekly clinics cover pitching, hitting, infield and outfield play, baserunning, “Mr. Mac Day” fundamentals and sportsmanship.
This year, there are 45 on-site staffers and five in the office at 1302 E. Creighton Ave.
Jack Massucci has served Wildcat baseball for more than 50 years and is currently vice president. He coached 37 seasons at Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran High School and is a member of the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Gerry Tilker also has a Wildcat tenure nearing a half century and now serves as commissioner. He was also head coach at Elmhurst.
Gary Rogers is assistant commissioner and league fundamentalist. He is a former Wildcat site director. He coached 32 seasons at Fort Wayne Luers High School and just completed his second at Leo.
Derbyshire, Massucci, Tilker and Rogers are all in the Northeast Indiana Baseball Association Hall of Fame.
To register or for more information, contact Wildcat Baseball at 260-456-5821.
Fort Wayne’s Wildcat Baseball League, where “everyone makes the team,” is in its 59th year in 2019.
www.IndianaRBI.com 
I’d like sum more information about the league please.
1. How much is the cost to play?
2. Do you offer scholarships of any kind?
3. When is the money due by?
LikeLike
Thanks for taking the time to write.
I know the 2019 season is over.
In looking at the website (www.wildcatbaseball.us), I see that the 2020 season is June 2-July 17 with registration starting May 23.
I know that a $10 donation is suggested to cover a cap and T-shirt and players usually bring their own gloves. Wildcat officials could give you specifics. Their number is 260-456-5821.
LikeLike