Levittown South-Wantagh baseball and softball has voted to merge with the Wantagh Astros advanced travel league. The vote was held at an executive board meeting on Oct. 22, and was a unanimous decision. While over 90 percent of the Astros players already play for the LSW intramural program, we do allow others to try out for the teams. It is our intention to allow players who wish to play at a higher level of to be able to do so in our community. We have realized that there are other children from other local leagues expressing interest in our travel program.

Any player who wishes to play in our travel program is strongly encouraged to play in their respective leagues. We are not here to steal players, but any local child may try out for our teams. This is something that we have been doing without any problems, for the past few seasons. Those children who play tournament baseball in different leagues will still be able to do both.

This decision was reached due to requests by our affiliated organizations to keep our players and minimize the amount of new independent teams that have been sprouting up everywhere. The Astros games are played on Sunday, so that there are no conflicts with the LSW intramural program, nor any other existing league in our community. We are in the process of completing the paperwork, insurance questions and all other considerations to make the transition seamless. In 2004, there will be 4 Astro teams.

The LSW intramural program has held early registration and we have already signed over 300 players for the 2004 spring season. It is our expectation to have over 600 families before the start of the season. This is for players between the ages of 4 - 12. Any 4-year-old must turn 5 before July 31, 2004 to play in our program. Softball is also available for girls, should they wish that instead of baseball. Naturally, it is up to the individual to choose. We are extremely pleased with our registration to date. Having registered over half of program before the end of September is tremendous.

Another new development at LSW is to include a senior program. This is designed for players that wish to continue playing baseball after they turn 12 years old. A registration for 13-14 and 15-16-year-olds will begin soon. Discussions are being held on this topic now. Insurance and other issues are being worked out before we register our teens.

LSW is having another registration on Friday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the evening, and Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The location is the AMF Wantagh Bowling Center on Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh. Look for our forms, as they will be distributed in local schools.

Naturally, we seek sponsors for our league to maintain fields and order proper equipment for our kids. Should anyone have any question or concern, please feel free to contact us. Our telephone message service number is 616-3107. We can also be reached via e-mail. Our email address is LSWBB@yahoo.com. All questions will be answered.

We also have held our elections and our new board is in place. While three of our board have moved on, they have been replaced with qualified members of our other directors. Our meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, at 8:30 p.m. The location is the Hunt Road Clubhouse. Our meetings are open to all members of organization.