It's February: Time to Think About Baseball.

For once the groundhogs were all in agreement, spring is almost here. And if spring is almost here, baseball can't be far behind. Indeed, the Westbury Amateur Baseball Association is gearing up now for the 1999 season.

Last year was the WABA's most successful season yet, with more than 260 boys and girls of all ages participating. This year the WABA will be offering teeball and baseball to the following age groups:

5-7 year olds: teeball (must be 5 by Aug. 1)

8-9 year olds: minor league

10-12 year olds: major league

13-15 year olds: senior league

The baseball season kicks off on April 17 with the annual baseball parade up Post Avenue, which will be followed by the league's first game.

If your child has already registered, you can expect to hear from one of the coaches in March, who will inform you of the first practices. If you missed the weekend registrations held in January, you can still request an application by calling 334-2769 and leaving your name and address. The cost of registration, which includes a uniform the players can keep, is $50. For families registering more than one child, each additional child is only $25.

There are still a few sponsorship; opportunities for local businesses, but they are going fast. Again, call 334--2769 and find out how your business can support Little League baseball in Westbury.