Little league returns to Socorro

Youth baseball and softball in Socorro will transition this spring from a city‑run program to a newly reestablished Little League charter, a move city officials say will expand opportunities for players while reducing strain on municipal recreation staff.

The City Council on Feb. 3 approved an agreement allowing the new Socorro Little League to operate on city fields beginning in March. Tracy Romero, vice president of the league and head softball coach at Socorro High School, told councilors the volunteer‑run program will bring back a more structured, competitive system for local athletes.

“We are bringing Little League back to Socorro,” Romero said. “Our goal is to provide a safe, positive program that fits all our kids in the community.”

Registration is already underway and will remain open through Feb. 27. Practices begin March 7, with Opening Day scheduled for April 11. Romero said a parade will be scheduled for the first week of games “like we used to.”

Romero said the league will offer baseball and softball divisions for ages 4–16, along with the Challenger Division, an adaptive program for children with physical or intellectual disabilities. Challenger players participate at no cost.

Standard registration is $65 per child, a fee Romero said was reduced thanks to the city’s commitment to cover the league’s insurance costs, estimated at about $4,200.

Mayor Ravi Bhasker said the city’s support is intended to keep youth sports accessible.

 “We want to give them a safety net of finances,” he said. “As they get more kids involved, we will help with that.”

Romero said that families with financial need may also apply for the T‑Mobile Little League Call Up Grant, which can cover registration fees for eligible players, and that people were already donating towards registration cost as well.

Romero said that participation numbers vary by age group, especially in softball, some teams may interleague with nearby communities such as Belen and Los Lunas,

“So, if we don't have enough for softball, they have the opportunity to join another team, say, in Belen.” Romero said, “Belen is our closest friend in Little League”

Players could travel for weekend games or join teams in neighboring leagues if local rosters are too small.

Romero said the structure will strengthen long‑term player development. 

“It’s a feeder program,” she said. “It gives kids a chance to grow in the sport and eventually compete at higher levels, including All‑Stars.”

Little League requires all volunteers, from coaches to concession workers, to undergo background checks. Head coaches must also be CPR‑certified. The league’s safety officer is developing a comprehensive safety plan that includes evacuation routes, first‑aid protocols and equipment requirements, said Romero.

Bhasker asked about security and supervision during games, a responsibility previously handled by city staff. Romero said those details are being finalized and will be shared with the city once complete.

City officials said the shift to a volunteer‑driven league will reduce staffing demands while maintaining strong youth programming. Bhasker noted that other sports, including wrestling and soccer, already rely on community volunteers with city support.

“Volunteers make these programs possible.” he said.

Bhasker also discussed the need to revive the city’s Recreation Committee to coordinate youth sports, especially as more sports and events become available.

Socorro previously had a Little League program, but it dissolved years ago. The new board, made up of local coaches and parents, has been working since last year to rebuild the charter, secure fields and meet national compliance requirements.

Romero said the response from families has been enthusiastic.

 “We’re lucky to have the fields we do,” she said. “We just want to get kids out there, keep them healthy and give them something positive to do.”