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Each Saturday morning, at Winterberry Park, kids play T-Ball as part of the Marco Island Baseball League.

Unlike teams in other divisions, they do not keep score, they are busy learning the game. That means they don’t have the opportunity to see their names, or even photos in the paper every week. This weekly feature gives a chance to give them some recognition.

This week the T-Ball Marco Island Braves are featured.

Sonny Grensing is the head coach, assisted by Mike McDuffie, along with many parents.

Grensing says, “It’s been an awesome season so far. I’ve seen nothing but huge improvements from each kid. Many of them are really whacking the ball, and most of all they are having fun and enjoying the game.”

McDuffie added, “The kids are really enjoying it. You wouldn’t believe how much progress they have made.”

Each of the Braves players were asked what their favorite part was about baseball and their responses were:

“Hitting the ball and batting,” said Sean Cervin. Austin McDuffie, “Hitting and hitting;” Dalton Warren (with a big smile) “Batting;” Abbey Grensing, “I really like hitting;” Cooper Nettles, “Hitting the ball and home runs.” When asked how many home runs Cooper has hit all season he said, “17.”

Noah Cross said, “Catching the ball,” while adding a bit of caution by saying, “Don’t swing the bat when you are close to others.”

Bryce Ehlen, “Batting is a lot of fun;” Jack Creedon, “Hitting.”

Jack also said he has hit “10 home runs” this season. Katie Creedon, said, “I like it when I get to bat.” She said she has batted about “50 times” and has hit “30 home runs.”

Also on the roster for the Braves are Michael La Cava and Gino Cifolelli. They were too busy signing autographs to offer remarks.

Team Mom Kelly Creedon, while helping get in the batting order line-up, said, “The kids just love it and I just love it. This is the best thing for the island, having practices and games here, especially for the younger ones. With both of my children on the same team, it really provides convenience.”

The players and board would like to thank the sponsor of the Braves, Southwest Florida’s Health and Wellness Magazine and the sponsor for the Angels, last week’s featured team, House of Carpets, Tile and Hardwood Floors.

Bill Hollowsky is a board member of the Marco Island Baseball League and coach for the Indians in the Minor Division.