SOUTH-CENTRAL : Going to Bat for First Little League

Registration is under way for the first Little League baseball program ever begun in South-Central.

The cost is $25 to participate in the program, which offers youngsters the chance to advance to national competition.

Boys and girls who want to participate should be 5 to 12 years old and live within the area bounded by the Harbor Freeway, Van Ness Avenue, Florence Avenue and the Santa Monica Freeway.

The program consists of three divisions: Tee-Ball for ages 5 to 7, Minor League for 8 to 10 and Major League for 10 to 12. Participants will play about 20 games between March and June.

Volunteers are needed to coach, act as umpires and run concession stands. Organizers also need sponsors to help cover operating costs, provide equipment and finance scholarships for disadvantaged players.

Supporters of the program include Little League Baseball Inc., the Los Angeles Dodgers, the city Department of Recreation and Parks and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Registration will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays from Jan. 27 to March 11 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 39th Street and Western Avenue.

Tryouts will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 4 and 11 at Harvard Park, Denker Avenue and 60th Street. Opening Day is March 18 at Harvard Park.

Information: (213) 896-0901.