Some area residents turned out for the first event of the 2018 youth baseball and softball season last weekend, with a day of league sign-ups at the Castleberg Park snack bar. It was the first event of the Riverbank Youth Baseball and Softball Association this year.

It also was the first of three scheduled opportunities for parents to sign their youngsters up for the season. The remaining two are coming up quickly, according to officials.

Saturday, Jan. 27 and Wednesday, Jan. 31 are the remaining days, both set at the snack bar at Castleberg Park. Saturday sign-ups will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hours from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. next Wednesday.

Evaluations and drafts to form both softball and baseball teams will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3.

In the baseball league, action will be held on the south field at Castleberg, when 7- and 8-year-old Rookie players will start evaluation practice at 11:45 a.m. Their draft begins at 1:30 p.m.

Minor players, ages 9 and 10, begin evaluations at 1:15 p.m. and draft starting at 3 p.m. Majors, 11- and 12-year-olds begin evaluations at 2:30 p.m. with drafts starting at 3:15 p.m.

On the softball side, on the north field, 8-and-under players begin their evaluation workouts at 12:45 p.m. and drafts start at 2:15 p.m.

The 10-and-under players work out beginning at 1:45 p.m. with drafts at 3:45 p.m., and 12-and-under teams working out at 2:45 p.m. begin their drafting at 4:45 p.m.

Teams will meet at the Community Center on Santa Fe Street at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, for the parade to Castleberg Park for opening day ceremonies. Closing ceremonies are scheduled for May 19.

Also, there is a Riverbank Night planned for the Modesto Nuts minor league baseball game on Friday, April 27, at John Thurman Field. Officials note that updated information can be found throughout the season on the RYBSA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbankYouthBaseballSoftballAssociation/