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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 Marco Island Pirates are featured.

Jim Stanley is the head coach, supported by assistant coach Pat O’Gorman and parent Jim Watt.

Stanley said, “It’s been an excellent season, the kids have learned so much and have come so far. It’s been a really wonderful experience for the kids. I remember the first practice, it really seemed chaotic, but now the kids have really gotten the swing of it.”

O’Gorman said, “This has been an exciting season. I can’t say enough good things about the league and the support of the parents. It’s been wonderful for everyone.”

Watt added, “This season is going great. It’s been really fantastic for the kids. They are really loving it. The set-up of the schedule and playing rules are just right.”

In the T-Ball Division each team bats completely through their roster, insuring each child has a chance to bat each inning. Also, each child plays defensively in the field every inning — no matter how many players are on the roster. Each batter receives three pitches tossed by the coach. If the batter does not make contact with the ball, the ball is placed on a tee for the batter to hit. This gives every child a hit and an opportunity to run the bases.

Each of the Pirates players were asked, “What’s your favorite thing about baseball and your favorite position?” Their responses were:

Eden Martin, 7, said, “Hitting and catching the ball. My favorite position is first base.”

Jonathan Watt, 5, said, “Hitting and pitching and my favorite position is outfield.”

Jackson Shigley, 4, said, “Catching and first base is my favorite position. I’ve been playing first base a couple of seasons.”

Jimmy Stanley, 6, said, “Hitting and hitting.” Jimmy said he’s had four hits this season and five home runs. His favorite position is first base.

Jason Lang, 6, said, “Catching and batting and I like first base.” When asked how many home runs he has hit, he replied “two home runs — maybe.”

Ian Wivestad, 5, said “Batting and first base.” Asked how many times he has batted this year he replied, “50 times.”

Donte Vecchio, 4, said “Batting and first base.” He couldn’t remember how many times he’s been to bat.

Patrick O’Gorman, 4, said “Batting and I like all the positions.” Patrick also said, “I’ve been to bat a lot, hitting mostly home runs.”

Mason Vangilder, age 5, said, “Batting and second base.” Mason figures he has batted seven times this year and has hit one home run.

Spencer Baldwin, 6, said, “Catching pop-flies and playing third base.” He said he has caught 20 pop-flies and he’s pretty good at it.

James Poteet, 6, said “Hitting and third base.” James said he has five hits and one home run this year.

Tyler Chute, 4, said, “Catching and first base.” Tyler said he has 100 hits so far. He wants to play for the Major League Baseball Pirates when he grows up.

The coaches, players, parents and board would like to thank the sponsor of the Pirates, the Marco Island Community Bank.

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