The mission of the Sanford Youth League (SYL) is to provide baseball and softball to boys and girls in the Sanford area, ages 4 to 16.  SYL was started in 1970’s and since 1990 has been a member of the International Little League organization; 501c3 in 2014.  The home games played in both Sanford and Edenville are a vital part of both economies, bringing lots of families & friends of the players to these communities during the season. 

On May 19 2020, two dams failed in Midland County which resulted in catastrophic flooding in Sanford, Michigan. The park where SYL hosted practices and games was located right next to the second dam, which resulted in the complete destruction of the facility.  This includes the six fields and dugouts, three batting cages, concession stand, equipment, tractor, pavilions and fencing.  While the top priority has been to aid the community which suffered terrible losses of homes and businesses, it is time to start planning for how to return SYL to the 300 kids when ball might be the only ‘normal’ thing in their lives.

The plan for 2021 is to utilize other local fields.  While this offers a short term solution, it is not sustainable because the fields are not in the Sanford community.  Initial estimate to rebuild the six fields in Sanford and assemble the equipment is ~$700,000.  Please help as we strive to once again create this place of joy and fellowship for our community.