Rochester Youth Baseball is opening its doors to players outside of Rochester for the first time.

The league, founded in 1978, accepts players four to 12 years old.

“Rochester has always had a proud baseball tradition and over the years and our program has been held in high regard,” says league president Hal Rood. “In the past, we have fielded requests from families outside of Rochester to join, but our rules prohibited us from doing so. This year, the Board found a solution that will allow players from outside of our town without changing the positive character of our league.”

Rood also said the expansion won’t affect the league negatively.

“This will not decrease the number of spaces open for Rochester kids to move into the major leagues or any other level of our league,” Rood said. “In fact, it could help Rochester kids to move up to a higher level because it might enable us to add new teams, which would open up additional spots for Rochester kids.”

An information and registration night will be held Monday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the RE/MAX office in Marion, 140 Wareham Road. Registration can also be done online at www.RochesterYouthBaseball.com.

“People often comment about the quality of our fields and the exciting atmosphere at games,” Rood says. “This doesn’t happen by accident. It is due to the fantastic parental support. We look forward to new families joining us and adding to this environment.”

Any player eight to 12 years old registered by December 31 will receive free entrance into the “Winter Baseball Academy,” which is led by pro ballplayer Mike Torres.

For more information, email Hal Rood at halrood@gmail.com