Get ready registration opens for the 2017 season of baseball.

On January 15, Cochrane Minor Ball Association opens up for baseball and softball registrants ages 5 to 18.

Kayley MacLennan, Administration and Operation Coordinator, says avoid disappointment and register early.

"We are anticipating 400 kids again, we had a record high last year. It was about a 45% increase from the year before, and we will be capping again this year."

With limited diamonds to play at, Cochrane Minor Ball Association is finding it difficult to accommodate everyone who wants to play.

"We did have to turn some kids away, we really don't want to but we don't have an option with the lack of diamonds."

This year the Mitford diamond will remain unavailable, but the association will be able to utilize the diamonds in Sunset Ridge at RancheView School. MacLennan says while the organization is thankful for the new addition she is not sure it will work for everyone.

"It will help, but it will only help with the T-ball and coach pitch age and maybe minor/major; we are not quite sure yet if that diamond will work for them."

Cochrane Minor Ball association is offering a coach training session this year which will help guide those new to ball.

"It will help coaches learn how to teach the young ones who have never played, to play baseball; you don't need any experience in T-ball or coach pitch."

MacLennan adds while coaching positions can be difficult to fill, the parents have been great this year at stepping up and filling those roles.

If you would like to register for the upcoming ball season you can do so here on January 15.