SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Youth Baseball and Softball Association recently announced the launch of the Adirondack Rangers Baseball Club, a new summer baseball program designed to support player development, skill-building and baseball education for players ages 13 to 17.

The program is open to kids and teens from across the Tri-Lakes region. The Adirondack Rangers is specifically geared toward those who have aged out of traditional 12U (majors) youth baseball, have finished their school season or are not participating in a select, travel or summer team. However, players currently on other teams are welcome to register and participate as their schedules allow. No tryouts are required for this program — true to SLYBSA’s mission, the Adk Rangers are open to everyone within the age guidelines.

“This program fills a gap for older kids who still love baseball and want to keep learning and playing in a fun, structured environment,” SLYBSA President Chris Knight said. “Whether they’ve played in high school or haven’t picked up a glove since finishing Little League, the Adirondack Rangers Baseball Club is all about giving kids more opportunities to improve, develop their skills and enjoy the game.”

The program will be led by Scott van Laer, who has coached with the SLYBSA, modified baseball and the Saranac Lake Mudcats. Instruction will be provided by players from the professional Empire League, as well as other experienced area coaches.

Practices are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, starting June 17 and will run through early August, pending final approval of a field use request with the Saranac Lake Central School District. Sessions will be held in Saranac Lake as much as possible.

While the primary focus is on instruction and development, the Rangers hope to schedule several games depending on registration numbers.

Registration is now open. The cost of the program is $75 per player for the whole summer, with discounts available for families registering multiple participants. Each player will get an Adirondack Rangers hat and a shirt. For more information or to register, visit slybsa.org/rangers.