ALPENA ­– After nine years being affiliated with the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken organization, Alpena Huron Shore is returning to Little League for baseball and softball beginning with the 2022 season.

The decision was made official just before the new year and the switch brings a handful of changes that impact some players and families moving forward.

Among the notable changes will be age charts for the baseball divisions. Little League uses Aug. 31 to determine league age, which is different from the May 1 date used under Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken. This means some players will have a different league age going forward beginning with the 2022 season and something that cannot be changed because of the date set by Little League.

This age chart will have no impact on softball as the two dates are the same between the two organizations.

Another change that affects some players with intentions of playing this season is Little League only offers programs for players up to age 16 as opposed to age 18 in Babe Ruth. However, players aged 17 and 18 will still be able to play under Babe Ruth, which will be the same as previous years.

The Alpena Huron Shore Little League board is striving to keep regular season play as it has always been. There are some different playing rules that will need to be followed as set forth by Little League, but the hope is that once play begins, players will not realize that there is a difference in leagues.

The plan for play to begin and a date for opening day is May 7, with the season ending on June 25.

The Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken organization in the state of Michigan does not offer much of a tournament trail for baseball and none for the softball division. Little League has a strong tournament trail in Michigan that begins at the end of June and runs into July with district play in the different age groups for both baseball and softball.

Alpena Huron Shore hopes the switch back to Little League will offer a better experience for both players and parents.

All players and volunteers are to register at the new website: ahsll.org. This new website also consists of general league information and communication.

Registration is now open with information on the new website and “Alpena Huron Shore Little League” Facebook page. There is a cost of $60 for T-Ball and $75 for baseball and softball with a family max of $200. Players must live inside the league borders or be enrolled in Alpena Public Schools, Immanuel Lutheran School or All Saints School to be eligible to play. Registration ends Sunday, March 13. There is no guarantee on late registrations.