local Youth baseball & softball to have new leadership; registrations starts today
A youngster runs to first base during little league action at the Price Field Complex last year. The City of Bartlesville approved a three-year deal with Arrowhead Sports Group to take over management of the Price Complex youth/softball fields and Artunoff softball complex. Registration begins today. According to the City of Bartlesville website, you can register or ask questions by emailing Arrowheadsg918@gmail.com.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports
By Mike Tupa
February 24, 2025
Bartlesville Area Sports Report
Yes, Virginia, there will be youth baseball/softball this year in Bartlesville.
Thanks to an enterprising and community-minded group of people, two area ball complexes are set to be a buzzin’ with action throughout the spring and into the summer.
On Friday, the City of Bartlesville approved a three-year deal with the Arrowhead Sports Group to take over management of Price Complex youth baseball/softball fields and the Artunoff softball complex.
Registrations for baseball/softball players for the Price Complex play are tentatively set to begin on Monday. The Price Complex — which was initially built in the 1950s — is located on Tuxedo Blvd., less than a mile west of Highway 75.
Arrowhead, LLC is headed by Chase Alcott, Adam Augustine, T.J. Dickinson, Daniel Johnson and Chris Jones.
The selection of Arrowhead ends a two-month scramble to ensure summer ball after a contract with previous management 4F expired in December.
“It was a sticky situation,” noted Bartlesville Mayor Jim Curd, Jr. “We ran out of time. This group stood up and did a great job of negotiating. … We think this is the best deal we could have gotten.”
Curd said he’s happiest about Arrowhead’s commitment to the strength of the recreational side of the baseball/softball leagues — in addition to providing a home field for the competitive teams that play out of town.
“They understand that as recreation ball goes, so goes baseball in town,” Curd continued. “They’re also committed to bring some tournaments to town,” which will enhance a notable economic impact.
“We’re excited about the opportunity,” said Allcott. “We’re excited to work with the city and to have some synergy with 4F. … We’re excited to get recreational ball up and going.”
John Pannell, the owner of 4F which oversaw the fields the past few years, will continue to be involved on the field maintenance side, Allcott said, citing other 4F involvement in helping run the league director side of the endeavor.
“The important thing is the kids are going to have a season,” Pannell said. “We’re all passionate about youth baseball and youth softball. This is a clear opportunity to see what we can do. We have some incredible facilities.”
Allcott hopes to have a registration portal open by Monday afternoon. The Arrowhead Sports Group plans to have its own website and 4F also has a website. More information also should be available on Bartlesville’s City Beat, Curd said.
“We’re excited,” he added.
Registrations for youth baseball/softball are getting underway about a month-to-six weeks late compared to most years, which might have a dampening effect on numbers this year.
But with Arrowhead Sports Group now firmly holding the reins, Curd said he’s looking forward to see how the program will fare in the next couple of years.
In addition, Arrowhead will take charge of the adult softball recreational league at the Artunoff complex located directly northwest of Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium.
Note: According to the City of Bartlesville website, registration starts Monday. To register for the upcoming season or for more information, email: Arrowheadsg918@gmail.com.
Youth softball and baseball will be back in Bartlesville this spring. The City of Bartlesville approved a three-year deal with Arrowhead Sports Group to take over management of the Price Complex youth/softball fields and Artunoff softball complex. Registration begins today. According to the City of Bartlesville website, you can register or ask questions by emailing Arrowheadsg918@gmail.com.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports