The Junior Giants baseball program is coming to San Benito County, Hollister Police Chief David Westrick announced at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The program offers free, non-competitive baseball for boys and girls ages 5-18 years old. Westrick also said that the San Benito County Police Athletics League (PAL) will also offer a free youth tennis program sponsored by the United States Tennis Association.

Now in its 20th year, the Junior Giants program reaches more than 21,000 children in 90 leagues across California and into Nevada and Oregon, according to its website. The Community Fund provides all of the uniforms, equipment, and training necessary to run a league as well as tickets to select Giants games so the youth can experience a Major League Baseball game.

Westrick said "we need a ton of volunteers to get this off the ground" and that sign-ups will start March 2.

The USTA tennis program, called H.I.T.S., is open to children up to age 10. According to a USTA website, the program uses “right-sized” equipment (in regards to weight, length, speed and size) to help young players learn to play more effectively. During this 6-8 week program, kids will participate in fun activities while learning the fundamentals of tennis in a safe and supportive environment.

Westrick said the local PAL program also plans to offer the NFL's Punt, Pass and Kick program, Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit and Run competition and start up a wrestling program in the fall.