The Westside Woolly Mammoths are stepping up to the plate and are hoping to make a grand slam this baseball season. The United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) has a new team joining the roster at Jimmy John’s Field and will make their debut on May 12.

With team colors blue and red, the Woolly Mammoths are adding their own burst of color to the league. The team’s name was inspired by the woolly mammoth found in Chelsea, Michigan in 2015.

“I think that when you have local baseball teams the more you have the better,” teacher Mark Moehlig said. “The games are a great way to get out and do something fun without breaking budget.”

Opening day last year was filled with giveaways and activities for the whole family. Sophomore Lindsey Berg went with her family to last year’s opening day and watched as the Utica Unicorns took their first win.

“I liked going to opening day and seeing all of the excitement,” Berg said. “It’s a lot of fun to just go to a game that is so close to home, especially since I grew up watching baseball.”

Although the Westside Woolly Mammoths don’t take their first swing until May 12, opening day for the season is scheduled for May 11.

Jimmy John’s Field has also opened up summer jobs for students like senior Leah Wylie.

“I liked meeting all the new people,” Wylie said. “It was like having a Jimmy John’s family.”

Returning from last season’s roster will be the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers, the Eastside Diamond Hoppers, and the Utica Unicorns who won the championship last year.