The batter steps up to the plate, gritty determination in his eyes and focuses on the ball. He digs in, prepares to take a mighty swing and drive his teammates home. Then all of the sudden he pauses, steps back and gazes up playfully at a butterfly crossing his path.

Such is the joy of Renton’s youth baseball leagues. Players can take it as seriously as they want. Fun is far and away the top priority.

“A lot of kids, it’s their first try at baseball,” said coach Linda Le. “It’s a lot of team-building and learning that your teammates are on your side.”

The City of Renton Summer Youth Baseball program is for boys and girls ages 5-10. Leagues range from T-ball, to coach pitch, to machine pitch. Teams practice once per week and have one game each week.

Le, who’s been coaching for six years, loves the uncompetitive aspect. Everyone bats each inning and score isn’t kept. Games last two or three innings, depending on time.

“It’s more fun because they don’t have the pressure of winning and keeping score,” she said. “Everybody’s just learning the basics.”

Most importantly, the kids are having fun.

During warm-ups before a July 15 game, one player made a slick fielding move and threw the ball to his friend, then exclaimed, “Just like a real Mariner!”

Austin Elanzano, of Renton, said his favorite part is “hitting the ball and stuff.”

The 5-year-old likes playing first base best and enjoys batting practice.

The season wraps up Aug. 5. Go to rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=17542 for more information on youth baseball.