Contrary to rumor, Greater Niles Little League will have its 2012 season despite the arson fire that destroyed the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Wednesday morning.

According to Bill Mangold, league president, there will be baseball this season.

“The fields are in great shape and the concession stand is in good shape,” Mangold said. “If everyone gives Mike Dawson at the city and myself enough time, we will get it ready to play baseball. We will get the mess cleaned up as soon as possible.”

The first step in the cleanup process will be knocking down the building to make it safe for kids to be in the park.

“We have to get that cleaned up first,” Mangold said. “We can’t have any kids down there until the building comes down.”

Mangold noted that there was about an inch of water inside the concession stand, but that has already been cleaned up.

While no official opening day has been selected, the league is looking at mid-April for its season opener.

“We are going to have baseball this season,” Mangold stressed. “Everyone just needs to be patient and give us time to get it cleaned up.”

He added that within a week or so, there will be a community volunteer cleanup day scheduled.

The fire, which has been ruled an arson, was reported just after 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Niles firefighters, along with Howard Township and Clay Township (Ind.) were also called to the scene to battle the blaze. The fire was under control by approximately 6:30 a.m.