Other Articles in this Category
Most Viewed Stories
Most Commented Stories
Save & Share this Article
Fun, sportsmanship encouraged at Little League opening day
Former major leaguer Don Ferrarese gives pep talk; Wooly Bully throws out first pitch
There were jerseys of all hues and smiles plastered indelibly on hundreds of young faces as Hesperia American Little League celebrated Opening Day at Lime Street Park.
But league management made it clear to players, coaches and parents that it’s important to maintain those grins by encouraging spirited competition and sportsmanship all season long.
“Players, no matter how the game ends always be a good sport,” said League President Karen Angemi. “And treat your players and coaches with respect. Have fun and bring home a District 49 banner!”
Special guest Don Ferrarese, a former major league ballplayer and coach, said baseball has been his passion for 70 years. He encouraged players to enjoy the game, coaches to work on players’ mechanics and parents to “let the children have fun.”
Mavericks professional minor league baseball team mascot Wooly Bully threw out the first pitch, and Mark Bowers led the attendees in prayer.
Later, a number of games took place at a number of ballfields throughout Hesperia. The following are upcoming games, times and locations:
Mon 3/31
Braves (Hesperia Natl) vs. Royals -- Major Softball
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Coleman Field 1
Mon 3/31
Royals -- Minor Softball vs. Yankees -- Minor Softball
6:00 PM
Owens Field @ Lime Street Park
Tue 4/1
Royals -- Major Baseball vs. Mariners -- Major Baseball
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Timberlane
Tue 4/1
Angels vs. A’s
5:30 PM
Kingston School
Tue 4/1
Royals -- Junior Baseball vs. Adelanto Padres
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Live Oak
Tue 4/1
A’s -- Major Softball vs. Yankees -- Major Softball
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Owens Field -- Lime Street Park
Wed 4/2
Angels -- Major Baseball vs. A's -- Major Baseball
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Timberlane
Wed 4/2
Red Sox vs. Royals
5:30 PM
Kingston School
Wed 4/2
Angels -- Minor Softball vs. Diamondbacks
6:00 PM
Owens Field @ Lime Street Park
Thu 4/3
Yankees -- Major Baseball vs. White Sox -- Major Baseball
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Timberlane
Thu 4/3
Mariners -- Junior Baseball vs. Reds
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Live Oak
Thu 4/3
Pirates vs. Angels -- Major Softball
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Desert Trails
Thu 4/3
Mariners vs. Angels
5:30 PM
Kingston School
Thu 4/3
Angels -- Junior Baseball vs. Twins
7:45 PM - 10:00 PM
Live Oak
Sat 4/5
Angels -- Major Baseball vs. Royals -- Major Baseball
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Timberlane
Sat 4/5
Royals -- Minor Softball vs. Pirates
9:00 AM
Owens Field @ Lime Street Park
Sat 4/5
Diamondbacks vs. Yankees -- Minor Softball
9:00 AM
Spring Valley Lake (Softball)
Sat 4/5
A’s vs. Red Sox
9:00 AM
Kingston School
Sat 4/5
Royals -- Junior Baseball vs. Twins
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Live Oak
Sat 4/5
Astros vs. Angels -- Junior Baseball
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Silver Lakes
Sat 4/5
Royals vs. Mariners
11:00 AM
Kingston School
See archived 'Sports' Stories »
| hnll parent is someone on the board |
|
| HNLL - Apr 19, 2008 04:34:15 PM | Remove Comment |
| | |
| You know everone wants to complain about the board but then NO one wants to step up and do something about it. The board VOLUNTEERS to do this for us all. IT WOOLD BE GREAT TO HAVE AN OPENING DAY FOR OUR KIDS. I think we are the only league that doesn't do it. Come on BOARD step up and let's do something fun for the kids at the beginning of the season. Think about it please. |
|
| NLLP also - Apr 19, 2008 04:32:17 PM | Remove Comment |
| | |
| Yes, we need to get Gwen, Martin and Gabby our of Hesperia National, because without them in power, we wouldn't have to worry about playing in a facility that World Series champions have played on, or having a productive snack bar that brings in money that fixes our fields, funds our junior umpires and helps upgrade park facilities for our children! I'm sure that those who have stated that they want these three volunteers gone would be more than happy to step up to the plate to pick up the slack. Wait. where are they?
No, they all decided to go play elsewhere, where all they have to do is whine and cry and make threats to get their way. I hope Hesperia American doesn't let them trample their league like you have tried to do with Hesperia National.
All Gwen, Martin and Gabby are guilty of is following Little League guidelines and rules, and running a productive league. All three, as well as the other 15 or so dedicated volunteers have busted their humps to work on making HNLL more successful. Running clinics, working on fields, stocking snack bars, making badges, etc. Those who have complained have only done just that, complain. |
|
| HNLL Parent - Apr 15, 2008 11:24:00 AM | Remove Comment |
| | |
| But Hesperia National DOESN'T think the kids are important. That IS the difference. As long as Gwen, Martin, Gabby, and the rest are in power, you won't have an opening day ceremony. They know they would be hypocrites if they went in front of the parents and preached sportsmanship. They also don't want to gather to many parents in one place for fear that they would talk to eachother and realize how poor of a job HNLL does. |
|
| Go to American and Play - Apr 04, 2008 06:52:34 AM | Remove Comment |
| | |
| My son has played baseball with Hesperia National for the past 7 years. I wish the board would do something like this for their opening day. I think it's important for the kids. |
|
| HNLL parent - Mar 30, 2008 07:23:10 PM | Remove Comment |
| | |
| Kudos to HALL's Board for pulling off such a wonderful event. The kids had fun, the parents had fun, and the message was well received. Special guests this year were exceptional. |
|
| Current LL Parent - Mar 30, 2008 03:01:32 PM | Remove Comment |
| | |
| And Hesperia Nationals Board should follow Americans example. After all it is Hesperia Nationals Board that feels it is perfectly fine for an adult coach to tell a minor player that the player performs bl0wj0bs. But hey it was a joke and all meant in good fun. So lets go out and have fun, Little League. I applaud Hesperia American. Hesperia National is nothing but a bunch of adults who take advantage of children. |
|
| Former LL Parent - Mar 29, 2008 02:39:43 PM | Remove Comment |
