2007 Little League season on deck
Opening day scheduled for Saturday, March 31 at Jubilee Park
ANDY CHEN and LUZ MOORE(‘Illinois Valley News’ photo)
Saturday morning, March 31, Illinois Valley Little League will be ready to play ball.
Opening day ceremonies are scheduled to “batter up” at 8 at Jubilee Park and run to 3 p.m. Carnival games, a bake sale and an exhibition game will be featured.
I.V. Little League Board President Janet Ewing said that the body has worked hard during the past few months to ensure fun-filled festivities to start the season.
“We want everybody to come out and see what it is we’re doing and how we’ve expanded,” Ewing said. “I think people will be very surprised on opening day to see what we’ve accomplished this year.”
This year, Little League has more than a dozen teams and 175 players. Teams are divided according to age groups, and comprise T-ball, coach pitch, minors, majors and juniors divisions, plus two girls’ softball teams.
Ewing said that participation has been so strong, the league had to form three T-ball and coach pitch teams to meet the demand.
“There are more kids this year than we’ve ever had, so it’s really exciting,” Ewing said.
Though I.V. Little League has had much success in obtaining sponsorships, it is still seeking businesses willing to aid.
Volunteer umpires also are actively sought, as well as help to upgrade the field.
Craig Sweeney, who handles the league’s grounds maintenance, said he’s willing to volunteer to build a better backstop, but needs donated material.
“For a thousand dollars, the backstop could look really nice,” Sweeny said.
Evergreen Elementary School Principal Dave Valenzuela will serve as emcee for the opening day ceremonies. Cave Junction Mayor Tony Paulson is scheduled to throw the first ball at approximately 10:15 a.m.. The league’s two major teams are to play an exhibition game at noon.
Ewing said that weather conditions will not prevent the festivities.
“Rain, shine or snow, it goes on,” Ewing said. “It’s going to be lot of fun. That’s what it’s all about, is having fun for the kids.”
For more information, phone Ewing at 592-4389 or Trisha Arias at 592-5112, or visit seavla.net.
