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A state championship team will be presented with trophies and lavished with praise as the South Pasadena Little League hosts Opening Night for the 2019 season on Friday.
The 9-10 minor softball team was the best in California last year and will be recognized for the high achievement during a brief ceremony following the 6 p.m. start of the event.
Three other teams from South Pasadena Little League will be honored after winning District 18 championships including Junior Softball, and Junior and Senior Baseball.
Baseball and softball players, along with their parents, family members and friends are all invited to be a part of the big night at Clarich Field in Arroyo Park.
SPLL President Alberto Ocon said Opening Night will give the league an opportunity to thank its sponsors for sporting the local youth program that has been around since 1952.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” said Ocon, noting that South Pasadena Little League has seen an upward tick in participation in recent years. A league requirement is that players must reside from South Pasadena. Aside from a few special circumstances, Ocon noted, “Ninety-nine percent are from our city.”
The goal, stressed the SPLL president is to create a positive experience on the field for baseball and softball players of all ages.
“I think we’ve been able to do that over the years,” he said, after being asked why the league has been so popular for children growing up.
Three baseball games, family fun activities, food and a carnival atmosphere will all be part of the opening night celebration.
At 7:30 p.m. a major league baseball game will be played at Nelson Field and at Burke Field a major league softball game will be underway. Starting a 8 p.m. two junior division teams will square off at Clarich Field.
Hot dogs, corn-on-the-cob and lemonade will be available while they last. In addition, an inflatable bouncer will provide plenty of fun for kids along with games and activities.
Play Ball!
Ocon welcomes those two famous words this time of year. “Yeah, we’re ready to open the season,” he said.
For more information about Little League, visit Twitter @playSPLL, Instagram @SPlittleleague and Facebook @playSPLL
