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It’s no secret to those around the program that South Pasadena Little League is riding high these days after winning seven District 18 titles, catapulting to Sectional 3 play as two teams went deep in the tourney by reaching the finals.
Although no local unit came away with a Sectional championship, SPLL president Alberto Ocon likes the idea they came close, swung the bats well, played solid defense and pushed opponents to the brink.
With all the success, Ocon knows SPLL has got something special going, recognized as a major force in the area when it comes to youth softball and baseball.
“South Pasadena Little League works hard to prepare competitive teams and hopes to go as far as possible each year,” he said, talking about the respect SPLL has created over the years. “We had a wonderful representation in all divisions this summer. Many of the teams we played in Section tournaments advanced to the state and regionals, and are still in contention. I couldn’t be more proud of our kids.”
Overall in 2022, South Pasadena Little League had two Tournament of Champions (baseball 9-11 and softball Junior division) to go along with its seven District 18 crowns, which include:
- Softball: 8-year-old, 10-year-old and 12 year-old.
- Baseball: 11-year- old, Major, Junior and Senior divisions.
Six district champs went on to compete in Sectional 3 tourneys. Here is how they fared:
- Softball 10-year-old lost in the Section 3 finals played at Azusa Little League.
- Softball 12-year-old lost in the Section 3 finals played at La Verne Little League.
- Baseball 11-year-old lost in the Section 3 semifinals at West Covina American Little League.
- Baseball 12-year-old lost in the Section 3 semifinals at Ontario Western Little League.
- Baseball Junior lost in the Section 3 quarterfinals at Baldwin Park National Little League.
- Baseball Senior lost in the Section 3 quarterfinals at Upland National Little League.
“We play the best of the best in our section,” explained Ocon. “Each and everyone of these teams can be proud of how their seasons finished.”
Along with the standout talent on each of the summer teams, the league’s president always puts parents in the spotlight, thanking them for volunteering their time, whether in coaching roles, preparing fields for games or working in the snack shakes to help raise funds.
SPLL Fall Softball registration is underway and play begins in mid-September. For more information go to www.spll.org.
The league is looking for board members to help with the 2023 spring baseball/softball/challenger divisions. Interested volunteers are urged to e-mail Ocon at president@spll.com.
