Little League season begins in Fallbrook

FALLBROOK — Saturday, February 24, was Opening Day for the Bonsall/Fallbrook Little League and the weather seemed custom-ordered for the outdoor event. The ceremony – which took place at Zeke Weaver Memorial Field, between the Boys & Girls Club and North County Fire Headquarters – began at 10 a.m. and was followed by a carnival with games and good food. Fallbrook Honorary Mayor Rhonda Reinke was on hand, as was Deputy Fire Chief Charlie Glasgow, who threw out the first pitch to Fallbrook High School Warrior David Marsh.

The Fallbrook High School varsity and junior varsity baseball teams were there to show their support of Little League. Coach Madden, accompanied by coaches Camacho, Reynoso, Fresca and Way, gave the Little Leaguers a few words of encouragement.

Gabriella Barbato, 12, a player on the Red Sox, led the Pledge of Allegiance as the Marine Corps Color Guard presented the American flag. Barbato also sang the National Anthem. Pastor Mark Demel from Zion Lutheran Church led the players and their parents in an invocation. Later, one Little Leaguer from each team came out to the mound to recite the Little League pledge, as is done before every Little League game played anywhere in the world. The pledge ends with the line “Win or lose, I will always do my best” and exemplifies the Little League philosophy.

This begins the seventh season for the Bonsall/Fallbrook Little League and the second at their new home on Ivy Street in Fallbrook. With the additional bonus of lights at the new facility, they now have the ability to play night games. This season brings with it the opportunity to be host to another league, Oceanside National Little League. They will be sending teams to inter-league with the local league every Saturday.

The Little League continues to improve and renovate the facilities on Ivy Street, which had been sadly neglected. This has been made possible with the support of local businesses. Many projects remain unfinished and the league is limited only by its resources. A third backstop is still under construction in the southeast corner of the facility and due to be finished soon.

Registration is still open to players interested in learning the fundamentals of baseball in a fun and safe environment. For information, call (760) 736-2736 or go to http://www.eteamz.active.com/bfll. Community members interested in providing financial support to the league can also use the same contact information.