Better late than never, Little Leaguers have their special day

Players wave to the crowd during the parade of teams in Saturday's Little League Opening Ceremonies.

Story and photos by Doug Spoon, Editor

It was all smiles under sunny skies and time to play some baseball Saturday when Menifee Valley Little League held its Opening Ceremonies at Winchester Park.

This was the first time in two years the league was able to hold the event because of the pandemic. Even so, the event was delayed almost a month because of rainy weather on the originally scheduled date. Call it Opening Ceremonies or a mid-season festival, but the fact many games have already been played did not dampen the enthusiasm.

All players, coaches and team moms participated in a parade on the field. Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman was there to high-five the players and throw out the first pitch (photo below). Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District field supervisor Vince Valdez was honored upon his retirement after 27 years (right).

Soon, it was time to play ball on three fields – including a game in the Challenger Division for special needs players. Vendor booths were doing a brisk business. And later in the day, raffle prizes were given away.