La Mesa National Little League began its 61st season with an opening day event celebrating league volunteers and players.
League president Kevin Hovey kept the official ceremonies energetic but relatively brief. He thanked the many parent and community volunteers who help make each season possible. In particular, he singled out the efforts of what he called “super volunteers” who helped build a new snack bar and turn a former practice area into the new Rookies division field at Lemon Avenue Elementary.
Several of these parents were brought on the field to throw out ceremonial first pitches to their own children or other selected players.
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Last year’s league champions were celebrated, including the Minors Blackhawks, who also won the District 33 championship.
Hovey also mentioned the many league and team sponsors, including Dixieline, La Mesa Lumber, and Sea World among many others.
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After the end of the opening day ceremonies, games were played at both Kuhlken Field below the La Mesa Community Center and the Lemon Avenue fields. Additionally, the La Mesa Rotary Club set up shop at Lemon Ave and grilled complimentary hamburgers and hot dogs for players and parents.
La Mesa National fields 18 teams this year, from T-ball through Majors. The regular season runs through May, with District 33 playoffs in June. Majors and Minors divisions play against both La Mesa National and other local area Little League teams.
