Rolando Little League Enjoying Its Major League Playing Fields

Players in the Rolando Little League have the Padres to thank for a first-class facility that includes two fields with major league-like features.

Two years ago, the Upper and Lower fields at Rolando were chosen for refurbishing under the Little Padres Parks program. In 1996, Padres owner and chairman John Moores suggested that youth baseball diamonds in the San Diego area (and as widespread as Lake Elsinore, Imperial County and Tijuana) be upgraded so that youngsters can compete in clean, safe settings. Little Padres Parks feature lush landscaping, scoreboards and palm trees in the outfield.

In celebration of the Padres' 40th anniversary in the majors, the club chose Rolando as one of three facilities to be refurbished in 2009. On Thursday evening, the Wildcats and Trojans of the league's Minor Division played on the Lower Field, with the result more resembling a football score: Wildcats 14, Trojans 7.

Local leagues serving La Mesa:

• Fletcher Hills Little League
• Lake Murray Little League
• La Mesa National Little League
• Rolando Little League