By AMY DAVIS
The Progress
It was NOT a beautiful day in paradise. On Monday March 28, the Emergency Alert System sent out a warning at roughly 1:30 in the afternoon warning about high winds, massive dust storms and advised all to stay indoors. While the winds had calmed by early evening, visibility was still poor.
But just try to get between Mesquite and its Little League program! It won’t happen, not even for Mother Nature.
Proving just how hardy the Virgin Valley Little League is, the opening ceremony was held, and it was a joy! Over a hundred people gathered at Old Mill Park to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of VVLL, the first day of baseball and to remember the late Herb Calhoun.
The VVLL will start the season with 193 players on 18 teams; 9 softball and 9 baseball.
VVLL President Jayson Andrus, conducted the brief but poignant ceremony that started out with a prayer by Pastor Rick Jackson of Calvary Chapel. In his invocation Jackson said, “We want to pray over all involved in the season, all the players, all the parents, all the volunteers; keep them safe, help them have good sportsmanship, a great season and to never forget what a blessing it is to be here.”
Following the invocation, Shay Whipple sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.
Andrus then offered his thanks for the many donors. “We have a long list of very generous community sponsors,” said Andrus. “They contribute a lot of money and we could not hold this season without them.”
Andrus named 20 sponsors and then asked the crowd to give them a big round of applause.
Remembering Herb Calhoun was also a highlight of the opening ceremony. Calhoun, who passed away last November, was involved with VVLL for the entire decade of its existence. He was a favorite little league umpire.
Andrus told the audience that the league wanted to take a minute to recognize Calhoun. He invited his wife, Maggie to speak.
Maggie recalled being part of a very small group, 10 years ago, who helped get VVLL started.
“For those of you who didn’t know Herb, I would like you to know that he grew up playing baseball,” Maggie said. “He loved it. When he was a businessman, he supported the teams financially, and one of the last things he did before he got sick was to make sure that everyone would be playing softball again.”
Maggie finished emotionally expressing gratitude to those in attendance for being there and for the tribute to Herb. Andrus then presented Maggie with a baseball and a softball signed by all the players.
“Whether it was Little League or senior softball, Herb was in 100% to make it the best he could,” said Amy Bradshaw, Director of the Mesquite Senior Games organization. “He was a great leader and mentor to youngsters and seniors alike. He will be missed.”
After Maggie’s words, Mayor Al Litman was invited to throw the first pitch to catcher, Cameron Lee.
“Seven years of throwing the first pitch and I haven’t injured a catcher yet,” Litman joked with the crowd. “I will try to make sure that continues.”
Mady Wright and Mahttie Mulitalo said that they are both equally excited for the season to start. Both play for the Cubs team.
“I love softball so much!” said Wright. “Opening Ceremonies were so great!”
“Every single thing about softball is good, but being in the dugout with the players and hanging out is the best,” added Mulitalo.
As soon as the 20-minute ceremony ended, the games began. First up to the plate were the Braves vs. the Cubs and the Astros vs. the Angels. Have a great season and Play Ball!
