A Great Day to ‘Play Ball!’

By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

The opening day festivities for Moapa Valley Little League (MVLL) was held with a flurry of activities on Saturday, March 25 at the Logandale Sports Complex.

This year, a record number of players turned out for Little League. The league is sporting 40 teams overall this year.

At 9:00 a.m. all of the teams with their coaches were asked to gather and assemble along the baseline of the infield. League president Gene Houston was impressed as he looked at the crowd of young players.
“We are happy to be here today and see all these wonderful kids wanting to play this sport!” Houston said. “Let’s have a great season and let these kids have fun.”

The Grant Bowler Elementary Honors Choir, under the direction of Bradley Stucki, then took to the field to sing the National Anthem.

Tayna Holmstead, the loudspeaker announcer for the morning, introduced each team to step forward and take a bow. Most of the teams took an enthusiastic run around the pitcher’s mound as they were introduced.

But the festivities didn’t end there. Instead of the traditional start of games, Tayna and Blake Holmstead planned some family fun for the large crowds of players, coaches, family and friends.

First a foot race was held for the kids in different age groups. Five-year-old Corbin Brummett won the race in his age group and was all smiles as he enjoyed his prize treat. Corbin plays on the Cubs T-ball team, with his twin brother Dillon.

After the foot races, an Easter egg hunt took place. Hundreds of eggs were placed out in the outfield. There were some with prizes in them, but all the participants received treats for their scramble to scoop up the eggs.

A big kids event drew lots of attention from on-lookers hungry to see some action. The Home Run Derby was announced amongst all the coaches to see who could hit the ball the furthest. With a cash prize of $1 per yard, a line formed for each one to take their best swing.

Initially there was a tie for first place with Clint Doolittle and Layne Webb each hitting to 108 yards. Those two faced off and surprisingly tied again at 89 yards. For the third time batting, Webb claimed victory with a score of 93 yards to Doolittle’s 80.

Opening day ceremony and activities were sponsored with cash and prizes by Moapa Valley Family Dental, Lin’s, Eureka Casino, Home Hardware, Ace Hardware, and many individuals who donated money and volunteered their time.
When pre-game activities were completed, the Little League teams were ready to play ball.

Houston mentioned the increase in girls playing the sport. Last year there were only 5 softball teams and this year there are 13.
“I am thrilled to see the increase in the numbers here,” Houston said. “The purpose of Little League is for the kids to learn a skill, develop sportsmanship, have fun, get out of the house, do something physical and learn teamwork. Whether they are boys or girls, we are thrilled with the turnout this year.”

Baseball is generally for the boys and softball is played by the girls. However one tough-as-nails young lady, Lyla Johnson, wanted to play baseball with the boys this year. She is joining the Braves minor league team.
“I’ve been playing baseball for awhile,” Lyla said. “I want to have fun, but I also want to know that I can play as well as the boys.”
Lyla’s father, Taylor, followed up by stating, “She has always loved baseball and wanted to challenge herself.”
Braves Coach Layne Webb added, “Lyla is one of the better players on the team. She will start on second base. But she can pitch also.”

From now through May, the Logandale Sports Complex will be busy with baseball games and practice practically every day of the week. If you want to get some fresh air, support local kids and grab a hot dog and snacks, that is the place to be.