Opening Ceremonies for VV Little League

By TYRA LUDVIGSON

The Progress

The Virgin Valley Little League kicked off the 2023 baseball season with its annual opening ceremony held Monday evening, Mar. 27. This is the eleventh consecutive season for the Virgin Valley Little League organization.

The ceremony started with Little League President Jayson Andrus introducing and acknowledging all of the hardworking board members that have stepped up to make Little League happen. These include Scott Jackson, Dave Bennett, Beth Caplinger, Zach Robinson, Julie Lee, Omar Vallejo, David Lowe, Dan Wright, Jayson Andrus, and Larry Waite. These community leaders have volunteered their time and efforts to continue youth-centered Little League program, Andrus said.

Following board member introductions, Dave Neufeld from the River Valley Bible Church offered an invocation, both for the night’s festivities and for the entire season.

The Veterans Center Honor Guard then presented the flags of the United States, State of Nevada, and the City of Mesquite.

Once flags were in position, Neil Stucky from the Elks Lodge graced the attendees with a beautiful a capella rendition of the National Anthem. Stucky’s powerful voice made for a very impactful performance.

Andrus then took time to give a special thank you to all the sponsors.
“We couldn’t do this without our community sponors!” he said.

The 2023 sponsors include Mesquite Veterans Center, Loadtec, ERA Brokers, Heritage Electric, Nevada Bank and Trust, Reliance Connects, Mesa View Home Care, Karen Fielding ERA Realtor, Knights of Columbus, Mesquite Elks Lodge, Mesquite Electric LLC, Teal Excavation, Valley Pediatric Dental, Kokopelli Landscaping, and Lindi Corp.

After all the formalities, it was time for the main event: the first pitch. Mayor Al Litman was given the honor of throwing the very first pitch of the season. Litman took the mound, shakes off the first call, and threw a change-up. Little League softball star and first-pitch catcher, Ava Noel, framed the pitch perfectly for first strike of 2023 Little League Series.

Ava’s father Jared Noel is the coach of her team. There was only enough girls for 2 teams for the ‘major leagues’ (the oldest age group). That did not discourage Noel nor the players from having a great start to the season.

“This year most of my players are first year or second year playing,” Coach Noel said. “It’s been fun seeing them get better each practice and in each game. It’s an enjoyment to see their different personalities come together as one team and have fun. When they get on the field they all have fun, work together, and want each other to succeed!”

All of the Little League coaches volunteer their time to help develop the skills of the 185 players in the league.
“This year is a great year to work on fundamentals for minor leagues and to teach the players to love the game,” Andrus said, “And for the major leagues, pushing with the older kids to increase the level of competition.”

There is a total of 18 teams with 2 different age groups for baseball and softball. The 6-week league is underway, and all participants are bursting with excitement.

“I’m really pumped for little league,” said Major League Softballer Mira Vallejo. “It’s gonna be a fun season!”

The Little League board would once again like to thank all of the sponsors, coaches, and players for their dedication and contributions to the program.