The gathering of league officials, coaches, players, families and friends signaled the return of baseball, as the Moapa Valley Little League (MVLL) kicked off its new season with a lively opening day ceremony on March 9. Opening day in Moapa Valley is a community event where everyone comes together to celebrate the official start of the spring baseball and softball season for youth in the community.

MVLL board member Jane Van Ert started off the program by welcoming the players and their families. “Without you and your awesome kiddos, we wouldn’t have this amazing league.”

The ceremony commenced with the raising of the flag by Phil Mullins and the local VFW. The Bowler Elementary School Choir performed the National Anthem, and then the crowd was invited to join in singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

This year’s season is being dedicated to the memory of Case and Emmie Hardy, who were lost in a tragic accident at the end of the season last year. Everyone was invited to join in a moment of silence to recognize, remember and honor them. Case’s former Diamondback teammates had signed a baseball to present to his parents. “Both Case and Emmie will always be missed, and I am so glad we can honor them still today in big and small ways,” said Van Ert.

She then introduced the 2026 board members. “We have had a lot of changes this year. Our new board members have worked hard to get everything ready for the season and will do their best to keep it going that way all season.” The new board members are Steve Corry, president; Mason Stratton, vice president; Zach Davis, umpire in chief and SB equipment; Kim Weiss, treasurer; Gary Weiss, safety officer; Kris Hibbetts, field maintenance and BB equipment; Whitney Fetherston, uniform and trophy coordinator; Naomi Ozaki, secretary; Brandon Jones, game changer coordinator, and Jane Van Ert, player agent and coaching coordinator.

The parade of teams followed. Dozens of young athletes, dressed in their team uniforms, proudly posed with their teammates and coaches as they were introduced.

In the Majors Division there are the Giants, coached by Randon Adams; the Padres, coached by Preston Wadsworth; and the Red Sox, coached by Jim Pettingill.

The three Majors Softball teams are the Bambinos, coached by Zach Davis; the Batty Bunch, coached by Whitney Fetherston; and the Lady Pirates, coached by John Stastny and Deryk Waters.

In the T-Ball division are the Diamondbacks, coached by Cheryl Nelson and Melissa Gilleo; the Marlins, coached by Tyler and Alyssa Bailey; the Phillies, coached by Dan and Holly Brisendine; the Pirates, coached by Sydney and Hector Rubio; and the Tiny Tigers, coached by Josh and Shelby Griffith.

Coach Pitch teams are Mackae Barraza and the Diamond Darlings; Jamie Shakespear and the Diamond Queens; Zach Staley and Jane Van Ert with Mayhem, Malissa Barrett and AmberLea Shugart with the Bad News Bears, Brandon Jones and the Little Braves; Justin Eberling and Melissa Gilleo with the Diamondbacks; Monte Fetherston and the Pirates; Dominic Drosos and the Rangers; and Steve Corry and the Reds.

The Minors Baseball and Softball teams are Blaze, coached by Kyle Ozaki and Gary Weiss; the Dazzling Diamonds, with Kris Hibbetts and Nick Harding; the Lil’ Bambinos, with Mike and Zach Davis; the Braves, coached by Steven Brown; and the Cubs, coached by Leah Santos, the Rawsons and the Dootlittles; the Diamondbacks, with Mason Stratton; the Phillies, with Orey Woods; and the Moapa Valley Pirates, coached by James Stucki and the Byerleys.

Special thanks were given to sponsors Payden Anderson from Moapa Valley Family Dental; Cody Hughes and Ryan Jolley at Valley Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics; Tyler Smith from Valley Environmental; and Josie Finley and her balloon skills. The Las Vegas Aviators sent their mascot, Spruce, along with four free game tickets to raffle this season. Baseballism sponsored a fundraiser and a few players donated Topps Baseball Cards. Van Ert wrote and submitted an essay to win a 15-pack box of baseball cards for each team.

The evening’s festivities concluded with the traditional speed/foot races and throwing contests. Throughout the evening, in all the activities, the players and community were reminded of the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and respect that are central to the game. Highlighted was the importance of youth sports in bringing the community together and helping young players learn valuable life skills. Little League is about more than baseball. It’s about friendship, confidence and learning to work as a team.

Coach Steven Corry said, “Nothing beats springtime in the valley like the sound of a Little League dugout. Whether I’m watching a game or on the mound for coach pitch, my goal is the same: to provide a safe, fun place for our youth to shine. Seeing the kids having fun and learning the game of baseball is what it’s all about. Let’s play ball, Moapa Valley!”