There’s something about the smell of hot dogs and freshly cut grass, and the crack of a baseball hitting a bat that can trigger memories which last a lifetime.
That was the scene on Saturday at the HES Field of Dreams, as hundreds of players, coaches and parents came together to commemorate the 23rd Opening Day for the Healdsburg Little League.
The day of festivities included a presentation by County Supervisor Mike McGuire to honor the many years of service by former Healdsburg Little League President Dave Miller, proclaiming April 6, 2013 as Dave Miller Day in Healdsburg.
In addition, the HLL Dave Miller Fair Play Scholarship was started, a $1,000 award to be given yearly to one high school senior for outstanding academic achievement. Eligible seniors will be required to have played at least one year of HLL ball and also participated for a total of four years, volunteering as a coach or Jr. Umpire, etc. Candidates will have to complete the application and include a 500-word essay on what HLL means to them.
The HLL is still accepting donations for the scholarship program, with a goal of $25,000 to insure that the award will continue in perpetuity.
Saturday’s schedule of Opening Day events also included the HLL Pledge and the singing of the National Anthem, led by Carol Noack. Teams lined the field and were formally announced, and then it was time to play ball.
Player participation tops 200
This year’s HLL season figures to be another exciting one, with player registration reaching 205 kids. Players ranging in age from 6-16 will fill out a total of 16 teams in five different divisions that include Farm, Minor, Major, Junior, and Senior.
The roster of HLL Board of Directors is Cindy Beth (League President), Dave Miller (Umpire In Chief), Bill Loftus (VP Fundraising), David Reed (Treasurer), Jim Heaney (Player Agent Officer), Richard Norgrove Jr. (Safety Officer), Kristen Quilty (Secretary), Brady Phenicie (Information Officer), Jason Kesner (Coaching Coordinator), Matt Vogensen (Equipment Officer), and Corey Harms (Facility Officer).
As always, the HLL could not exist without the generous support of local sponsors which includes: Big John’s Market Minor League Giants, E & M Electric Minor League White Sox, Gallo Family Vineyards Minor League A’s, Kenley Electric Minor League Cardinals, Silveira Pontiac-Buick-GMC Minor League Yankees, McConnell Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Major League Giants, Vince Dougherty– Lavish Networks Major League Red Sox, Randolph Concrete, Major League Yankees, Sanderson Ford Major League Athletics, Free Run Winery Services Major League Cubs, Tri Valley Vineyard Management Junior League Giants, Exchange Bank Junior League Yankees, J. Rochioli Vineyards and Winery Junior League Cardinals, and Talty Vineyards Senior League Red Sox.
Pasta Dinner, Silent Auction this Friday
The HLL will hold a Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction this Friday, Apr. 12 from 6-9 p.m. at St. John’s School in Healdsburg. Tickets are being sold for $25 per person or $500 for a table of eight. Donations for the silent auction can be made by contacting Denny Drowty by email at
dr****@co*****.net
.
For game schedules and other information, visit the HLL website at www.healdsburgbaseball.com.
