Menifee Valley Little League Closing Ceremonies

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, popcorn, peanuts, and cracker jacks, are all iconic symbols of the United States of America. They are so ingrained into our culture that I didn't even have to specifically mention the word baseball for you to understand what I was talking about. 

Like so many kids out there I played baseball as a kid. I played at church, at school, and even on a Pony baseball team for a few years. There were some great times I had doing it too. I learned to catch, throw, steal bases, but most of all I learned that my future was not in athletics. Don't get me wrong, I know my way around a field and could probably hold my own in a friendly neighborhood game. However if my family's livelihood depended on it we would be eating a lot of hamburger helper. Still I look back on those years and experiences with extreme fondness. This weekend another generation of youngsters got to celebrate making another season of memories too.

A mother and son play catch before the ceremony

This was the scene at 8:30 this Saturday morning as families gathered to celebrate and acknowledge achievements made throughout the season. As I walked around, people greeted me with smiles and waves. I saw families arriving with ice chests, and barbecue grills ready for a fun summer's day. There was even a bounce house and obstacle course for the kids, courtesy of ABC Bounce Co.

As the MVLL called the ceremonies to order. parents and players lined up in the outfield and faced a table laden with trophies. Everone turned towards the flag and recited the pledge of allegiance, and then gave their traditional promise: "Trust in God, Love my Country. I'll play fair and strive to win, but win or lose I will always do my best." followed by a rousing cry of, "PLAY BALL!" Many awards were given that day. While all were significant, one of the more noteable awards went to Amy Ross Frahn. Ms. Frahn received the Jesse Zingg "Making a Difference Award" for her contribution to MVLL as well as the community in general.

The award was named for Jesse Zingg, a former player of many years who passed away at the age of 21 due to a car crash, however his donated organs saved five lives. Board elections and Fall signups began Saturday as well.  For more detailed information please visit the official MVLL website at http://www.eteamz.com/mvll/

Bounce House provided by ABC Bounce Co.

The awards table had plenty to hand out courtesy of Anady's Trophies and Awards in Hemet

Players and their families await the beginning of the ceremony