Wrightwood Little League celebrated opening day on Saturday, April 13th. Families and friends gathered early in the morning at the Wrightwood Elementary School’s baseball field to cheer on each team as they ran onto the field during the opening ceremony. After the teams assembled around the diamond, a distinct honor was given to last year’s Southern California Little League 2023 District 49 Championship winners.
The boy’s little league team (9-11-year-olds) have clinched the title twice in a row and celebrated on opening day by raising their new 2023 championship banner over the field next to their previous 2022 banner. The team also had the privilege of presenting the American flag on the pitchers’ mound during the pledge of allegiance and national anthem.
As the ceremony continued, it included another celebration that highlighted 50 years of the Little League Softball World Series. The official Little League Organization is committed to making the game more accessible for girls and young ladies while recognizing how women have positively impacted the sport.
Wrightwood Little League celebrated this 50-year milestone by inviting local SoCal professional softball player Paige Halstead to throw out the game’s first pitch. Halstead is a former collegiate player for the UCLA Bruins Softball team and has also played for Team USA on the United States National Softball Team. With a Women’s College World Championship title, a silver medal from the World Cup of Softball, and her own sports line of catcher’s gear, she embodies a successful woman athlete and inspires young girls on and off the field.
Before throwing out the first pitch, Paige Halstead had some wise words of advice for the young Wrightwood players:
“My advice is just to enjoy the little moments. I mean, I was there, just where you guys are right now, playing Little League, and I think just enjoying the little moments and having fun with your teammates is where you guys should be. So thank you for this opportunity, and I wish you all the best of luck this year!” said Halstead.
After a solid first pitch, all the girls in the league were invited to take a group picture with Paige to celebrate female athletes who continue to pave the way for women in sports.
The fun festivities carried on throughout the morning with the classic pancake breakfast prepared by the Serrano CTE Fire program students, followed by several baseball and softball games scheduled throughout the day.
We wish all Tri-Community Little League teams the best of luck and hope you have a fantastic season this year!
