[quote style=”2″]2014 Marks League’s 50th Anniversary[/quote]
Fifty years ago, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Bill, the Beatles conquered America and Little League made its debut in Hermiston.
The latter milestone will be recognized during Hermiston Little League’s opening day ceremonies on April 5 at the Field of Dreams. But, before then, there’s work to be done to get the playing fields ready for the upcoming season. On Saturday, a crew of about 30 Little League players, parents and league board members spent several hours prepping the fields. There were leaves to rake up, infield dirt to spread and a major upgrade to the overall complex – the installation of new lights. In the past, just the boys’ major fields were lit for evening play. But this year all four fields will have lighting.
“The lighting project has been in the works for three or four years,” said Hermiston Little League President Dave Caldwell. The $105,000 project is being funded with the help of the city of Hermiston, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Good Shepherd Health Foundation, Umatilla Electric Cooperative, in-kind donations from local businesses and the local league’s own money.
“We’ve been pretty frugal with our finances,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell said a special ceremony is being planned to mark the league’s 50th anniversary. Although the details are still being worked out, Caldwell said he wants to invite past league presidents, coaches, sponsors and players to the ceremony.
Another highlight for Hermiston Little League this year will be in June and July when Hermiston plays host to the District 5 All-Star tournament. More than 50 teams from around the district are expected to participate in the tournament set for June 28-July 4.
“It will be a huge boost for our community” said Caldwell, who’s in his third year as league president. The last time Hermiston hosted the tournament was in 2009.
This year, more than 600 kids will participate in Hermiston Little League. The league has 10 divisions including T-ball, Double A boys, softball, minor, major and junior boys and girls and a Challenger division for players with physical or mental challenges.
For more information and to keep track of the action throughout the season, visit the Hermiston Little League website.
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