by Margie Miller on 2015-04-14

Saturday, April 11, was a great day for Grand Terrace Little League. There was an amazing turn out to help start the league's season, with well over 300 kids, parents and other family members there to join together, along with the Grand Terrace Little League Board of Directors and many vendors, to show the kids how important they are to the Grand Terrace community. Young players ran throughout the park with smiles on their faces, laughing and joking with one another. There were many special people in attendance, as well. City Councilman Bill Hussey opened the day in a heartfelt prayer. He was followed by Mayor Darcy McNaboe, who gave a special thank you to the players and volunteers, showing she was extremely thankful for their help in guiding our young people. Grand Terrace Little League has established itself as a staple in the Grand Terrace community, dedicated to the love of the game. Baseball and softball programs are provided to young players of various age levels and abilities to ensure a fair, positive and enriching experience, with the program simultaneously providing training, instruction, teamwork and good sportsmanship along with the fundamental skills of the game. Players are encouraged to respect teammates and opponents and to develop a sense of self-esteem. Little League is an international non-profit program founded in 1939 by Carl Stotz in Williamsport, Penn., with the first League game taking place on June 6, 1939 and under Stotz’ dream: establishing a baseball league for boys – and in 1974 expanding to include girls, as well – to teach the value of fair play and teamwork. Little Leagues baseball and softball participation statistics from the 2008 season show nearly 2.6 million Little League players worldwide. Little League baseball is divided into 16 geographic regions: eight national and eight international. Nearby San Bernardino is home to the Little League Western Regional location. Each summer, Little League operates seven World Series tournaments throughout the United States, for Little League softball and Junior, Senior and Big League baseball and softball. At Saturday's opening ceremonies, Bernie from the San Bernardino 66ers was there to help Bella Freitas, a player who will be starting her journey with Grand Terrace Little League this year, as she threw the first pitch to catcher Bobbie Collins, who will be leaving GTLL as she ages out this year. The Grand Terrace Little League Board went above and beyond to make this day special for current players as they were entered into a raffle, to thank them participating in Grand Terrace Little League. There were many gifts given away and great smiles in return, with two kids winning new bikes. To end the day there were a few exhibition games held to give a preview of the players' skills already have and will show throughout the upcoming 2015 season. For a list of schedules, visit https://www.eteamz.com/grandterracelittleleague/schedules/.