Closing ceremonies for the 2023 Grand Terrace Little League (GTLL) season were held on Monday, May 15th at Veterans Freedom Park. This season included 26 teams, giving 323 players an opportunity to play baseball and softball. From the youngest players who played their games on the Kyle Robert Garcia Bacon Memorial Field, to the older players who spotlighted their talents on the only lit field, the excitement of being on the field is infectious.
The ceremony included the announcement of each team and their coaches. First-place teams were given trophies, while the remaining ones received medals. The success of the 2022 All-Star softball and baseball teams was acknowledged by announcing the individual players and their coaches. All six 2022 teams won their District 21 championships. Grand Terrace won its first District 21 championship in 1971 when it was part of the Colton Terrace Little League.
Baseball and softball all-stars for 2023 were excitedly announced. Each player ran to meet and greet their coach and new teammates. Six teams will be representing GTLL this all-star season. Grand Terrace will be hosting the 9-10 baseball tournament, beginning July 5th. Other all-star teams will be playing their tournaments in Bloomington, Rialto, and Azusa, as early as June 24th.
Volunteers are the backbone of every community organization. GTLL may have a first-year president with Tommy Rivero, however, he has been involved with the league for the past 24 years. He appreciates the small-town feel that he says kept him out of trouble and allowed him to make some extra cash as a teenage umpire. Tommy says that it’s the close-knit community that continues to bring him back each year, whether as an umpire, coach, and/or board member. He adds that he has been around long enough to see former players and coaches bring their own second and third-generation players into the league.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Grand Terrace Little League at grandterracelittleleague@yahoo.com. If you are interested in supporting our all-star teams, check for dates and times on the GTLL Instagram page (@grandterracelittleleague).