Seven-year-old Aby Cox sings the national anthem.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On Saturday, March 9, at 10 a.m. in the morning the cavalcade of players and coaches paraded into the Major League field at Ahlstrom Park as the Rancho Cordova Little League (RCLL) celebrated its 70th opening day ceremony. To put it more into perspective, the first opening day was held in 1954. The president of the United States was Dwight D. Eisenhower, the New York Giants were World Series champions, a gallon of gasoline cost 21 cents, Elvis Presley started his music career and the average yearly income was $4,100.

The ceremony, delayed by one week due to weather, was kicked off with the national anthem performed by seven- year-old Aby Cox, and also featured the ceremonial first pitch that included the youngest player pitching a ball to the oldest player. This year’s youngest player was three-year-old Easton Nydegger and the oldest player was 14-year-old Ethan Reber. 

 This year’s youngest player is three-year-old Easton Nydegger and the oldest player was 14-year-old Ethan Reber. 

The 43 teams, totaling 501 players ranging from age three to 14, and their coaches, proudly paraded in uniforms holding their team’s banner from the centerfield gate to the infield. This year’s historic celebration included an array of activities for the players to partake in that included an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, caricature portraits, music, games and a display of historic artifacts. There was also a fun-filled coaches’ wiffle ball baseball game umpired by selected players. No games were scheduled so the kids could enjoy all the fun.

Cassie Reyes, in her 4th year as RCLL president, enthusiastically welcomed the hundreds of participants, family members and invited guests.  “I’m truly honored to be a part of this, where we take pride in enhancing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every child that participates in our league.  To provide such a program takes a shared responsibility amongst individuals that dedicate their time and energy into a common goal, and our board of directors do just that; they work non-stop in all areas of their expertise to make Rancho Cordova Little League the best it can be!” said Reyes. 

 Rancho Cordova Little League players march with their team’s banner.

City councilmembers Linda Budge and Garrett Gatewood were on hand to help with the ceremony program and present RCLL with a certificate of recognition. The City of Rancho Cordova has been a big supporter of RCLL, contributing thousands of dollars from the Measure H Community Enhancement Fund for facility upgrades and maintenance.

Little League was one of my most memorable childhood experiences growing up. The many friends I met, along with life lessons and skills, followed me through high school and into my adult years.  Although I didn’t grow up in Rancho Cordova, Little League baseball is the same everywhere. I’ll always remember my first glove, my first home run, the no hitter I spoiled and the taste of the hot, steamy po’ boy sandwich from the snack bar.

President Reyes said it best, “Together, our objective is to make sure all of our players are having fun, being safe, and learning the game of baseball.  We expect the utmost in sportsmanship from all of our members. Most importantly, we want them to enjoy playing, have fun with their teammates and create memories that they’ll cherish forever.  We, along with Little League, believe in the power of youth baseball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities.  In unity there is strength, so let’s join together as one team, one community…and that’s RCLL! 

 The 43 teams, totaling 501 players ranging from age three to 14, and their coaches, gathered on the field.