The Rancho Cordova Little League Minor League Padres were honored for being the 2024 California District 5 Champions for the 9–11-year-olds.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Springtime has always been the favorite season of the year for many. It is the time where we dust off our cleats, oil our gloves and loosen our arms for the start of another baseball season. Leagues around the world have been organized and the first pitch ceremonies are being scheduled. Founded in 1939 by Carl E. Stotz in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Little League baseball has grown to be the world’s largest youth sports program. 

On Saturday, March 8 Rancho Cordova Little League (RCLL) marked the official opening day for its 71st season. 

The American League White Sox enter the major league stadium during the opening day ceremony. The White Sox were the Hit-a-Thon team winner, raising $2,840. They won a pizza party for the entire team. 

This year, Rancho Cordova Little League has 40 teams made up of 478 players from the age of 4 to 14 ready to give their best effort toward a fun and rewarding season of Little League baseball. The mission statement for Little League baseball and softball is to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities.

“Being part of RCLL means embracing a commitment to fostering the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every child who steps onto our fields. It truly takes a village to make this program a success, and our dedicated Board of Directors work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Rancho Cordova Little League continues to thrive. As we watch our kids take the field this season, let’s remember—they are here to learn, grow, and have fun,” said Cassie Reyes, president of Rancho Cordova Little League.

4-year-old pitcher Ezra Rice of the Rattlers and 14-year-old catcher Nico Palomba of the Phillies performed the ceremonial first pitch.

Fundraising has always been a very important part of sustaining a successful league and a well-groomed, up-to-date facility. This season, Rancho Cordova Little League hosted its first annual Hit-a-Thon. It was a huge success that raised $26,000for the league. These funds will go toward continued field improvements, new equipment, scholarships for more players and more. The individual player who raised the most money in the league was Brandon Montelongo of the T-ball Lugnuts. Brandon raised $1,855 and was awarded a PlayStation 5. The team that raised the most money in the league was the American league White Sox. They raised $2,840 and was awarded a pizza party for the entire team.

The Hit-a-thon included a longest fly ball off a tee competition. Each player competing was allowed five hits off a tee. The first and second place winners in each division were awarded either a new glove or a $50 Loaded Bases gift card. 

Brandon Montelongo of the T-ball Lugnuts was the individual Hit-a-Thon winner. Brandon raised $1,855 and was awarded a PlayStation 5.

In the T-ball division, the first-place winner was Santana Woodard of the Lugnuts with a 112-foot hit and in second place was Christian Murdock of the Tides with a 110-foot hit. In the Farm division, Adrian Navarro of the Sock Puppets took first place with a long drive of eighty-five feet and second place honors went to Bennett Johnson, also of the Sock Puppets, with a fly ball landing 72.5 feet away. The American division first place winner was Killian Shendelhelm of the Mariners with a hit landing 157 feet in the outfield with second place honors going to Bowen Branson also of the Mariners with a 152-foot drive. National division winners were Wyatt Chorn of the Cubs with a 153-foot hit for first place and CJ Mitchell of the Dodgers hitting the ball 125 feet for second. The Major division winners were Xyqiem Jenkins of the Giants with a big drive of 184 feet for first place and Weston Barnes of the Padres hitting a fly ball 168 feet away for second.

Rancho Cordova Little League President Cassie Reyes has players repeat the Little League player code of conduct.

Last but not least was the Junior division winners. First-place honors went to Zack Lingenfelter of the Red Sox with 200 foot shot off the tee and second-place went to Austin Jackson also of the Red Sox with his best ball landing 198 feet away. Great job to all the contestants that helped make the first annual Hit-a-Thon for Rancho Cordova Little League so successful.  

“Little League is more than just a game, it’s a foundation for lifelong lessons in teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship. Through baseball, our players build character, form lasting friendships and develop a love for the game that stays with them for years to come. Together, we are not just a league, we are a family, united by our passion for the sport and our commitment to shaping the future of our young athletes. This is Rancho Cordova Little League!” said Rancho Cordova Little League President Reyes.