Play Ball! Little League Season Begins Saturday at HES

On April 6, at 9:00 a.m., the first game of the new Little League season will get under way at Healdsburg Elementary School’s playing fields on the west end of the campus, between Piper and North streets.

Area interest in Little League play has spiked in recent years, especially so since nearby Petaluma National Little League team went to the world finals last summer.

It will be a full day of baseball for the kids and parents in the program.  the excitement is already building, and the concession stand will open an hour earlier, at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast items available will include bagels & cream cheese, donuts, coffee before the first games.

Healdsburg Little League has a total of 17 teams and 208 players. Ages range from 5 to 16. There are 5 A teams, 5 AA teams, 3 AAA teams, 1 Intermediate team, 3 junior teams, and 1 senior team.

While the junior and senior teams play at Recreation Park,  all others play on the two fields behind Healdsburg Elementary school.

Both fields will be used for the 9 o’clock games, Major Field and the former Minor Field, now known as Miller Field, and again for the second round games starting around 12:30, following Opening Day Ceremonies at 11.

Denny Drowty, a long-time volunteer with the Little Leagues, will be master of ceremonies. Players should come in full uniform, as they will be introduced as a team and Mom and/or Dad will want pictures. The National Anthem will be performed, and a guest honoree will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Most of the day, there will be Party Jump games such as a Vertical Rush Climbing Wall, Giant Challenger Obstacle Course, Rockin’ Roll Bounce and more. Games will cost $10 for a wristband allowing unlimited play. Games close at 2:00 p.m.

The concession stand will remain open until the second round of games are finished, probably sometime before 4:30 p.m. The stand will serve snacks and lunch items including BBQ tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, chicken Caesar salad and wraps, candy, chips, soda, seeds and sports drinks.

All players, families and the general public are encouraged to attend.

More information on Healdsburg Little League teams, schedule and events can be found on their website at healdsburgbaseball.com.