Take Me Out to the Ball Game
May 05, 2023 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner
Players join Sacramento River Cats mascot Dinger during celebrations of Carmichael Little League's 71st spring season.
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Batter-up was the cry as more than 200 boys and girls cleated up at La Sierra Community Center fields last weekend.
Weeks later than scheduled, the meet marked the 71st spring season for Carmichael Little League teams. Celebrations were delayed when their March 13 kick-off date was rained out.
“We still wanted to keep the annual tradition,” explained event organizer Valerie Harper (whose son is a Carmichael Blue Jays member). “It brings players and community together. Families love to see their children in team colors with all the other kids. Having fun with rivals promotes good sportsmanship.”
Opening ceremonies fielded a parade of 27 banner-toting teams, whose members range from pre-schoolers to teens. Music, hot dogs and bounce houses occupied athletes until afternoon games began. Sacramento River Cats mascot Dinger bagged scores of selfies. Kids also lined up for that second-favorite American pastime: Dunk the Ump.
Little Leaguers pitched best shots at Umpire in Chief and Carmichael Rays coach Dave Nordahl. Perched atop a tank of water, the dad of two Little Leaguers demonstrated sportsmanship above and beyond the call of duty. Enduring many chilly descents, he proclaimed each dunking “refreshing” and later squelched off to change into his coach’s uniform. “Everyone loves to get back at someone who usually has authority over them,” he spluttered cheerfully.
Carmichael Little League’s 2023 season continues with games until May 20. Anyone may join families and athletes at La Sierra Center sports fields on Saturdays. For information, visit: www.carmichaellittleleague.com