Field Work

Actor Rob McElhenney Throws Ceremonial First Pitch on PPBA Opening Day at Pali Rec Center

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Delayed a week because of rain, the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association’s traditional pancake breakfast was held bright and early Saturday morning at the Receration Center’s Field of Dreams complex and no one was happier than longtime Commissioner Bob Benton, whose crew worked tirelessly in the preceding days to prepare the four diamonds for the local Pony league’s opening ceremonies.

“Take a look at this… no rain and  plenty of sunshine,” Benton told an enthusiastic crowd of PPBA parents, players and family members. “We’re just as excited as you are!”

With that, Benton handed the microphone to newly elected  Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, who took office in District 11 on Dec. 12, succeeding Mike Bonin.

“Thank you for having me here,” she said. “I’m told this is the second happiest day in the Palisades after the Fourth of July. Events like this remind me of the finer things in our community. Our children grow through their love of the sport that teaches them about teamwork , dedication and determination. I wish some of my colleagues had learned how to play baseball.”

Next, Benton called upon members of the Pinto Red Sox to lead the onlookers in singing the national anthem, which earned them a hearty round of applause afterwards. Then it was time for actor, producer, writer and podcaster Rob McElhenney to take center stage. Perhaps known best for his role as Ronald “Mac” McDonald on the FX/FXX comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” a show that he co-created with Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton, he also portrays Ian Grimm on the Apple TV+ comedy series “Mythic Quest,” which he co-created with Day and Megan Ganz and serves as executive producer. Almost three years ago he became the co-owner of the Welsh association football club Wrexham A.F.C. along with Canadian-born actor Ryan Reynolds.

“I grew up a baseball fan living in Philadelphia, one mile away from Veterans Stadium where both the Phillies and Eagles used to play so naturally I was a massive Phillies fan,” the 45-year-old said. “Like all of you kids I played Little League. My position? I played deep outfield, anywhere the ball was least likely to be hit but the game taught me humility and to never give up. I was a terrible athlete, but I tried playing every sport. I was cut from every team I was on but I learned to keep working and grinding.”

McElhenney, who moved to LA about 20 years ago and has adopted the Dodgers as his “West Coast” franchise, enjoyed one of the biggest thrills of his life in November when he was welcomed back to his hometown to catch the first pitch from ex-Phillies and Dodgers star infielder Chase Utley before Game 4 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. However, he felt just as honored to toss the ceremonial first pitch Saturday to Mustang Rockies player Dylan Hartunian, whose dad Garen coaches the team and, being a close friend of the McElhenneys, asked Rob if he was interested. They reside close to the Palisades.

Asked if his boys Axel and Leo are in the PPBA, McElhenney joked: “No, they’re taking after their dad.”   

Once the pitch was thrown, the  familar voice of Benton shouted “Let’s play some ball!” and players flocked to their designated fields for   their first games.

The PPBA has provided instruction to Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and Santa Monica youth since 1954. It is strictly a volunteer organization, not a club, meaning all teams are coached by parents (no paid coaches are allowed).

“We have close to 500 players in five age divisions this year,” Benton said. “We’re hoping to get artificial turf installed soon.”    

There are four Pony teams (ages 13-14), Pali Red, White, Blue and Black which compete against each other and teams in the Cheviot Hills Pony Association; six Bronco teams (ages 11-12); 10 Mustang teams (ages 9-10); 10 Pinto teams (ages 7-9); and eight Shetland teams for beginners (ages 6-8). There are no games Easter weekend  (April 8-9) and the playoffs begin in mid-May. Closing ceremonies will take place June 3. Defending champions are the Pinto Tigers, Mustang Rockies, Bronco Tigers and Pali Red. There are no playoffs for Shetland level.     

Having chowed down on pancakes, hot sausages and orange juice to  fuel themselves for Saturday’s action, players seemed determined to get off to a fast start. The Pinto Division produced a bunch of close games, particularly in the American league, where the Orioles outscored the Red Sox 11-8 and the Royals edged the Yankees 11-10, The Tigers beat the Cubs 11-2 in an interleague matchup. In the National League, the Rockiers topped the Pirates 8-7 and the Dodgers got by the Cardinals 10-7.

In the Mustang Division, the Orioles beat the Red Sox 10-4, the Yankees defeated the Royals 8-6 and the American League’s Tigers prevailed in their interleague meeting with  the National League’s Cubs, 21-8. The  Pirates jumped atop of the National League standings with an 18-4 win against the Rockies while the Dodgers snuck past the Cardinals, 6-4.

The Bronco Division also had plenty of drama and first-game jitters with three interleague contests. The Orioles outscored the Cardinals 10-8; the Yankees defeated the Dodgers 13-3 and the Pirates rallied past the Tigers 10-9.

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