By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
It is time to play ball at the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association, only this year’s opening ceremonies will not be at the Field of Dreams, rather at Cheviot Hills Pony Baseball (located at 2551 Motor Avenue in Los Angeles).
Longtime Commissioner Bob Benton reports that opening day festivities will begin at 7:30 a.m. this Saturday and Councilwoman Traci Park (District 11) will throw out the first pitch.
Despite damage to the gymnasium and tennis pro shop at the Palisades Recreation Center, the diamonds are intact but will not be available for games this spring. Benton had to find a viable option and is proud he was able to do so at a facility close to the Palisades and also with four fields.
There will be six PPBA teams in the Pinto (ages 7-8) and Bronco (ages 11-12) Divisions: Red Sox, Tigers, Orioles, Cardinals, Dodgers and Pirates, to join one Cheviot Pinto team and six Bronco squads. The Mustang (9-10) Division will feature seven PPBA teams (the six listed above plus the Yankees) and three Cheviot teams. There will be two teams representing the PPBA in the Pony Division (ages 13-14): Pali Blue and Powder Blue.
“Cheviot’s board of directors and President are all in and I have to say the outpouring of support we’re receiving from all over California is incredible,” Benton said. “Since we’re playing in a different league all of our teams will wear Palisades uniforms and hats.”
As for the Shetland Division (for beginning players), Palisades’ four or five teams will participate in the Santa Monica Pony League.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
