East County Little Leaguers from the Challenger Division will get an experience of a lifetime as they just received word this week that they have been invited to play a 2-inning Challenger exhibition game at the 2013 50/70 Intermediate Little League World Series.
The game will be played on August 3 at 10:00AM in Pleasanton, followed by the International and USA semifinal games of the 50/70 Intermediate Little League World Series tournament.
“It is both a tremendous honor and a privilege to have the East County Little League Challenger Division invited to attend the 50/70 Little League World Series to play an exhibition game. When the news broke yesterday evening I was ecstatic,” said Meghan Bell, Challenger Coordinator.
Bell further explained how there have been many other leagues that have been running longer than the East County Division, however, the league is humbled by the selection.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the abilities of some amazing athletes. I am also completely humbled and in awe that our ECLL Challenger Division was offered this opportunity,” said Meghan Bell. “There are so many, many leagues that have Challengers Divisions that have been running longer than the program at East County.
Mike Rosalez, VP of Operations sees this as a chance of a life time for the Challenger Division players and is appreciative of all the hard work of the coaches, parents and sponsors of the Division. It’s a group effort at all levels that make this possible.
“This is a very exciting opportunity and such an Honor for our East County Little League Challenger program. Our Community of Challenger families along with the sponsor that help build this program to what it is today,” said Rosalez.
Bell credits the program Roger Wilson built up over the years and feels like she is just continuing the hard work that he began and carrying his torch. Mr. Wilson and his friend Jim Brophy (Clayton Valley little League Challenger Coordinator) worked for this.
“It was his investment in the league that paved the way for this opportunity,” said Bell.
Bell shared it was a dream of Wilson’s to send the kids from the league to a game on the World Series level.
“My mentor, my hero and a dear, dear friend Roger entrusted me with over 20 years of work he had invested into Challenger Baseball. To be able to see that dream come to fruition, to be an instrument in making that possible, this one is for him,” said Bell.
Bell was also quick to share the glory by thanking the support of the community and league sponsors and “buddies”.
“We are extremely thankful for Jim’s Air Systems, Wingard Construction, SP Kids Foundation, Mark Schweller of Schweller Properties, American Trophies and the Joshua Wilson Trust Foundation for their generous sponsorships,” explained Bell. “At the beginning of this year I launched a formal Buddy program creating an opportunity to partner with community organizations as well as with teams within our league to come together with Challenger players and enjoy a great game of baseball. We have thoroughly enjoyed making new friendships and deepening our ties to the community.”
For more information on East County Little League, visit their website.
1 comment
What great news for East County.
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