SAN BERNARDINO>>This summer, treat yourself and your family to the Little League® Baseball and Softball Western Regional Tournaments at beautiful Al Houghton Stadium at the Little League Western Region Headquarters, 6707 Little League Dr., in San Bernardino, Calif. For more information call 909-887-6444
Both tournaments, which are FREE to the public, involve state champion tournament teams of boys and girls, league ages 10-12, from throughout the Western United States.
The softball regional, held from July 21-28, will see one team advance to the Little League Softball® World Series in Portland, Ore. This is the seventh year the regional tournament has been held in San Bernardino.
“These young ladies bring excitement to the game through their enthusiasm on and off the field, as well as through their talent and knowledge of the game,” said Dave Bonham, director of the Little League West Region. “This tournament also creates memories that will last a lifetime for these players!”
The baseball regional, held from August 6-12, will see two regional champions - one from the West Region and one from the Northwest Region - move on to the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, Pa. This is the 47th year for the baseball regional in San Bernardino.
Some notable individuals who have played in the Western Regional Baseball Tournament and then enjoyed professional careers in sports include: Sean Burroughs, Hank Conger and Ken Hubbs in Major League Baseball, as well as Turk Schonert, Brian Sipe and Marques Tuiasosopo in the National Football League.
In 2007, Los Angeles Dodgers rookie All-Star Cody Bellinger played in the Western Regional with Chandler National Little League from Arizona before his team advanced to the Little League Baseball World Series.
In addition, Southern California television news personality Fred Roggin once served as a volunteer umpire at the baseball regional when he umpired in Little League.
The beauty of both tournaments comes when players from both teams step off the field following a game and then spend time together. Regardless of the final score, lasting friendships are made during their week in San Bernardino.
Winning may be nice, but it’s not what Little League focuses on. Instead, Little League uses softball and baseball as a platform to help children develop life skills, as both embody the discipline of teamwork. Under caring leadership, Little League’s movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It inspires them with a goal and enriches their lives as they continue to move towards finding their place in the world. Little League establishes the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.