Batter Up

Young Palisadians Took to the Field of Dreams For PPBA Evaluations

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Player evaluations for the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association took place January 22 through 23, at the Field of Dreams. According to longtime Commissioner Bob Benton, more kids participated than ever before.

“We probably had close to 500 in the two days combined, which is overwhelming,” Benton said to the Palisadian-Post. “We’re excited to give as many kids the opportunity to play as we can. With the improvements we’ve made the last few years, it’s the nicest facility you’ll ever see at a public park that is used for multiple sports.”  

To accommodate the increase in numbers, the league has added a Shetland program for players ages 6 to 8, which will include practice on Sunday and games on Monday.

Each of the eight teams will consist primarily of beginners playing organized baseball for the first time. Based on skill level, batters will have the option of a pitching machine or hitting off a tee. 

The Mustang Division (ages 9 to 10) and Bronco Division (ages 11 to 12) will comprise of eight teams: the Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees and Orioles in the American League and the Dodgers, Cubs, Cardinals and Pirates in the National League.

Meanwhile, the Pinto Division (ages 7 to 8) will have a total of 10 teams (adding the Royals to the American League and Rockies to the National League). Each team will play twice a week—once on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, and once on Saturday.   

There are enough players in the Pony Division (ages 13 to 14) to field four teams. In the past, there have been as few as one and as many as three local teams, all of which compete in a West LA league with teams from Santa Monica, Cheviot Hills and Wilshire.     

Players were evaluated based on their ability to run, hit, throw and catch. Weather permitting, practices will begin February 12, and opening day for the 2022 spring season will be on Saturday, March 12.

Playoffs begin in May and the season concludes in mid-June with the World Series and All-Star games.