WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The last two seasons of baseball just haven’t been the same as years past.

COVID kept people inside and everyone is busting to get out. Approximately 643 players signed up for Little League this year in West Sacramento. Saturday morning was chilly and there was rain in the air. However, that wasn’t going to stop Opening Day ceremonies. 

All the baseball players came out to the field to pay tribute to the American flag. 15-year-old Aaliyah Negrete bravely stood in front of the crowd and sang the national anthem, a song that can be difficult to sing. Players, coaches and the members of the crowd all stood with their hats or hands over their hearts.

We’ve grown accustomed to seeing Mayor Martha Guerrero, Vice-Mayor Quirina Orozco and County Supervisor Oscar Villegas at community events, especially events that are for kids. Saturday was no different. All three were at the park giving encouragement and building confidence.

The league President called out last year’s All-Star teams so that they could go hang their championship banner. And with that, it was time to play ball.

Shaun Miller had the honor of throwing out the first pitch this year. According to League President Dave Jans, three generations of Millers have played Little League at Memorial Park in West Sacramento. The first generation of Miller’s to play Little League there was Shaun’s dad, Rick, played between 1957 to 1962 and returned each year from Peewees to Majors.

Shaun was the second generation of Miller’s who played from 1978 to 1986. Shaun played from Peewee division, all the way to Seniors. Shaun’s sons, the third generation, played for Washington Little League (now a part of West Sac Little League) and loved playing against West Sac.

Shaun has been a Little League umpire since 2009 and is serving on the West Sac Little League Board as Umpire in Chief. Jans thanked the Miller family for their continued support before Shaun made the first pitch.

643 registrants allowed for the league to have the following divisions this year: T-ball, Rookie, A, AA, AAA, Majors, 50/70 and Juniors. Next year they may be able to form a Seniors team as well.

Opening Day did not pass without some significance occurring on the field. Lucas Tandy, who plays for the Mets in Majors, tossed a complete game no hitter in a 6-0 win over the Pirates. Tandy had 12 strikeouts in six innings pitched and contributed offensively as well with three hits.

Additionally, 15-year-old Carter Jans threw seven strikeouts in three innings and had a three RBI triple at the plate.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s too early in the season to go see some good baseball.