Our five Majors Division teams spent the Memorial Dayweekend in San Bernardino, at the Western Region headquarters, playing on the same ballfield that will be used in August to select the West and Northwest Region representatives for the Little League World Series.

Arriving on Friday evening, the teams enjoyed a barbecue for players and their families at the complex, then went out to the stadium and enjoyed a game between our Rays and Giants under the lights. 

Players spent both Friday and Saturday nights in the same dorms used by the players for the Regional tournaments each summer. This was a great bonding opportunity for our kids, who also had a chance to hang out at the pool and in the cafeteria.

On Saturday, five ballgames were played in the morning and evening, with the middle of the day enjoyed poolside for most of the kids. On Saturday afternoon, there was an exciting Home Run Derby contest, where Gavin Rasmussen (1st place), Jacob Keltner (2nd place) and Brandon Hubert (3rd place) walked away with top honors.

Sunday morning included two more ballgames, and all of the kids went home exhausted, but with special memories of the weekend.

This was also a great opportunity for families of our players to spend the weekend together, and parents, grandparents and siblings had great fun at the BBQ, hanging out at the ballpark, and visiting at both the regional complex and their hotels. A few brave souls even attempted a round of golf on Saturday afternoon.

Many thanks to West Region Director (and former Hilltopper) Jim Gerstenslager and his regional staff for hosting our kids and giving them such a rich experience. This was our sixth trip to San Bernardino, and quite possibly the best. We are hopeful to have the opportunity to do this again next year.

Thanks also to Ken Britt, Roger Otterson, Anthony Valentine, Bill Britt, Andre Wagner, Ken Waldichuk, Aaron Willis and Les Van Cleave for making the trip and umpiring all the games, and also to Kelly Grant and Martin Lopez, who staffed the microphone and announced all the ballgames. And finally, thanks to all the parents who made the trip, helped organize events, kept the kids hydrated, chaperoned in the dorms, and made this a weekend our kids won't ever forget.