By Davida Siwisa James
APPLE VALLEY REVIEW
For many parents, coaches and athletes of all ages and levels, the approach of spring means it’s time for baseball spring training. The nearly 800 players in the Apple Valley Little League have bats, gloves and balls at the ready since practices started last week.
The official opening of the season is March 16, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the field at James Woody Community Center. It will include an appearance by retired and current Major League Baseball players, and the High Desert Mavericks’ mascot Wooly Bully.
League general manager Mark Lanz said that this year they are running a developmental league that gives an important foundation in teaching skills and not just an emphasis on competition.
Lanz said he has a love of baseball that is founded in a rich family history. Lanz played in Little League, as did his sons, and now his grandsons.
Lanz spent 31 years as a teacher and a coach. In retirement, he has dedicated himself to the Apple Valley Little League, where he currently serves as general manager.
“My involvement recently in baseball has come because we have five grandsons who are playing in Apple Valley Little League,” Lanz said.
“The last two years, I’ve been thrilled because the young ladies are awesome athletes,” Lanz said.
Little League starts with tee ball and children as young as four. It continues through major league divisions up to age 18. Lanz stressed how at each level the coaches expect that fundamentals should have been learned at the previous level.
The league’s new president, Dee Reams-Watkins, says her emphasis this year is on the character building on which Little League was founded and on family unity. Her daughter is the player agent, her granddaughter is an umpire, and her grandchildren play, while her husband works on the facilities.
“In Little League, we are trying to show family unity, not only in your home but on the field,” said Reams-Watkins, sharing how she has encouraged the spouses of the coaches to also get involved. Reams-Watkins said the league is working with group homes and senior citizen homes to ensure full community involvement, while also applauding the committed sponsors.
The High Desert boasts past national championships from both the Victorville and Apple Valley leagues.
And while Little League can lay the foundation for success in high school and college baseball, Lanz agreed that the league’s focus is the development of character among the individual players.
“There are not a lot of Jason Vargases,” Lanz said, referring to the Apple Valley High School alumnus who currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pro team and got his start playing Little League.
With that type of success in mind, Lanz said playing young doesn’t automatically lead to a professional career.
“The important thing is the emphasis on being around positive people, learning about teamwork, and building a love for baseball,” Lanz said.
Reams-Watkins said that there is currently a waiting list, while the league explores forming new teams. Parents can check the website at www.avall.org for more information.