With closing ceremonies this weekend, our third Little League season has officially ended. I say “our” because Little League really is a family affair.

 

From the dads (and a few moms) who volunteer to coach, to the other family members who work the snack bar, keep score, plan the celebrations and happily sit together during weekly practices and games cheering their children, siblings, teammates – even opposing team players – for their progress.

We became a baseball family when Gage joined Rolando Little League T-ball at age 4. So, of course we see every baseball movie, including Million Dollar Arm. This PG rated movie, in theaters now, is funny, inspiring and uplifting. My kids liked it better than Frozen. (comment below for a chance to win tickets and see if your kids agree!)

We also make it out to cheer the San Diego Padres each chance we get. Little Leaguers have a special day at the stadium, but any kid under age 14 can become a “Junior Padre.”  Registration is free, and every Sunday Junior Padres enjoy events like batting clinics, running the bases, playing catch on the field and special autograph signings.

The Padres’ commitment to kids doesn’t stop there. The team helps refurbish baseball diamonds across the county and, since 2012 they have generously donated more than 14,000 jerseys and caps to local Little League teams, including ours. Families so appreciate the cost savings and love to see which of the twelve different styles their team will get. 

 

 

The Padres even support The Mom’s Guide, offering a generous 50% discount on select games, especially the ones featuring Junior Padres activities. Woo hoo!!

While this year’s Little League season has come to an end, here are a few ways your baseball-loving children can still enjoy the game…

• Purchase Padres tickets to select games at up to 50% off using the code SDMOM14 

• Watch “Angels in the Outfield” for free on June 7th at the Summer Movies in the Park 

• Enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see “Million Dollar Arm” at UltraStar by commenting below 

• Sign up for Little League “fall ball” or the 2015 season by joining your community team. 

 

To find your neighborhood team enter your home or school address into the Little League Finder. 

In 2014 the boundary rules for Little League were changed allowing families to choose a league that serves either their home or school community. For more information click here. If multiple teams come up in your search, and you are not sure which league is the appropriate one, click on the link for the District Administrator in your area, and he/she can help you identify the correct league that serves your area.

Play ball!