Encino Little League Kicks off Its 2012 Season

With temperatures hitting the 80s, Encino Little League, a colorful tradition in our town for nearly 60 years, kicked off its 2012 season with Opening Day ceremonies here today at 8:15 a.m. at its beautiful facility on Hayvenhurst Avenue.

Past President Jeff Cohen led the proceedings, filling in for 2012 president Kerry Gelbard who was out of town on business, as some 700 boys and girls marched out onto the Major Field with their managers and coaches.

Cohen gave grateful thanks to all the volunteers who run the League. Following selected kids’ reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Little League Pledge, the American flag was escorted onto the field and a recording of the National Anthem by the late Whitney Houston was played.

Among those Cohen singled out was past President Jane Lewis, for her decades of tireless efforts on behalf of the League. Cohen then surprised her by dedicating and renaming the snack stand in her honor.

Also on hand was former LA Dodger slugger Reggie Smith, who runs an instructional facility at ELL. Smith told the kids the primary rules for playing baseball: 1) Pay attention 2) Do your best and 3) Have fun. Smith then led onto the field the players enrolled in “Wee Ball,” a brand new division the League has established this year for 4-year-olds.

For more information about Encino League, visit www.encinoll.com

– Carl Samrock