Santa Paula Little League opens 52nd season at Harding Park

Former major League and college baseball players helped kick off the 52nd year of Santa Paula Little League last Saturday. SP Little League President Ron Araiza welcomed everyone to the ceremonies. “Our goal at Santa Paula Little League is to prepare all our young athletes for success in life on and off the playing field, developing winners in life through sports,” he told the gathering. “I feel it is important to teach each and every child the importance of attempting to be the best they can be. When a child, after competition, can look me in the eye and tell me they have done their best and had fun doing so, they are champions in my eyes.”There were nine former little league players on hand. The season was dedicated in their honor. The most notable was Jim Colborn. He attended Santa Paula High where he was captain of the baseball, football and basketball teams his senior year. He went on to play college ball and spent 10 years as a major league pitcher. In more recent years he has worked as a pitching coach for the L.A. Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates.Others on hand were Brent Cookson, who played professionally for 14 years, Tommy LeVasseur, a former player and manager in the minors, John Manzano, who played college ball and professionally, Gabe Diaz played for Brigham Young and Cal Lutheran, Joseph Jauregui, who coached at several local high schools, including Santa Paula, Marc Fallini coached at SPHS and Ventura College, Ozzie Manzano played college ball on the east coast, and Kevin Navarro played college ball and professionally in Mexico.Mayor Bob Gonzales addressed the crowd and remembered playing ball on the Little League field. Volunteer of the Year honors went to the Mendez family, who have contributed to the Little League program in a variety of ways over the years. Manuel Mendez Sr. and Manuel Jr. were both there to receive a plaque in appreciation of their efforts.