Photo Gallery: Encino Little League Celebrates Opening Day

For now, forget the city’s upcoming election. Never mind the campaigning, the signs and the measures. The Encino Little League’s opening day on Saturday proved our town is focused on the children.

The kids were excited to see their new teammates, while parents were eager to renew friendships.

“It’s a true sense of community here. I’ve been here for 16 years and I know almost everyone by name – I know the kids and the parents,” said President of Encino Little League Jane Lewis. “This league was stellar to begin with and has been very good the last couple of years, so I’m really looking forward to this season."

The league comprises 64 teams and seven divisions, which range from rookies to majors. All together there are more than 750 kids between the ages of 5 and 12.

At the opening day ceremony, teams were gathered on Major Field to show their new lineups. The league recognized its 2010-11 All-Star teams and alumni. After the first pitch was thrown, it was time to play ball.

“My son woke up this morning holding a glove and said it’s my first game!" said parent David Osterman. This is his youngest son’s first year playing.

“This is something everyone waits all season for," said Craig Hoyt, Coach for the Minor Division Astros and Encino Little League Board Member. "Here it’s a sense of baseball, sense of community, sense of family and sense of friends.”