Supervisor Shows Her Stuff
Jacob Tosses Opening Day Pitch For Pony League
by Jim Evans

Over 600 players on 30 teams make Opening Day ceremonies a very special event.

Catcher Andy Schoepp was surprised by County Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s fastball to home plate to open the 2004 Pony League Baseball season — she had a pretty good arm, "for a girl."

Young Andy, and everyone else in attendance at the ball field, appreciated the supervisor’s presence at the opening day event on March 13, because no one has done more to secure funding for Ramona Pony Baseball than Jacob has during the past four years.

"We owe her a huge thank you," said Pony League President Mary Schoepp. "Dianne Jacob is an amazing woman who has devoted time, energy, and money to improve and build youth sports facilities around the county, and Ramona Pony Baseball has benefited greatly from (her) devotion to the youth of Ramona."

According to Schoepp, Jacob is responsible for funding more than $164,000 for the renovation and construction of Pony League ball fields and facilities in Ramona during the past four years. Jacob was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a specially endorsed baseball from players and parents.

Ramona High School Color Guard and Ron Woods’ Madrigals start the day with the National Anthem as teams lined up on the field.

Schoepp also introduced the 2004 board of directors, including:

Vice president 1 (Shetland, Pinto, Pony) – Pixie Sulser

Vice president 2 (Mustang, Bronco) – Brent Harvey

Secretary – Kari Cornicelli

Grant and Cliff (Dad) Gardner waiting for the ceremonies to begin.

Treasurer – Marilee Richards

Player agent – Mona Snodgrass

Equipment manager – Mike Belluso

Facilities supervisor – Steve Donnellan

Supervisor Dianne Jacob throws out the first pitch.

Parents’ auxilliary – Susan Lanz

Concessions director – Dawn Greenwell

Head scorekeeper – Cindy Weiman

RPRA representative – Tammy Muren

Public relations – Diana Benke

Chief umpire – Damon Blankenbaker

The opening day ceremony also included the grand entrance of more than 600 enthusiastic young players representing 30 teams, a raising of the colors by the Ramona High School color guard, and the singing of the National Anthem by the RHS Madrigals.

"Baseball, sunshine, friends, kids and the smell and taste of barbecue," Schoepp said before the games commenced. "What more could anyone want?"

Volunteers are still needed for Pony Baseball. For more information or to sign up, call (760) 788-1978 or visit www.ramonapony.com.