|
Take Me Out to the PONY Ballgame
By Tracy Rolling
 | | The Bats, a Shetland team, closes out every practice with a cheer. |
|
Warm up your vocals for the seventh-inning stretch, grab a bag of peanuts and come root for the home team!
Although the calendar shows spring technically begins on March 20, that didn't stop spring training from beginning last month as Ramona little leaguers dusted off pitching mounds and began running down the bases.
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when, but for almost 30 years Ramona PONY Baseball has been educating and equipping boys and girls about the all-American sport.
Run entirely by volunteers, PONY Baseball was originally established in the early 1950s in Pennsylvania. The effort was to Protect Our Nation's Youth, and the focus continues to be on producing happier, healthier adults by way of youthful baseball experiences.
League President Doug Ford says, "This is going to be a great season and the board is dedicated to producing quality players and attracting more tournaments."
During the pre-season, clinics were held for both players and managers, extending an opportunity to raise the level of play.
 | | Neil Jamison, San Diego Padre minor league pitcher, worked with Pony leaguers on their pitching techniques.
|
|
Ford hopes these opportunities, coupled with creating a quality baseball complex, will allow the league to host some larger tournaments and provide an awesome experience for everyone involved.
Already scheduled is the Ramona Baseball Invitational Memorial Day Tournament, held over Memorial Day weekend and expected to draws teams from San Diego and Los Angeles County.
Publicity Director Scott Roulier says, "PONY Baseball is one of the biggest community supported activities in Ramona," and backs it up by adding, "There are more than 450 registered players between the ages of 4-14.
"We have 38 teams represented, and each team is sponsored by a local business that's contributed a minimum of $300. Those donations help to defray costs and the savings are passed to the players."
On average, it costs a player about $135 out of pocket. Fundraisers, tournaments and local businesses help support the league's financial responsibilities to field maintenance, upgrades, insurance and scholarships.
In light of the recent Witch Creek fire, nearly half-dozen scholarships were awarded to players who lost their homes. "It was the least we could do," said Roulier, sharing the league's philosophy that money shouldn't be a reason for a child not to play.
This year, the money has been well spent on upgrades such as building a new six-foot fence around the PONY field, adding a grand arch to the infield, adding a third batting cage and building a 12-foot dirt warning track between the outfield and fence. "This creates a boundary for the players to be able to identify how close they are to the fence, and prepares them for high school baseball," said Ford.
Other enhancements included adding fresh concrete, new asphalt, new turf, and Pro-Goal infield dirt at various locations, as well as a complete snack bar renovation.
The snack bar overhaul was thanks in large part to Eric Webb of Eric Webb Construction, along with contributions from D & B Cabinets and other local baseball supporters.
Rumor has it that May Rowles, the snack bar manager, makes something homemade for each game. In addition to traditional ballpark food, her specialties include a healthy alternative for players and spectators alike.
Opening day is scheduled for March 1, and the theme is Salute to the Heroes. Uniformed military, police and firefighters will be honored during the opening ceremonies and will receive a free lunch for attending the event.
The first ball will be thrown by Supervisor Dianne Jacob, and other activities scheduled are a parade, barbecue and basket auction fundraiser.
The public is invited to witness all of the action at the Ramona PONY Baseball Complex located just behind the Ramona Municipal Water District off Earlham Street.
Games are held every Saturday between March 1 and June 5. For more information on sponsorship, tournaments and the league schedule or to view a player's stats, visit www.ramonabaseball.com.
| 
