[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SALUTING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE LITTLE LEAGUE WESTERN REGION

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                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the Little League Western 
Region, and its contributions to the youth of the Inland Empire, 
through its Western Regional Tournament. Little League is the 
foundation of good values and sportsmanship. Some of us may be bigger 
than others, or faster, but in team sports, as in life, it is the 
effort that counts! Through perseverance and teamwork, one can succeed!
  Here in the Inland Empire, we like to be known for historic firsts. 
Did you know that San Bernardino was the first site of Little League, 
west of the Rocky Mountains? Did you know San Bernardino had the first 
team from the West to advance to the World Series in 1951? So, when you 
play here, you are a part of history! This is a special place!
  We should stop to honor those who have made this facility possible. 
The Western Regional Headquarters was constructed in 1969. The property 
on which the headquarters was placed was made available to Little 
League Baseball by the City of San Bernardino. Al Houghton Stadium and 
the Thomas C. Boyle Administration Building were built first, and the 
balance of what is here today has been gradually added. Warner Hodgdon, 
a local businessman, contributed heavily to the swimming pool, which is 
now such an important part of the Headquarters. Local firms pitched in 
with donated building materials, equipment and labor to gradually 
complete the complex. Many District Administrators and other local 
people labored hard and long. Western Regional Headquarters as it 
stands today has been a ``labor of love.''
  On the grounds of the Headquarters Complex is a Junior Olympic size 
swimming pool. For other recreation and practice there are table games, 
batting cages, practice fields and a recreation hall. There is also a 
Senior Division field.
  The Western Regional Tournament is the culmination of hard work by 
parents, fundraisers, volunteers, and the business community, as well 
as these talented players. Twelve teams, and 10 days of play! An 
audience of 50,000 to 60,000! A Tournament Committee of over 125 
volunteers from 11 Western States! Recognition of all teams at the 
Inland Empire Sixty Sixers home game! The involvement of Team 14, a 
group of local businessmen and women who volunteer to host a team and 
take the players to other Southern California events! An annual Golf 
Tournament!
  In addition, Little League Leadership Training Clinics are offered 
for League Officials, District Administrators, Managers/Coaches, 
scorekeepers and volunteer umpires. Included in the training sessions 
are two one-week Umpire Schools along with weekend rules clinics.
  And so, I salute the young people who participate, and those who 
support the game. Play ball!

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