The Idyllwild Bake ‘n’ Brew Bacons (green) beat the Town Crier team (navy blue) in Town Hall Kids Baseball game Monday night at Idyllwild School.Photo by Becky Clark
The Idyllwild Bake ‘n’ Brew Bacons (green) beat the Town Crier team (navy blue) in Town Hall Kids Baseball game Monday night at Idyllwild School. Photo by Becky Clark
Lucy Newman, 5, swings for the American Legion T-Ball team Tuesday against the Town Baker team. At left, The American Legion team cheers for the Town Baker team after the game Tuesday.
Lucy Newman, 5, swings for the American Legion T-Ball team Tuesday against the Town Baker team. Photo by Jenny Kirchner

Town Hall Sports Coordinator Richard Mozeleski gave these reports on Kids Baseball:

Well, the Town Hall baseball season has opened for 2015 with an exciting and fun week. The T-ballers started out with typical hilarious, non-laughs and cheers. There were great hits and actually some outs were made at first base and home plate. The concept of “baseball” seems to be already ingrained in some of the little tykes.

Then there were the uproaringly funny plays you just can’t script. Like the hit through the 3rd base side, watching the 3rd base “runner,” with the bright pink batting helmet, chase after the ball instead of running home, with the shortstop in tow, while coaches and parents are yelling, “Turn around, go home!” Or my favorite: The 1st to 3rd running shortcut by way of the pitcher’s mound. Good times.

The Minors, typically a “coach pitch” league, is changing it up a bit this season. We have introduced “kid pitching” the first four pitches, then three pitches from the coach, if needed, in an effort to develop pitching skills. And the kids have responded right away and are finding the plate, to come closer to Little League-style baseball.

This T-ball game Tuesday, June 9 marked the opening of the Town Hall Kids Baseball season. The other leagues have started training at Idyllwild School. Eli Bloom, 5, playing for Town Baker T-Ball team gives a high-five to his coach as he makes it to home plate. Photos by Jenny Kirchner
This T-ball game Tuesday, June 9 marked the opening of the Town Hall Kids Baseball season. The other leagues have started training at Idyllwild School. Eli Bloom, 5, playing for Town Baker T-Ball team gives a high-five to his coach as he makes it to home plate.
Photo by Jenny Kirchner

Friday night opened with two exciting games, both close. The second game, Jo’An’s Eagles went into the last inning down one run against the Idyllwild Property Management Creepers. (I don’t pick the names, I just write the stories.) After the Eagles tied the game and got the potential winning run to 3rd with two outs and only one pitch left, coach pitcher Ryan Righetti hung a fat slider off the plate, and Steven Solorzano smacked it up the middle to drive in the winning run.

On a sad note, one of our own is down. Nathen Anderson’s Grandpa has “gone home.” Grandpa Dave passed away June 10 in Temecula at 82 years old. Dave and wife Vicky had stepped into the gap and were raising Nathen. They, without fail, facilitated him being at all sports functions on time and fully prepared, blessing Nathen and us with Dave’s eager participation. Dave was always a dependable partner to me, helping set up soccer goals, kids’ baskets, bases and even chairs, whatever was needed, showing up early while taking care of Nathen and wife Vicky — always serving others. You never had to ask for help, he just did it.

The “Marine,” as I referred to him, was and still is a fine example so typical of that “greatest generation.” God bless you, Dave, rest in peace — you are deserving.

The American Legion team cheers for the Town Baker team after the game Tuesday. Photo by Jenny Kirchner
The American Legion team cheers for the Town Baker team after the game Tuesday.
Photo by Jenny Kirchner