Sports

Little Leagues Merge, Season Opens Saturday

The Saddleback and Lake Forest little leagues have combined into one league with 46 teams and more than 550 members.

A massive group of youth baseball players will kick off the Little League season this Saturday at Heroes Park in Lake Forest.

More than 550 members will play this season on 46 teams—the result of a merger between the Saddleback Little League and Lake Forest Little League.

The new league is operating under the Lake Forest Little League moniker.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

District management has asked the leagues to operate in a “separate but combined” format this season, as a precursor to fully merging the leagues in the following season, according to a letter local officials mailed to members.

"In order to provide baseball without interruption, and needing to conform to the rules of Little League International, we needed to abide by the charter of oneleague or the other. The only other option would have been to disband both and start from scratch by establishing a brand new charter with Little League—a very tedious and time consuming process that would potentially negatively impact our players and families," wrote the directors. "Saddleback Little League has a rich and storied history of providing a great experience and wonderful memories for all of its past players and families. Lake Forest Little League, although a 'newer' league, has a more recognizable identity for the community overall."

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Saturday, the combined leagues will kick off their first season as a single organization under one name with the traditional opening day festivities at Heroes Park.

Each team and player will have an official photo taken during the day. Games are scheduled to go until 8 p.m.

Opening Day Schedule

8 to 8:30 a.m. Players arrive

8:30 to 9 a.m. Assembly of teams

9 to 9:40 a.m. Parade of teams

9:40 to 9:47 a.m. Presentation of colors, Cub Scouts

9:47 to 9:50 a.m. National Anthem

9:50 to 10 a.m. Welcome/comments from league presidents

10 to 10:15 a.m. Speaker

10:15 to 10:25 a.m Speaker

10:25 to 10:30 a.m. Closing comments

10:30 to 10:31 a.m. Ceremonial pitch

10:31 to 10:32 a.m. Play ball pronouncement


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here