By Mila Besich Lira
The 2013 Superior Little League season began last week. This year the season did not kick off with the traditional parade on Main St. but there was much celebration at the opening day ceremonies on Monday, April 22. The opening ceremonies included end of season recognition for the T-Ball season, and announcement of members of the regular season teams. All players said the Little League pledge and then the first pitch was thrown.
For the second year in a row the League started the t-ball season in March. The early start for T-Ball helps the league to schedule all the games needed for the registered teams.
This year there were four T-Ball Teams: The Braves were sponsored by Resolution Copper, members of their team are Anthony Cardenas, Nicolas Montano, Mariza Montano, Anthony Arroyos, Jayden Carillo, Antonia Guerena, Abraham Guerena, Cezar Sandoval, Faith Denogean, Anthony Davis, Adam Ramirez, Lilly Fritz, Stephanie Lopez. They were coached by Theresa Sestiaga, Victoria Chaidez, and Eric Fritz.
The T-Ball Diamondbacks were sponsored by Carlota Mining. Members of the Diamondbacks were Reyes Bribiescas, Adrian Calleros-Marquez, Thayne Miner III, Raymond Denogean, Antonio Lopez, Caleb Lopez, Analise Hollenbeck, Yeritzel Romero, Adrianna Mada, Julianna Mada, Jeremiah Cordero, David Ramirez, Malena Huerta. They were coached by Anthony Denogean, Akira Denogean and Raymond Denogean.
The T-Ball Dodgers were sponsored by 5D Mining, players on the Dodgers were: Claudia Arriola, Cisco Macias, Ryland Duarte, Raiden Sommer, Amaya Sommer, Samantha San Miguel, Antonia Ybarra, Isabel Rivas, Felicity Villalobos, David Brennan, Zach Brennan, Manuel Huerta and Angel Arriola. They were coached by Cathy Sommer, Carmen Chaidez, and Toni Marie Macias.
The T-Ball Giants were sponsored by Cementation. Players for the Giants were Lexani Barragan, Azalea Penate, Rose Tomerlin, Rudy Almejo, Isiah Diaz-Gonzalez, Joel Romero, Malaya Martinez, Leland Lott, Aliana Ortega, Katlynn Mitchell, Waylon Taylor, Owen Van-Gorp, Brandon Huerta. They were coached by Michael Diaz-Gonzalez.
This year the League has three minor league teams, two major league boys teams, and two major league softball teams. Senior league baseball and softball teams will begin play once the school sports seasons are completed. Games will run through the end of June.
The League always needs volunteers to help umpire, work in the concession stand and assist with field maintenance or clean up. If you are available to volunteer please contact Armida Denogean 480-215-3116.
The 2013 season was supported by the following sponsors: Red Bear Outfitters, Alonzo Family, BHP Billiton, Conestoga-Rovers, Yellow Jacket Drilling, Tameron Septic, Longoria Family, OMYA, Arizona Public Service, Anderson Rentals, Superior Chamber of Commerce, Irene Morris at His and Her Hair Co., Woodmen of the World, Bank of the West, Edwardos Pizza, Harborlite-Imerys, Arizona Water Company, Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, Porters Cafe, Pinal County Attorney, Save Money Market, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Superior Substance Abuse Coalition, United Way, Navarrette Family, Boeing Employees, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and Freeport McMoRan.
Photos by Mila Besich-Lira. See more photos online at http://bit.ly/12j69FC