A Note From Our District Administrator...

Hello, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Lisa LaPage and I am the District Administrator for California District 32. I have two boys, Christopher and Stephen, who both played Little League from T-Ball through the Senior Division. Those of you who know me know I attempted Big League with them… that didn’t get me anywhere!

I first started volunteering for Little League as a scorekeeper for my brother’s team back in the 70’s. (Do not attempt to calculate ages.) My dad was the manager and so, of course, I became the scorekeeper. My dad continued on after my brother and I got out of Little League and became the President of Balboa Little League. He was the President when Balboa introduced their first Challenger Division Team – that program is still strong and now resides at Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League.

As my children became old enough to play Little League, I started volunteering again. I started out as the Team Mom and moved “up” to Scorekeeper. Then … it happened, “real volunteering.” I became a bonafide board member for Mira Mesa West Little League – Head Scorekeeper was my first title! Then my second title was Player Agent, then Vice President, then finished up a season as President!

In 2003, the District Administrator Jim Gerstenslager, asked me to be on his staff as an auxiliary member. How hard could that be? OH – those of you that “started” as auxiliary members know the answer to that! I served on the District Staff while continuing to serve on my local league board. In 2006, I was elected as the District Administrator by the Presidents of District 32 – that penalty is still pending!!

All kidding aside, I take Little League seriously – I believe 100% in the program and what Little League stands for. Our children in all of our communities deserve to have hard-working volunteers involved in a program that has every child’s interest and well-being at heart. We, through baseball, teach all of the children Character, Courage and Loyalty – not to mention Respect, Discipline, Teamwork and Sportsmanship.

This can not be accomplished without the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who dedicate time (which they don’t have) to a program they all believe in. That, my friend, is what this is all about. The volunteers inside Little League are rare characters (sadly enough) – they unconditionally give their time, knowledge and sometimes money to the youngsters who will one day rule our world!

To all the Presidents, Board Members, Umpires, Managers, Coaches, Team Moms and Team Dads, Scorekeepers, Carpool Drivers, Cheerleaders and just plain Parents, THANK YOU for participating in the best program in the world for our children. My kids wouldn’t have had the experience without you – and for that I am humbly grateful.

Lisa LaPage

Two key events in November will help all leagues in Distict 32 to better prepare for the 2009 season.

On November 13, District 32 will host its annual vendor show. Returning this year to the Holiday Inn-Miramar, this annual show is a great way for leagues to visit with vendors from a wide variety of categories, all in one place and all in one night. Everyone is invited to come and see exhibits from uniform suppliers, photographers, equipment companies, snack bar suppliers and a wide variety of fundraising ideas.

This is the only show of its kind within our District, and the more representatives from each league that attend the better it is for your league, the District and the vendors. Invite parents, coaches, friends and neighbors. The more the merrier. And, be sure to stick around for some great door prizes!

The show will run from 6:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, November 13. The Holiday Inn is located at Kearny Villa Road and I-15. Simply take I-15 to the Miramar Road exit, and the hotel is on the south side of Miramar Road, immediately west of the freeway.

The second big event this fall is our first annual District Roundtable, to be held Thursday, November 20 at QinetiQ North America, 4250 Pacific Highway. This exciting new event will be an opportunity for all board members from every league in our District to come together on one evening to share our knowledge and experience.

In addition to gaining insights into how each league fits into the "big picture" of our District and Region, each board member will have an opportunity to meet with those from the other leagues in our District who hold the same roles as they do. Both new and experienced volunteers will benefit from the chance to exchange ideas, successes and concerns, offering the best training possible to prepare for the 2009 season.

This mandatory meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at QinetiQ, located in the Sports Arena/Old Town area.

If you have any questions about either of these upcoming events, your league president can share additional information.

League Presidents gathered at a recent District 32 Presidents meeting, along with West Region Director and former District 32 D.A. Jim Gerstenslager (front left) and current District 32 D.A. Lisa LaPage (back right).

For more fun and interesting Little League photos, be sure to check out the "Albums" link in the column on the left, or click on the headline to this article.

District 32 Umpire-in-Chief Paul Smith represented all of us this past summer, when he had the honor of umpiring in the Junior Division West Region Championship Tournament, held in Laguna Niguel.

Umpires are selected for Regional and World Series tournaments based on their ability, experience and dedication. Those assignments, which are highly sought after by Little League umpires from all over the world, are a recognition of the highest achievement by volunteer umpires. All umpires in these tournaments pay their own way and donate their time to Little League and the tournament.

During the West Region tournament, all of the umpires were graded by top umpire evaluators to determine who would work the final games of the tournament. After working several days of doubleheaders and tripleheaders, Paul was given the highest marks of any of the tournament umpires and was awarded the opportunity to handle home plate for the championship game.

Paul, a longtime Little League volunteer ump, also works games at the high school level and beyond, and has worked tirelessly over the past few years to improve the quality and quantity of umpires in District 32. Known for both his knowledge of the rules and his even-keel demeanor on the field, Paul has been a shining light in District 32.

He is also the third outstanding District 32 umpire to work a high level tournament in recent years. Former District 32 Umpire-in-Chief and current District ADA Les Fletcher is the only District umpire to work a World Series tournament, umpiring in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA in 2005. Former Asst. District Umpire-in-Chief and current District Safety Officer Henry Garnett has worked three Regional tournaments. Henry umpired in the Little League West Region tournament in 2003 and in Poland at the Europe/Middle East/Africa Region tournament in 2004 and 2005. 

The season, which runs on Sunday afternoons from September 7 until November 23, is designed to give kids a chance to learn new positions, work on new skills, and just get out and enjoy the game of baseball. It is especially helpful for kids expecting to make the transition to a higher division in the next spring season. All of this is accomplished in a low-key, instructional atmosphere, which gives kids a chance to try new things without feeling the pressure of scores and standings.

For a complete schedule of games in the Caps/Farm/Rookies, Minors, Majors and Juniors divisions, see the handout following this article. If you haven't been part of winter ball before, come out and see some games. If you would like more information about the program, contact District 32's ADA for Winterball, Carrie Abel at carrie.abel@gmail.com.

Ever wonder how things get done? If you do, then you might just be the person we are looking for. We are always looking for volunteers who love and believe in Little League Baseball . As you should know, things don't just happen, it takes hours and hours of hard work volunteering. Our staff oversees 13 local leagues which add up to be about 5000 Little League players. The players need your help; they can't do it without all of the adult volunteers. We are serious about our role in the Little League organization and have a good time while supporting what we believe in. If you are interested in joining, please let us know. Send an email to llapage@san.rr.com and let us know what you are interested in. Play Ball!