For this weeks Kaptivating Kidz, Nick Krupke takes us inside the game and behind the scenes of a classic American League matchup. The Red Sox and Mariners, not from Safeco Field but from Emerald Valley Little League.

Raleen Hockenberry - District Administrator - president of Silverton Area Little League in District 7 from 1992-2001; on District 7 Staff through 2004.  On State Staff (Challenger Division development).  Appointed by Little League Baseball & Softball CEO to the position of District Administration at creation of District 9.  Voted in at each of the following 3-year election points since the appointment.  Honored by Little League International as "Challenger Division Volunteer of the Year" in 2006 (was a guest at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania).  Raleen is also the head webmaster, treasurer, safety officer.

Darryl Hockenberry - Assistant District Administrator - has been involved in Little League continuously since 1964 (coaching, managing, umpiring, local league board member in various positions, district staff).  Focuses on both Baseball and Softball

Bonnie McClendon - Secretary - also President for South Valley, Bonnie assists the District Administrator "where needed" in communications and meetings :-) 

Gary Taylor - District Umpire in Chief - after years of extensive involvement in Orange Little League (Southern California), Gary moved to Eugene a few years ago.  As soon as Raleen was made aware he was in town, the two met up and learned where he would be most interested in helping at the District level.  With his involvement in District 9 (leading workshops/training in Umpire development, focusing on building umpires from the core of managers and coaches as well as 'junior-level' umpires), he and 'his team,' have made a very positive impact on Little League in Lane County.  Based on recommendations by the D.A., and appointment by the Regional Director, Gary was honored with appointment as an umpire for the 2007 Western Regional Baseball Tournament in San Bernardino, California.  He was also been honored with appointment to umpire for the 2010 Western Regional Softball Tournament which is held in Vancouver, Washington.

Jim Wilkinson - Umpire Consultant - Jim came to Eugene area after living in the area served by Half Moon Bay Little League (California).  He became involved in the local league within the first year of two of his being in the area, and joined District staff in partnership with Gary Taylor on the 'umpire-focused' team!  Jim is also indispensable for his local league (Sheldon Little League) in operations and in training.

Tom Juzeler - Umpire Consultant - Tom started umpiring for "McKenzie Little League" when he was about 16 years of age "because his brother's team had a game and no umpires!"  Little League, still new to the area, didn't have a team for his age so he dove into the world of Umpiring and has loved it.  Tom has taken training on his own, in addition to being 'taken under the wing' of both the Jim and Gary!  (Tom applied for a scholarship toward his college education and was awarded a good-sized portion of scholarship based on his volunteer hours with Oregon District 9 Little League.)  Even as a student at Linfield, he continues to remain involved in and committed to District 9 - working regular season and tournament games whenever possible!

Kelly Pruett - Softball Division Rep (Development/Consultant) - Kelly has been active in the league that eventually became West Emerald Valley (then Eugene LL) for several years.  She is also a softball coach at North Eugene High School!  Kelly has a drive focused on developing Llittle League Softball, but more importantly: on developing the players.  She has held special 'mini-clinics' to work with young ladies interested in developing as pitchers, has managed and coached up through the Junior level of Little League (including All Stars - and including working with the team that took 2nd in State in 2008).  Her energy is contagious - and she loves to spread the 'energy' among parents and youth!

Scott Denham - Rep for Baseball Upper Divisions - (prior president of West Emerald Valley) focuses on the development of the Upper Divisions of Baseball including Junior, Senior, and Big League ... as we coordinate scheduling and promote growth and development.

Jeni Hendrickson - Challenger Division Development - parent of one of our Challenger Division players, works directly with the District Administrator * and league presidents * in recruiting, sharing information, and boosting this special program!

Dean Inouye - Head Scorekeeper (Instruction) - Dean has been a big help at tournament time and led the All Star Scorekeeping Clinic for the 2008 tournaments.  We're very glad he has accepted the position of "Head Scorekeeper" for District 9 ! 

2002 - With Little League new to Lane County, an explosion began ...

GREAT READING - about a GREAT ROLE MODEL ...