Coronado Little League (CLL) hosted their first annual opening night tailgate celebration, launching the 2024 season with a Kona Ice truck, pizza, snacks, photo booth and a first pitch from an MLB All-star.
Bo Blumenthal, CLL board member, kicked off the opening night ceremony by introducing the Coronado High School Navy Junior ROTC Color Guard, who showcased the Coronado city flag as CHS student Santi Anaya sang the national anthem.
Blumenthal thanked the long list of CLL sponsors – including the Brigantine, Thrasher Termite & Pest Control, Clark Construction, the Henry and over 30 others. He went on to honor certain little league players –such as Eleanor Dunbar, the only female athlete competing in the IM (intermediate) division– and paid homage to Lisa Pecus, who unexpectedly passed away in September.
Former CLL board member Lisa Pecus honored
Pecus served on the board of directors for CLL for two and a half years and was a dedicated mom to her three children.
“Lisa Pecus will forever be remembered by all of us for many reasons, but none more important than a devoted and loving baseball mother,” said Blumenthal. “In many ways, Lisa represented the same traits and values we strive to teach in youth sports. Traits such as honesty, compassion, conviction, courage, self discipline, work ethic, loyalty and friendship. To know her meant that Lisa cared for you.”
Memorial patches for Pecus will be available for purchase at the concession stand next week for ball players who wish to iron her legacy onto their uniform. Proceeds from the patches will go toward a Coronado youth sports scholarship fund.
First pitch thrown by Mark Melancon
Her son, IM division player Eli Pecus, caught the ceremonial first pitch – thrown by four-time MLB All-star pitcher and former San Diego Padre player Mark Melancon. Melancon took to the mound before the 33 CLL teams were individually celebrated.
“It gives me goosebumps because it brings back so many fun memories from my childhood. The community is so supportive and to see so many dads out here helping is really special. It’s just such a tight knit community,” said Melancon.
33 little league teams celebrated
Roughly 400 players from six different divisions each paraded around the field, as their team names were called out. Sponsors, refs, players, coaches and CLL board members exchanged high fives to mark the beginning of the season.
“[I liked] getting to see my friends and I’m excited to be one of the pitchers,” said Cruz Canedo from the All Star Bombers.
The Feb. 23 tailgate came one day before the first game of the season. Games will run until April 27, followed by playoffs. The closing ceremony will be held on May 26.
Stephanie Dooley, Meghann Eastham and Laramie Logan from the Coronado Little League board came together to host the inaugural opening event.
“Crafting an event that will be cherished as a foundational memory for the children in our esteemed small town was a true privilege,” said Dooley.
