A MESSAGE FROM OUR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR, MARTIN HOOVER (to view the video, CLICK THIS LINK):

Hello, I’m Martin Hoover, District Administrator for Little League California District 49. Since March, our leagues have been in an extended rain delay due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. For the first time in over 50 years, April and May came and went without Little League Baseball and Softball being played. We’ve all been waiting patiently to see if and when we would be able to take the field again.

After discussion with the District Advisory Board composed of the local league Presidents, Little League International and taking into consideration the guidelines established by county and state health officials, our District is happy to announce that we are preparing to resume operations tentatively on June 1st. This is only if we are given the okay to do so by county and state health officials.

We plan on continuing the season through June, July and August. We are working with local leagues and are strongly recommending that leagues continue play through November through the normal fall season.

We were sad to hear that for the first time since 1947 Little League Baseball will not be holding the Little League World Series. This includes the cancellation of the other Regional and World Series tournaments in other baseball and softball divisions as well. District 49 Staff is currently looking into offering a tournament experience for our players in competitive divisions if we are able to resume the season. This Tournament of Champions experience would invite one team from each competitive division of play to compete in a single-elimination tournament. These tournaments are tentatively scheduled for August.

We know that not everyone who registered to play back in March is going to play in our extended season. If you have a player that cannot participate in the resumption of the season, please contact your local league to notify them. The local leagues will direct you in how to request a future credit, a refund, or a tax deductible donation with your spring registration.

Please continue to monitor our District social media and website for further information about the resumption of the season.

When we resume the game may look a little different. We may have to establish social distancing guidelines, which may mean no fans in the stands, players spaced out on benches and bleachers, and disinfecting shared equipment. Tips of the ballcap may replace the end of game handshakes that we have become accustomed to. But knowing that our young boys and girls are going to be able to return to the field and play in this great organization brings a sense of joy and inspiration to all of us that have been missing these last few months.

Please stay safe, and I hope to see you all at the ballpark soon!