AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION and a friendly jab to his good friend Robert Salinas, Tom Wetegrove had a sign made and placed at the park honoring the 1973 MVP showing where he hit two home runs against him and unveiled it to him during the opening day. Shown from left to right, Elroy Cavazos, Yogi Garcia, Robert Salinas, Ralph Rubalcaba and Tom Wetegrove. The Willacy County Little League kicked off their opening ceremony Saturday, March 27, with a bang. The event which drew hundreds of spectators was held at the Eddie Starck “Smiley Face” Park.

Games were held throughout the day to mark their annual celebration. Players were anxious to showcase their skills, new uniforms and equipment in front of family and friends.

W.C. Sheriff Larry Spence began the ceremony with an invocation while Danny Tijerina performed the National Anthem. Efrain “Happy” Guerrero served as Master of Ceremonies and entertainment.

LET’S PLAY BALL- Players and sponsors were introduced during the noon ceremony. County and city officials along with county superintendents were present.

“Happy” threw out the first pitch.

Last year, Jeff Hommel used the original baseball that as a 12- year-old, he hit a grandslam with on June 19, 1978. Hommel’s team American Legion won the game against Swayze-Hutchins 8-2. This June marks the ball’s 32st anniversary. Jeff’s father, Robert Hommel, bought the prized ball for $5.00 from a child that recovered it after the home run

Comedian “Happy”shined as MC and had the crowd in an uproar after introducing the teams and their sponsors. As a one man show, he performed magic tricks for his audience and gave a positive message for the players.

Plenty of food and games made this year’s celebration a day to remember.

WCLL OPENING CEREMONY A GREAT SUCCESS - MC Efrain “Happy” Guerrero as he addresses the crowd. Additions to the park include a tee-ball park plus new grass on the infield. A storage building for equipment has been added and an improved concession stand built by Omar Rebeles. Restrooms were repainted and security cameras were installed to deter vandalism.

League president Chito Rodriguez was very pleased with the ceremony, calling it a success. “Our goal is to expand next year’s event. People can look forward to a 6:30 p.m. timeline for the introduction and a final game to close out the ceremony.

We also plan to hold a sponsor appreciation dinner late April to thank our fine contributors for making our youth sports organization possible.”

This year vice presidents were added to each division to assist with questions and concerns that may arise. “We are trying to make it a smoother process for everyone” said Rodriguez.

BOARD MEMBER ERICA YSASI poses with comedian “Happy.” Rodriguez said that the board would like to award a scholarship to a student who has participated from t-ball to senior league. “Little League paves the way for great sportsmanship values - learning to play fair and expecting that you don’t always win. There are ups and downs when you win and lose. These memories will stay with these kids forever.

“Last year was the first time we had a senior league team. We currently are trying to unite the county girls’ program to compete. In my opinion they can win the state tourney.”

“We are working very hard to give our children an opportunity to have a great time with the sport and to learn the values of courage, character and loyalty.” GOING BACK - HISTORY OF WCLL

BOARD MEMBER HECTOR & MISSY HERNANDEZ & FAMILY 1960’s notable players were: George Durham, Chito DeHoyos, Rene De La Garza, Harry Cavazos, David Contreras, Wayne and Walter Tatum.

Notable coaches were: Earl McGraw, Simon Gomez and Pepe Garcia.

In 1973, the Willacy County All Star Team was the only boys team to qualify for the State Tournament, managed by Kenneth Moore and Johnny Karseno. Notable players were Robert Salinas, Mike Gomez, Yogi Garcia, Cresencio “Big Mama” Ramirez, Tom Wetegrove, Paul Wetegrove, Juan Arellano, Albert Rincones and Stevie Gonzales.

Notable coaches/board members: Eddie Starck, Earl McGraw, Kenneth Moore, Johnny Karseno, Pete Moreno, Frank Rodriguez, Martin “Magoo” Marroquin.

1980 was the first year of tee ball play.

Notable players: Frank Moreno, David Tijerina, Adrian Cervantes, Albert Rincon, Robert Cervantes.

PROUD LITTLE LEAGUERS acknowlege family and friends. Girls were allowed to play alongside the boys.

First girl to play with the boys was Kay Dee Benavidez. Other girls playing in the boys league were Yolanda Hernandez, Melissa Contreras, Hilda Guerrero and Lori Peeples.

Notable Coaches/Board Members: Amado Salinas, Mike Gomez, Larry Spence, Sid Weinmann, Betty Calvin, Louie Saravia.

In 1984 girls softball was introduced to the Willacy County Little League. Notable coaches (still coaches today), Arnold Munguia, Elena Vasquez, Helen Perez.

1994 saw the first WCLL girls team to qualify for the state tournament, this feat was repeated in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 managed by Elena Vasquez.

Board Members in that decade: Lucio Mendoza, Chago Fonseca, Uvaldo Zamora, Felix Tamez.

RAYMONDVILLE CITY COMMISIONERS Zeke Cavazos, Mary Gutierrez, Yolanda Alexandre, Orlando “Lonnie” Correa, Keter Guerra, Eleazar “Yogi” Garcia, Sheriff Larry Spence and Father Mac - Richard MacDonald. 2009 - Senior Girls and 10-11 girls qualify for State Tournament managed by Vicente Rodriguez, Ralph Espinoza; Helen Perez and Lionel Tamez.

Currently Moy Robles is the longest serving Manager (since 1981). REMINISCING OF THE GOOD OL’ DAYS

Current board member and past little league highlight player Tom Wetegrove always has a story to share when you ask him about his days in little league.

“It brought great friendships into my life. It truly is a place where dreams come true.”

Though there is one story in particular that he loves sharing. 1973 marked the only year in which the All Star boys team qualified for the state tournament. First game up was against Ft. Worth which they lost 8-2. Then 12-year-old District 24 MVP Robert Salinas pitched that game.

BOARD MEMBERS ALONG WITH MC EFRAIN “HAPPY” GUERRERO and City Manager Eleazar “Yogi” Garcia. Second game the boys beat Shepherd Air Force Base 3-2 with Wetegrove pitching.

Mike Gomez pitched the last game facing Big Springs and lost 2- 1.

As Wetegrove tells the story it is hard to avoid hearing the excitement and joy that this sport has brought him.

“Robert (Salinas) is truly a man who could of been in the big league. He struck out batters in the regular season and during the all stars. 16 batters in one game - Falfurrias in ‘73 to qualify for state.”

“While growing up we didn’t have the technology we have now. We practically lived at the park and loved the sport so much,” said Wetegrove.

ALL EARS - Children enjoyed the magic tricks that comedian “Happy” performed. Plenty of food and games made this year’s celebration a day to remember. Photos by Eddie Gonzales and Erica Ysasi As a token of appreciation and a friendly jab to his good friend Salinas, Wetegrove had a sign made and placed at the park honoring the 1973 MVP showing where he hit two home runs against him and unveiled it to him during the opening day.

When asked about it, Robert Salinas said, “Tom claims he hit two homers but I don’t really remember.”

Salinas recalls that in 1972 they were one game shy of going to state.

“In ‘72 Chris Wetegrove pitched a one hitter, that one hit was a homerun, and we lost 1-0 against Freer to qualify to state. We had two hits against Freer: I had one and guess who had the other? That’s right, Tom Wetegrove.”

From the time the sun came up to the time the sun came down we were at the park. We loved it. And as far as being MVP, that is something that came along. We were young and didn’t realize what it meant, we just wanted to play.”

THE WCLL BOARD TODAY

There are 21 board members whose top concern is safety for the children. There are 33 teams this season -a record number. There are members who don’t have children playing but volunteer because they love the game and want to give local kids an opportunity to develop skills that will help them grow as mature young adults. Last but not least, memories that last a lifetime.

Little League is a non-profit organization that is totally funded by donations.