More than 350 kids participated in summer ball league
Photo/Karla Smith Gainesville Cardinals The Gainesville Cardinals took first place in the coach-pitch 6- to 8-year-old boys division of the summer ball program. Members of the team were, from left, (front row) D.J. Howard, Parker Gilmore, Ty Alms, Jake Hogan, Luke Hogan; (back row) Zach Evans, Silas Moody, Howard Wade, Dylan Jennings,Carson Nielson and Jaxon Headrick. The boys were coached by Spencer Wade, back row left, and Justin Gilmore, back row right.
Photo/Karla Smith Gainesville Cardinals The Gainesville Cardinals won first place in the 11- to 13-year-old girls division in the summer ball program. Members of the team were, from left, (front row) Lakyn Suter, Isabella Dotson, Alexus Owens, Emma McGinnis, Ivy Lovan; (back row) Michelle Walker, Leigha Rowland, Jenna Uchtman, Bretlyn Kastning, Brooklyn Bushong, Lauren Hillhouse. The girls were coached by Jaime Uchtman and Hope Hillhouse.
Photo/Karla Smith Gainesville Yankees The Gainesville Yankees took first place in the coach-pitch 6- to 8-year-old girls division of the summer ball program. Members of the team are, from left, (front row) Zoie Moody, Peyton Walley, Kaia Adams, Makelby Myers; (second row) Payton Eslinger, Cheryl Huelsenbeck, Jenna Burnett, Charlotte Goodman, Sadie Walker. The team was coached by Sara and Jared Walker, back row.
Photo submitted Bakersfield Foster Feed Bakersfield Foster Feed took first place in the 9- to 10-year-old girls division of the summer ball program. Members of the team are, from left, (front row) Cadence Giger, Kloe Simmons, Paige Crites, Riley Summers, Abbigail Guffey; (back row) Saydie Alvarado, Marlee Maynard, Keeley Stevens, Miley Edens, Shyenne Foster, Abby Hadley, coach Malisha Summers. Not pictured, Catherine Pendergrass
Photo submitted Bakersfield Drillers The Bakersfield Drillers took first place in the 11- to 13-year-old boys division in the summer ball program. Members of the team are, from left, (front row) Tank Sims, Bodie Hardin, Ethan Cotter, Ty Cotter; (back row) coach Micheal Mahan, Logan Mahan, Austin Durham, Conner Jones, Cooper Massey, Dillon Bonham, Bo Bean, coach Bobby Bean, Mason Bean, and coach Matt Bonham.
Photo submitted Bakersfield Bales Welding Bales Welding took first place in the boys 9- to 10-year-old boys division of the summer ball program. Members of the team are, from left, coach Chris Bales, Ian Guerra, Tyson Bales, Ajay Reiss, David Heavener, Dakota Prine, Thomas Latham, Tanner Jarvis, Davyn O’Dell, Tyler Hodgson, Marshall Johnston, Timothy Mill, Hunter Bartlett and Emmett Farel.
“Without the help of many people, the kids wouldn’t have this opportunity.”
Morris Jenkins, league coordinator
Almost 350 local children participated in this year’s summer ball program. Thirty-one teams – 21 from Gainesville, nine from Bakersfield and one from Dora –competed in the league, which is open to all children ages 4 to 13.
“On behalf of Gainesville School I would like to say thanks to players, parents, families, Gainesville Lions Club, the Bakersfield and Dora teams, many volunteers and the community in general for the support of our summer baseball and softball league for the kids,” said Morris Jenkins, who served as league coordinator, along with Cody Swearengin. “The league gives our kids the opportunity to play the games, learn the rules and develop skills at an age- appropriate level. Through participation, we hope the kids develop values of respect, sportsmanship and responsibility while enjoying the games of baseball and softball. Without the help of many people, the kids wouldn’t have this opportunity. “
These teams placed first in their division: coach-pitch girls, Gainesville Yankees; coach-pitch boys, Gainesville Cardinals; 9- to 10-year-old girls, Bakersfield Foster Feed & Farm; 9- to 10-year-old boys, Bakersfield Bales Welding; 11- to 13-year-old girls, Gainesville Cardinals; and 11- to 13-year-old boys, Bakersfield Drillers.