Yreka Little League Kicks Off Record-Breaking 2025 Season with Memorable Opening Ceremony

YREKA, California — Under clear spring skies, Yreka Little League celebrated the start of its most ambitious season to date with a spirited opening ceremony attended by hundreds of young athletes, families, coaches, and community supporters.

The 2025 season marks a milestone for the organization with an unprecedented 30 teams registered across five divisions, representing the highest participation rate in the league’s history. The ceremony officially welcomed over 300 players ages 4-15 to what promises to be an exciting season of youth baseball in Siskiyou County.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the turnout this year,” said Jess Bray, Yreka Little Coach Coordinator. “The growth we’re seeing reflects the community’s commitment to providing positive athletic opportunities for our youth.”

The day’s festivities began with local youth Dylan Duncan performing a stirring rendition of the national anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the community gathering.

In keeping with Little League tradition, all 12-year-old players gathered at the pitcher’s mound to recite the Little League Pledge, which reads:

“I trust in God. I love my country and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win. But win or lose, I will always do my best.”

The pledge, also displayed prominently on a sign in center field, serves as a constant reminder of the values the organization seeks to instill in its young athletes.

President Maplesden officially launched the 2025 season by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, declaring the fields open for play.

The ceremony included special recognition for two longstanding sponsors for decades of service to both the league and the broader Yreka community. Rob Bicego of Bicego Law Firm and Jeff Bourke of Ace Hardware received heartfelt acknowledgments for their years of unwavering support.

Team Lineup

This year’s expanded roster includes:

Tee-Ball Division 

• Astros (Yreka Transfer) – Manager: Neil Bridenstine
• Nationals (Pure Siskiyou) – Manager: Daniel Fisher
• Phillies (Fairchild Medical Clinic) – Manager: Kelly Smith
• Tigers (The Bar Gym) – Manager: Ashleigh Luce

Farm Division 

• Braves (Shasta Forest Products) – Manager: Matt Barber
• Yankees (Siskiyou Central Credit Union) – Manager: Josh Lipke
• Orioles (Fairchild Medical Center) – Manager: Jade Von Tickner
• Cubs (G&G Ace Hardware) – Manager: Ryan Betts
• Twins (Shannon’s Trucking Inc) – Manager: Mallory Bryan
• White Sox (Mechanics Bank) – Manager: Derek Duncan
• Marlins (Oregon St RV Storage) – Manager: Dee Dee Holderfield

Minors Division 

• Blue Jays (Jones Janitorial) – Manager: Jimmy Freitas
• Cardinals (American Diesel) – Manager: Jake Tannaci
• Reds (Ryde Suspension) – Manager: Cory Ryder
• Devil Rays (Yreka Motors) – Manager: Darren Jones
• Rockies (Tri Counties Bank) – Manager: Jamie Koon
• Royals (Hunt Accounting) – Manager: Kevin Irvine
• Mets (Fire Monkey) – Manager: Taylor Temple
• D’Backs (Siskiyou Corrections) – Manager: Robert Bartneck
• Rangers (Bobcat Yreka) – Manager: Andy Hewes

Majors Division 

• Angels (Yreka Elk’s Lodge) – Manager: Tom Hall
• Dodgers (Rizzardo Construction Inc) – Manager: Dave Maplesden
• Giants (Perfection Cleaning Inc) – Manager: Doug Deveraux
• Padres (J.P & Sons) – Manager: AJ Hughes
• Mariners (Evans Construction) – Manager: Kyle Fournier

Juniors Division 

• Team sponsored by Siskiyou Distributing – Manager: Steve Rizzardo
• Team sponsored by Yreka Transfer – Manager: Tony Miller
• Team sponsored by Yreka Baseball – Manager: Rusty Bigler
• Team sponsored by Mechanics Bank – Manager: Harold Bennett
• Team sponsored by Wyatt Services – Manager: Richie Hansen

The ceremony also recognized the 2025 Board of Directors whose volunteer efforts make the program possible:

• President: Dave Maplesden
• Vice President: Kyle Fournier
• SV Representative: Robert Bartneck
• Secretary: Sarah Mitrovich
• Treasurer: Krysta Hughes
• Player Agent: Janet Marquez
• Equipment Manager: Sam Shannon
• Fundraising Officer: Natalie Rizzardo
• Coach Coordinator: Jess Bray
• Safety Officer: Andi Spaulding
• Information Officer: Keshia Hall
• Concessions Coordinator: Brandi Maplesden
• Field Maintenance Coordinator: Matt Barber
• General Board Members: Kirsten Bigler, Prairie Temple, and Brandon Fawaz

“None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors,” noted Natalie Rizzardo, Fundraising Officer. “The dedication of time and financial support allows all of our youth to participate in competitive baseball for another season.”

In a special treat for the young athletes, team managers distributed official trading cards issued by Little League International Organization to their players, adding excitement to the opening day festivities.

As the ceremony concluded with the enthusiastic cry of “PLAY BALL!” echoing across the field, families dispersed to various diamonds where the first games of the season were set to begin, launching what community members hope will be another memorable season of America’s pastime in Siskiyou County.

The public is invited to attend games, with concessions available to support the league.

For game schedules and more information about Yreka Little League, visit the league website or FB Page

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