Guest Column: Burbank Little League does city proud

The year was 2010, the Burbank Little League Majors Division Softball All-Star team was down to its last out against the national powerhouse from Warner Robins, Ga. Unfortunately, the locals could not finish the rally and lost, 8-6, but there was much to be proud of.

The league, established in 2000, had just sent a team to the Little League World Series, a game televised by ESPN2. Burbank has prided itself in player development, skilled coaching and teamwork. The Little League motto of “Character, Courage and Loyalty” shines through every spring in the city.

The league offers baseball and softball for youth ages 5 to 14. Putting together talented All-Star squads isn’t easy, since Burbank has to split its talent with neighboring Pony leagues, travel teams, or the city’s own park and recreation league. But that has not interfered with the success of the league, which has sent teams to regional playoffs and brought home many trophies and banners.

Just walk up to Brace Canyon Park on any Saturday during the season and you can hear the crack of the bat or the roar of excited parents.

The league recently updated its website and elected a new board and president. Sign-ups for the season continue on Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Batcade, 220 N. Victory Blvd., Burbank.

When it comes to teamwork, skills development, mechanics and competitive success, not much compares to the structure of Little League, so come out and support our local teams.

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DAVID D. DIAMOND is a Little League coach (Burbank Little League, West Los Angeles Little League) and serves as an adviser to the Burbank Little League board.