YOUTH SPORTS: Cupertino National Little League Celebrates 50th Anniversary

This Saturday at Kennedy Middle School in Cupertino was just a little different than the rest.

With history to be made on the docket, the Cupertino National Little League celebrated its 50th anniversary in front of parents, baseball fans, league officials and most importantly, a whole bunch of happy little leaguers.

Ball players ranging from age 5-to-16 gathered on the Majors Division Field to kick off the 2011 Opening Day festivities on a spotless, sunny weekend afternoon.

Directed by league president Larry Wong, players and coaches from the 20 different Cupertino National teams lined the field and were introduced to the crowd.

“It’s really great to have events like this,” Wong said. “It brings together so many people in our community, representing the commitment they have to their kids.”

Cupertino National fields four T-ball teams, eight farm level teams, four minors teams, two majors teams, one juniors team (ages 13-15) and one seniors team (high school level).

“Not only to these kids grow up on the baseball field, but they also grow up as people,” Wong said. “Baseball is a challenging sport. A lot of times they make mistakes out here. It’s a good environment for them to learn how to handle those mistakes and bounce back from them.”

Several players from the Minors Division Twins team caught the ceremonial first pitches thrown out by league officials and board members.

After a lunch break, the two Majors Division teams squared off for an afternoon Opening Day matchup.

The Cardinals, managed by Steve Granzella, played the Reds in front of a healthy-sized crowd kicking off the 2011 season in style.

Backed by two-hit games from Andrew Ding, Ryan Granzella and Sam Bresesco, the Cardinals defeated the Reds 10-4 in six innings.

Jared Slater was the winning pitcher for the Cards. Edwin Peng and Kaleb Chung each had strong games for the Reds.

Several longtime members of the league came out to show their support and check out some baseball.

Longtime board member, coach and former league president Matt Hayes came out to assist in the festivities and even had time to umpire the majors game as well.

“What’s really fun is to see the younger boys out here involved,” Hayes said. “It’s really fun to see the kids so excited out here swinging the Whiffle Ball bats cause I remember how much fun it was for me when I started playing.”

Another community member enjoying the baseball was Martin Nordby whose son, Kevin, plays on the juniors team.

“I’ve been involved 12 years now since my oldest son was in T-ball,” Nordby said. “It’s great to see these kindergartners so excited, first time wearing a uniform just eager to get out there with their friends and play.”

Cupertino National is one of two Little Leagues in Cupertino. Cupertino American will have its Opening Day next Saturday.

Download the movie