Scrappers

Huntington Beach, Calif. – It was 1963 when the first season took place for a fledgling community Little League in Huntington Beach. Today, Ocean View Little League marked its half century milestone with its opening day celebration at its home field Murdy Park, marking another milestone in “Surf City” history.

“Our opening day celebration could not have been better,” said Toby Reece, Ocean View Little League president.” We had a great turnout, perfect weather, and our kids and families had a great time. I am very proud to be a part of this league and our community’s history as we celebrate 50 years in Huntington Beach.”

The celebration featured an official ceremony, raffles, bouncers, OVLL merchandise sale, team photos, skills contests for teams, and food vendors including Rudy’s Taco, Philly Grill, Jersey Mike’s, Kona Ice, and Ms. Kettle.

“We’d like to thank our food sponsors for supporting our opening day event, and we also want to thank all of our sponsors this year for their support; we could not be successful without them,” said Scott Pantel, Ocean View Little League fundraising and project manager.

In addition to the festivities, exhibition games were played by teams from the Minor B, Minor A, and Majors divisions. In Minor B action it was the Mets over the Sea Dogs 15-8. In the Minor A game, it was the Knights over the Express 8-3. And on the Majors field it was the Dodgers over the Giants 5 -1.

Families also experienced a new look of the park that included new colors to the snack bar and sheds, new back stop padding and dugout screens, newly-groomed fields, and 25-foot palm trees planted by the Majors field scoreboard.

The 50th anniversary opening day event was a huge success and marks the official start of the 2013 spring season. First games begin Saturday, Mar. 2.

Since 1963, Ocean View Little League has proudly served the community of Huntington Beach as a place where kids can learn and play the game of baseball, and learn the virtues that Little League Baseball® represents and teaches – Character, Courage and Loyalty. Ocean View is also a place where families, friends, and the community can come to have fun and enjoy some great baseball. OVLL is a member of Little League Baseball’s District 62, that serves the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, and Westminster.

Ocean View Little League President Toby Reece welcomes families at OVLL's Opening Day ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Murdy Park. The event marked the start of the spring season and the 50th anniversary of OVLL.







Many families attended OVLL's Opening Day at Murdy Park. Families wait in line at the newly painted snack bar in front of the American flag and OVLL's newest members, 25-foot palm trees donated to OVLL.




OVLL's championship pennants waved proudly at OVLL's Opening Day. Of the many banners from various titles won is the 2011 Little League World Series Championship flag in the upper left corner. OVLL defeated the team from Hamamatsu Minami Little League, Japan on Aug. 28, 2011.





OVLL past president Stef Green (red shirt, right) browses through the displays of gift baskets at OVLL Opening Day. The baskets were donated by each team for the "Silent Auction" held that day.







OVLL volunteers sell OVLL clothing, hats and other items during Oening Day. Among the favorite items of families were T-shirts, sweatshirts, and All Star hats. All proceeds of the sales go to the league, and OVLL merchandise is sold year round at various games.





OVLL players from various divisions enjoy the Majors exhibition game played on Opening Day. In addition to the Majors game, there were also games played by Minor A and Minor B teams.