Thanks to the generosity of our District 32 Little Leagues, a team of 13- and 14-year-olds from Vilnius, Lithuania spent nine days in San Diego at the beginning of April, including two games played at our ballfield!

The team, known as Sporto Vilkai (Sports Wolves), arrived on Thursday, March 29 and spent the next week-plus fully immersed in the baseball culture of District 32. Players and coaches were housed by several host families from our league, giving both the Lithuanian players and our own 13- and 14-year-olds a tremendous opportunity to share and exchange customs of their own countries.

Those who were involved two years ago, when many of the same players came to Southern California as 11- and 12-year-olds remember the fabulous experience this exchange was for both the kids from Lithuania and everyone in our league. This year, Clairemont Hilltoppers families the Granfors, Ruthenbergs, Kifers and Browns each generously hosted players from this team. 

The team played games on Saturday, March 31 and Thursday, April 5 against Juniors teams from Clairemont Hilltoppers at Cadman Park.  Additional games were hosted by the Rancho Penasquitos, Mira Mesa and Coronado leagues.

In addition to the ballgames, the kids got some great opportunities to experience the San Diego area. Many events took place during their stay, including a trip to the Padres-Royals exhibition game on Tuesday, April 3. On Friday, April 6, they traveled to Orange County, where they were to be hosted for a second week by leagues in that area for games and sightseeing.

This is the fifth time a team from Lithuania has made a springtime trip to Southern California, but only the second time for District 32 to be involved. What a great experience for our kids to see a little bit of what baseball and childhood is like in other parts of the world.