Newport Beach Little League: A time for fun

Steve Virgen

CORONA DEL MAR - On Brett Bartlett’s wall there are posters of Ken

Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr. and Derek Jeter. He sometimes dreams of

playing in the Big Leagues. But right now, he’s all about bubble gum,

sunflower seeds and having fun with his friends. Bartlett, who plays for

the Major Division Reds, is an example of many players in the Newport

Beach Little League. He just wants to live in the moment and learn, which

was one of many lessons he gained after listening to former Major League

Baseball outfielder Jay Johnstone speak during NBLL Opening Day at

Lincoln Elementary School Saturday.

“I learned to always try my best and listen to my coach,” Bartlett

said. “I play because I love the game. I just love it. I’m just enjoying

playing right now. I’ll think about that (MLB) later.”

A parade of NBLL teams, including 750 children and 64 teams, opened

the day, and President Rex Jones welcomed everyone. He also credited the

people behind the scenes who help maintain the league’s success.

Johnstone, who played in the MLB for 20 seasons, spoke of the

importance of parents spending time with their children. He also touched

on reaction to Sept. 11 and stressed to cherish the comfort of being with

loved ones. Johnstone also threw the first pitch.

“The carnival was a big part of the day, too,” Jones said. “They can

dunk the kid in the water or do that David Letterman thing and stick to

the Velcro wall.”

The NBLL Opening Day also included team and individual photos.

The first game on the NBLL’s plush Majors’ field was the Cardinals vs.

the Yankees, a rematch of last year’s championship game that the Yankees

won.

Jeff Bloom is the manager of the Cardinals and Gregg Haly is the

manager of the Yankees.

Bartlett would have to wait until Monday to play. The Reds, last

year’s American League champions, face the Diamondbacks to open their

season Monday.

“The day was great and everything was organized,” said Fred Silva,

manager of the Reds. “(The children should create) friendship and

memories. Hopefully we’ll be successful and win the division.”