Get ready for the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd as Susanville Little League officially launches its 2026 season this Saturday, April 18th. It promises to be a day filled with community celebration, long-standing traditions, and local pride for the whole family to enjoy.
A Grand Procession to the Fields
The morning festivities begin promptly at 9:00a.m. with the annual Opening Day parade. The 2026 Little League teams will march in unison toward the Pat Murphy Little League fields, traveling a route that starts on S. Fairfield Avenue, continues along River Street and leads directly down to the diamonds.
Parents should ensure players are dropped off by 8:30a.m. on S. Fairfield near Joe’s Coffee to get lined up. Residents and fans are encouraged to line the streets to cheer on the athletes as they make their way to the fields.
Opening Ceremonies and Special Guests
Immediately following the parade, the community will gather at the fields for the official Opening Ceremony. This year, the league is proud to welcome special guests from the American Legion, who will present the colors during the National Anthem.
In a highlight of the morning, the 2026 Firefighter of the Year, Zach Hoffman, will take the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The event will conclude with a formal presentation of all the teams representing the league this season.
Raffle Prizes and Community Support
The excitement continues with the Opening Day Raffle, where the top prize is a Custom Marucci Cat Bat. Raffle tickets are available for $20 and can be purchased directly from league players, with the drawing taking place during the ceremony. You do not need to be present to win, and every dollar raised goes directly toward improving the fields and supporting the players.
You can also support the league simply by grabbing your morning brew at Joe’s Coffee. On Saturday, April 18th, Joe’s is donating $1 from every single purchase—including every coffee and pastry—to help our local youth baseball program.
New Opportunities and Upcoming Events
The league is also introducing a new “Spotlight Saturday” initiative and is currently looking for local vendors to join the game-day excitement. Businesses can set up near the snack bar to promote their services while enjoying great foot traffic and supporting a worthy cause. Anyone interested in reserving a spot should contact the league at [email protected].
Finally, families should look ahead to Saturday, April 25th, which has been designated as Picture Day at Lassen Community College. Depending on the weather, photos will be taken either at the track and field or inside the gym. Players are asked to arrive in full uniform and are welcome to bring a bat or glove to use as a prop. Specific team schedules will be released as soon as they are finalized.
Come out this Saturday to celebrate the return of baseball and support the hardworking kids of Susanville!
