Hundreds Enjoy Opening Day of Menifee Valley Little League

Hundreds of ballplayers, parents and friends gathered at Winchester Fields today for Opening Day of Menifee Valley Little League.

Postponed from its original schedule at Wheatfield Park because of rain two weeks ago, the league's big day was a big success. In addition to games on three different fields, there were vendor booths, a raffle, music, games and a variety of food and drink.

For some of the sights and sounds of Opening Day, check out our Menifee 24/7 video:

MVLL 9/10 All-Stars Standout Postseason Ends in Sectional Final

The Menifee Vallkey Little League 9/10 All-Stars finished an outstanding postseason with a 5-4 loss to Magnolia of Riverside in the sectional championship game Wednesday night in Murrieta.

A note from John Dreher of MVLL posted on the league's Facebook page:

I would like to thank our 9-10 All-Stars for a fantastic run in the tournaments. Joe, Guido, and Wes had these young men ready to play and play they did. We are so proud of you and consider you winners. Thank you to everyone for the support you showed for this team. I would also like to thank all our other All-Stars who played the games with all their heart and soul. Thank you to the managers and coaches, and the parents for letting your kids play Menifee Valley Little League.

Menifee 9/10 All-Star Team Plays for Sectional Title Tonight

The 9/10 all-star team from Menifee Valley Little League defeated Magnolia Riverside 11-1 Tuesday night and will play Magnolia in a rematch tonight at 6:30 for the sectional tournament title at Hunt Park in Murrieta.

If the team wins the double-elimination tournament tonight, it will advance to San Diego for the next level of play in the Little League postseason. Menifee is 6-1 overall in postseason play.

Wes Wohlwend, who coaches the team along with Joe Kirby and Guido Monachino, had high praise for his players going into the championship game.

"Watching the kids execute all the baseball skills we have taught them is so rewarding," Wohlwend said. "It is important for them to learn the benefits of hard work and also to learn how to win and lose. Life is competitive at every level and baseball helps kids shape the way they deal with winning and losing."

Menifee Little League Mariners Win District 28 Tournament

Congratulations to the Menifee Valley Little League's AAA Mariners, who recently won the Paul Wahl District 28 championship. Joe Kirby is the head coach. The AA Dodgers of MVLL placed seconds in their division of the tournaent.

It's a Beautiful Day for Menifee Little League Opening Day!

Menifee Valley Little League opened its 2013 season with a parade of players, awards and introductions, and some fun and competitive baseball Saturday at Wheatfield Park.

About 480 players on 43 teams were introduced to the crowd by League President John Dreher. Thunder, the team mascot for the Lake Elsinore Storm professional baseball team, greeted the players as they paraded onto the field and took their positions rimming the infield dirt. Menifee Deputy Mayor Wallace Edgerton led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance and a member of the league's Challenger Division sang the national anthem.

"This is why I do it," Dreher said, pointing to the young people surrounding the field. "I think I was put on earth to do this. For the community, this is really something else."

Dreher, in his eighth year as league president, and the other board members then invited parents and friends to join in the fun at a carnival, which included vendor booths, food and drink, bounce houses and slides, and a "cash booth" where children could try to catch play dollars inside a wind tunnel of sorts.

Games were played in four age divisions and Opening Day results included:

AA Division:
Storm 7, Dodgers 1
Padres 6, Angels 5

AAA Division:
Mariners 5, Angels 2

Majors Division:
Diamondbacks 3, Storm 2

For more information on the league, visit its website here.


Parents and friends: If you would like to submit photos, videos or game information for publication on our site, please email menifee247sports@gmail.com. Your contributions are welcome and necessary to make this page as complete as possible.

Here's some video highlights of the players' parade onto the field during Opening Ceremonies.




Now enjoy some more photos from Opening Day. Play ball!

Little League Opening Day to Feature Hot Air Balloon Rides

Menifee Valley Little League's Opening Day on Saturday, March 2 is less than a month away, and it will be celebrated with a lot more festivities than just some ballgames.

As part of the Opening Day Carnival at Wheatfield Park, Re/MAX Diamond Realty will have its hot air balloon on hand. Weather permitting, members of the local Team Dad & Daughters Menifee property management group will offer free tethered rides to everyone, beginning at 8 a.m.

The carnival will feature many booths and other attractions. Vendors interested in having a booth at the carnival should email mvllbaseball@yahoo.com or message the league on its Facebook page.

Additional baseball coaches are needed. If you are interested in helping to coach a team, email mvllbaseball@yahoo.com.

Final Tryouts and Sign-Ups for Menifee Valley LL This Weekend

For additional information, visit the Menifee Valley Little League website and the league's Facebook page. Thanks to Jimmy Canales for the information.