Central Whidbey Little League sluggers celebrate their season. (Photos courtesy Ana Maria Valencia)
Rain or shine, the season was a success.
With less-than-stellar weather still gripping The Rock, Central Whidbey Little League held its year-end celebration inside this year.
That didn’t mute the excitement, as CWLL honored its 118 players, 11 teams, and countless support staff.
“We are grateful for our coaches, umpires, volunteers, parents, and everyone involved in bringing this outstanding sport to our kids,” CWLL Safety Officer Ana Maria Valencia said.
“We couldn’t do any of this without them all!”
Valencia offered special praise to those who stepped up to make sure work on the fields was done, and the concession stand remained open.
The trio of Mike Peters, James Meek, and Sage Sharp excelled as umpires, and Valencia and Co. would love to see others make the same commitment.
“Without these dedicated volunteers we wouldn’t have games,” she said. “They are crucial to our sport and not given enough recognition.
“Leagues across the country are struggling to find umpires. CWLL was very fortunate this year to have a few dedicated volunteers step up and commit to a majority of games within their division which not only offered continuity but peace of mind.”
CWLL, which is always on the outlook to add more men or women in blue, provides training for interested participants.
“This is the best way to learn the rules of the game, see it from a different perspective and never get a cold seat!” Valencia said.
Also important to the well-being of CWLL is a functioning concession stand, as sales count for a third of the league’s operating budget.
Promise and Matt Sandlin have led ongoing upgrades to the stand, while Angel and Amanda Castellanos were this year’s top concession volunteers.
CWLL also raised money this season with a raffle, which offered the winners a four-pack of tickets to a Seattle Mariners home game.
Players sold tickets and raised $6,453.
And, while the regular season is done, local fans can head out to Rhododendron Park June 15, when CWLL hosts an All-Star softball tourney.
“It’s not too late to get in on the action and enjoy a meal at the fields while you’re at it,” Valencia said.
Sponsors are “our lifeline to the community,” according to Valencia.
Among those who supported CWLL in 2024:
Ashley’s Design
Backbreakers NW
Batterman family
Bernardy family
Cascade Custom Homes
Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue
CK Electric
Cooper family
Coupeville Lions
Coupeville Public Schools HIYA
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Driscoll Fanily
Ebey Academy
Haulover Residential Caretaking
Heritage Bank
Island County Corrections Association
Island County Park and Rec
Kapaws Iskreme
Land Title and Escrow
Little Oaks Preschool
1902 Ranch
OLF Storage
Platt, Thompson, and Beuscher – Attorneys at Law
Prairie Center Market
Roos family
Terra Firma Wealth Management
Whidbey Health Emergency Medical Services
Whidbey Pest Control
Whidbey Sign Co.
Wood Bee Construction
Coupeville Sports 