Valley Little League holds Opening Day

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SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley Little League held its opening day last Saturday with a morning parade through Spring Valley with more than 30 boys and girls little league teams from Spring Valley, Ladd and Depue also including players from Dalzell, Cherry and Seatonville.

On the field, players lined up for the National Anthem along with a season opening pitch from Mayor Cliff Banks.

Plaques were presented to Doug Wozniak of Wozniak Concrete Finishing Co. and Greg Pinter of Pinter General Contracting for recent efforts donating improvements to the field and surrounding grounds. The SVLL also thanked the many local companies, who donated time and products during recent improvement efforts.

During the day, 17 games were played on four Spring Valley fields by boys and girls ranging from 7 to 14 years old.

Prior to each of the eight Little League boys baseball games on the day, eight past league officers and/or coaches were honored. Each threw a ceremonial first pitch at a game that day.

Ken Wiltse, a past 20 year league president, was honored. His ceremonial first pitch was caught by his grandson, Kenneth Wiltse.

Louis Perona, a Little League coach starting in 1959 who later managed the 1983 Junior League State Champions, threw a pitch which was caught by his grandson, Jimmy Perona.

Dave Baltikauski managed the 2000 Junior League State Champions as well as 1996 District 20 Champions and the District 20 representative in the Central States Senior League Tournament.

Tom Vallero managed and coached teams in SV for 15 years.

The late John Sweezey managed teams to seven league titles, holds SVLL records for most undefeated seasons and coached on the 1983 Junior League State Champions. His son John threw a pitch on his behalf.

John Schlegle managed SV boys baseball and girls softball teams for 12 years. He was involved in original merger of SV and Ladd baseball.

Bob Pozzi managed teams beginning in 1971 and still coaches in SV today. He threw a pitch to his grandson, Nathan Pennell.

The late Bob McFadden, managed for 21 years. “Dude” as he was known, spent all years in SV Dodger blue. He was represented by his wife, Sharon and son, Eric.

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