River Cat baseball mascot Dinger joins Carmichael Little League players celebrating their 2025 season debut.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - They came, they pitched, they yelled “batter-up!”  

More than 250 burgeoning stars last weekend launched the 2025 Little League season in Carmichael.

The Carmichael Little League A’s and Cubs strut their stuff.

American as apple pie, the spring rite included salutes to the National Anthem and ceremonial first pitches at La Sierra Community Center field. Immaculate in soon-to-be-grubbied uniforms, coed teams paraded banners across a rain-sodden diamond.

VIPs included the heroic Carmichael Mariners, whose victory over 19 rival league teams made them 2024 Tournament of Champions champs.

Carmichael Braves team member Nola Bates (5) tosses one of the season's first pitches.

“This hasn’t happened for a Carmichael team for more than 10 years,” said Mariners manager and Little League leader Matt Sanchez. “They worked extremely hard to rise above anyone’s expectations. This kind of ethic is rare in youth sports. To say we’re proud of them is an understatement.”

As ceremonies wound down, a visit from the River Cats pro-baseball mascot kicked off a flurry of family selfies. Hot dogs and donuts were sustenance for the first games.

The meet marked the 74th year of local Little League competition. Aged from four to 18, Carmichael youth first cleated up during baby-booming years of the 1950s. Many of their grandchildren now boost the same teams.

Teams cheer the National Anthem during season opening ceremonies.

“We love to keep the annual tradition,” explained event organizer Valerie Harper (whose son, Jake, plays for the Carmichael Blue Jays). “The event brings players and community together. Families enjoy seeing their kids in team colors. Having fun with rivals promotes good sportsmanship.”

The league’s games will continue until May 17. Anyone can join families and athletes at La Sierra Center fields, 5325 Engle Road, Carmichael on Saturdays.

For more information, visit carmichaellittleleague.org.

Carmichael Mariners celebrate their 2024 Tournament of Champions victory with a prize banner. The 11- and 12-year-olds last year triumphed over 19 district teams.