Little League celebrates end to unique season

BY Ariana Shah

Little Leagues around the country routinely hold Closing Ceremonies at the conclusion of their seasons. There was nothing routine about The Canyon Lake Little League’s season or its Closing Ceremonies.

When the standard time to begin Little League hit the first of the year, few held out much hope that pandemic restrictions would allow a season at all this year. But Canyon Lake Little League officials persevered and, despite a “unique” schedule, the youths took to the field and played games.

One of the popular events at the Canyon Lake Little League Closing Ceremonies Sunday was the Bounce House where players took turns jumping and playing. Photo by Tiffany White.

The league’s Closing Ceremonies were a reason to celebrate and when the players showed up Sunday for the event, the celebration began.

After arriving at Gault Field at 10:15 a.m., the players and their families put the baseball bats aside and jumped in the Jump House and slid down the Slip ‘n Slide. They ate lunch, had cotton candy and played carnival games.

Summer Paul, a player on the Pirates Little League team, enjoys the cotton candy at the Canyon Lake Little League Closing Ceremonies Sunday. Photo by Tiffani Paul

“The season ended up being a huge success,” Tiffany Paul, a mother of two Little Leaguers, said. “My kids loved every second. Being able to see their friends and play with them after having to be socially distant at school was a huge plus. We are all very thankful the league put what they could together.”

Despite the circumstances of a pandemic, it was evident parents and volunteers tried their best to make this unusual season just as memorable as the last.

“Besides the shortened time frame, it was almost like a normal season,” Tiffany said. “They went beyond all of our expectations. Like many of the parents, we definitely plan on continuing to be a part of the league into the future.”

Carnival games were in abundance at the Canyon Lake Little League Closing Ceremonies Sunday. Each of the players received a couple of free tickets. Photo by Tiffany White

Photo by Tiffany White