Growing Little League has a split in its future

Division expected for 2004 season

Summerlin is growing quicker than a fastball from a major league player. So Summerlin Little League is stepping up to the plate, planning for the day when its organization splits into two factions.

That split is expected to go into effect for the 2004 playing season, which begins next March, said John Hambrick, who sits on the board of directors. It is expected the Summerlin Little League will initially be divided into an American League and National League and administered by a single board of directors. When fields become available in the South Summerlin area, the new Little League will be established.

The Summerlin Little League now has 78 teams with nearly 1,000 players between the ages of 6-16. That makes it the largest Little League in the state. Geographically, its range follows the master plan for Summerlin, going as far south as Desert Inn Road.

The split would move about 300 players into the new South Summerlin league. That number will increase as housing developments go up and families move in. The split needs about a yearlong transition to ensure all issues are addressed, including deciding on a name for the new league.

The Summerlin Little League is looking for direction from residents on how the split should be handled. Some issues include what method should be used to divide up the players, the age range for different playing categories and whether players can be "grandfathered in" if they want to stay with their former team.

"We want input from the community," Hambrick said.

The boundaries of the new league will be discussed at a community meeting scheduled for May 27 at the Willows Community Center, 2775 Desert Marigold Lane, at 7 p.m. The Willows Center is south of Sahara Avenue between Hualapi Way and Town Center Drive.

The formation of the South Summerlin league will benefit residents in a number of ways. Families will travel less distance to practices and games, there will be a more cohesive sense to the community and the new league can have its own all-star team.

Volunteers are being sought now to coach teams, act in helper positions or be on the board.

A transition period will allow parent volunteers time to learn how to operate the new league.

Operating a league is expensive. T-ball players pay $75 to participate, other players pay $100. It may sound like a lot but that money barely covers the cost of uniforms and team photographs. The league provides catcher equipment, bats, balls, gloves and pitching machines, which can cost as much as $1,500.

In addition, the league must meet costs for permits, field use fees, administrative needs, umpires, keeping the Web site current and -- the portion that takes the biggest bite of its budget -- insurance coverage.

A 300-member league would need an annual budget of $25,000 to $30,000. Corporate sponsorship is sought, but some want to implement a tried and true method of fund-raising.

"We're talking about holding a poker tournament for adults," Hambrick said. "Nevada is unique in that regard. You can't do that in most parts of the country."

Anyone interested in coaching, having input into the new league or being on the board of directors can attend the meeting, call the Little League hot line at 838-2895 or e-mail Hambrick at j16212@yahoo.com.


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