Deming Little League makes successful return
DEMING – Deming Little League made a triumphant return to play this past season following a two-year layoff due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. “My wife and I are invested in the summer leagues. We have three kids who all played, and we have personally been involved in Deming Little League for the past 15 years,” Richard Taylor told the Headlight.
The Taylor’s – Richard and Crystal – organized a board to bring back the Deming chapter of the national youth baseball and softball organization. “Our first two concerns were money and equipment,” Taylor said. Through the local business community and sponsorships, the newly formed league was able to purchase new equipment for all age levels of Little League.
The league fielded boys and girls Minor Division (ages 8-10), Major Division (ages 11-12) and Senior Division (ages 13-16). “All together, we had 420 kids registered for play,” Taylor said.
Each division played a 12-game schedule and the umpiring crew featured adult volunteers Steve Duran and Lorenzo Rivera and a group of senior division players provided by Bernie Chavez at the Deming High School. The senior athletes officiated the lower age divisions.
“It was a great season,” Taylor said. “I was expecting some major issues, but they never came. Players, coaches, and parents all had fun and there were no issues we couldn’t resolve. Things went do well; we are considering playing a Fall Ball season.”
Three Little League District 7 All-Star teams will represent Deming this month in state tournament play. Taylor and the board members are currently seeking donations to help these all-star players reach their state tournament destinations. “We had 58 sponsors that made Deming Little League possible this summer. We greatly appreciate their support.”
The Major Division All Stars will play in Albuquerque July 15-23. The Junior Division (ages 13-14) All-Star girls will play in Carlsbad July 8-15. The Junior Division All-Star boys will also play in Albuquerque July 15-23.
“We have their meals covered but we are currently in need to getting their hotel accommodations secured,” Taylor said. “Any donations are appreciated, and you can reach out to us on Facebook (Deming Little League) or call me at 575-694-5060. Each tournament is a double-elimination format.
The return of Little League play in Deming is a tribute to the parents and business community. “My kids love playing Little League and I personally want to thank our community for their generous outpouring and allowing our children to play again,” Taylor said.
Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-494-5059 or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Deming Little League makes successful return
