RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - It’s that time of year again… baseball season!

Rio Linda is a very family-oriented town and it’s always great to see families supporting each other. Little league is a great way to see that.

March 26 is Opening Day for the Rio Linda Little League’s 2022 season. You don’t have to have kids playing to attend games. You can go watch just because you like the game.

Some of the best baseball games you’ll ever see happen on the little league field, rather than in professional ball. Partially because it’s great to watch the kids. Partially because it’s that much more exciting when a kid makes some amazing play, than when a professional does it. It’s the look on their face when they make that first catch or get that first hit that makes little league so much more exciting. Regardless of the skill expectations, it’s still America’s pastime for a reason and just fun. 

There are a few things that the spectators of little league need to remember. First, it’s only a game. The kids can feel a lot of pressure out there, not only to do well for their teammates, but to do well for their coaches and parents as well. Let’s try to remember to encourage the kids just to do their best.

Part of learning the game is to learn how to win and lose gracefully. Kids learn that from everyone around them. Spectators get very invested in the games they are watching and sometimes it’s easy to forget that they are just kids out there playing. Spectators need to try their best to cheer on the kids and let the coaches handle the coaching.

Another thing to remember is that the umpires can only call what they see. Of course, there will occasionally be missed calls, but it’s not intentional. The umpires are out there to oversee the game and to make impartial decisions according to the rules. That’s just part of the game. Also be aware that many districts have their own version of the rules, so understand that sometimes that can affect calls.

However, there is a huge umpire shortage all over the region. If you are interested in becoming an umpire, please contact your local umpire in chief and talk to them about getting started. It’s a great way to pick up a little extra cash as well!

Little league runs entirely on volunteers, fundraising and revenue made in the snack bar, so try your best to help how you can. Maybe it’s by purchasing items at the snack bar, keeping score, helping with the grounds keeping, or by becoming an umpire. Opening Day is going to be a big, exciting and nerve-racking day for kids and parents alike, so please be patient.

Come on out to the diamond and watch some baseball. It’s bound to be fun!