Lithuanian Juniors Team

Below is a photo courtesy of VN of the snappy Lithuanian Juniors team in their Rancho Mission Viejo uniforms and their Ladera Ranch caps!  This photo is from their Championship tournament.

Letter from Virmidas upon return to Vilnius

We are back home, safe and sound, tired but happy, greeted and hugged and kissed by our families. No doubt each of us had a great trip and feels deeply thankful for the people who made our stay in California so useful, exciting and unforgettable.

Please pass over our sincere gratitude to all involved in organizing the trip of a lifetime for our boys to start with a delicious breakfast early in the morning, to continue with a variety of attractions and then challenging work – practice and baseball games – in the afternoon, and end up with a wash-up of the uniforms while the boys themselves are sound asleep in their beds.

The boys will never forget the games with their new friends, joyful American boys, the support and encouragement of the hosting parents, the meeting with the famous baseball players, devoted fans, and the breathtaking views of California, its lovely smells and the spirit of goodwill of its people. The parents of “the Lits” well understanding the value of their children’s experience feel they owe you a debt of gratitude that cannot be measured.

Vilnius LL also expresses genuine appreciation to the American colleagues and cherishes hopes of a successful collaborative work in the future.
May God bless us all.

Sincerely,
Virmidas Neverauskas

The trip home to Lithuania

A message from Arnie to Sam regarding his travels home…

The trip was easy and going well. Just only one bag did not arrive in time. Marius still waiting for it.

Rapalas lost boarding pass in Frankfurt but was given new one immediately. All power outlets in airports’ waiting halls were busy charging PSP’s.

The most thank should go to you, Sam. It is you who explained to the Check-in lady our situation.  And, in
general, you made unforgettable experience to everybody of us during this event.

I don’t know yet how to make your stay in Lithuania even close to this. Anyway, looking forward to see you
here.

Day Fifteen — So Long Farewell

Meet in the parking lot at 11:30 a.m., VN spends over an hour re-packing every kid so that all will have two 50 pound bags to check in. Mamma-Shack is a mess, will not come even near me, other host Mom’s protecting her, she would adopt Robertas Vilimas in a heart beat. Mamma-Shack in the parking lot everyday demanded hugs from every kid, first few days, only half would condescend to do this, but by the end of the week, she did not even ask, just got hugs from all.

Rick Maher NMV Nationals manager and a host to two kids the first week agreed to drive his truck filled with bags, Ezio Petrella the DA drove his truck, plus John Rollins and I driving the vans. There was no empty space anywhere, we were filled to the gunnels. Arrive LAX at 2:00 p.m. and all checked in by 3:15 PM. We thankfully got the agent at United LAX who could not have been more helpful, Marla Wilson was a saint. She put us all in a separate area to check-in, did not worry about the bags that were a “little” over weight. We get to the end of the line for check-in, last kid is tiny Lucas Pupininkas. Somehow we and VN miscounted and we have three bags left — oh boy panic ensues as all the other bags have gone down the conveyer belt and are not retrievable. Marla looks at Lucas, “so you have three bags?,” proudly Lucas says “yes I do!!!” Marla says to him, “well young man you are way to cute to mess with, so you get to check in three bags, no extra charge for the third bag”. VN, Arnie and I would have kissed her on the spot if we could have gotten behind the counter, Lucas has the look on his face like this happens all the time to him, no big deal, no problem.

Walk them to the security line, high fives and hugs from all. It was a great experience for all here and I take to heart that every Lit. had the adventure of a lifetime.

Of course this visit could not have happened without the dedication, help and caring from literally hundreds of volunteers at all the leagues.

• The managers, coaches and players of the team that played the Lits.
• The host families, know that on occasion it was difficult, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
• Joleen Schafer, NMVLL, Betsy Gray NMVLL and Mamma-Shack, LRLL, for the organization of the hosts, the daily phone calls and emails and dealing I am sure with issues that I was never privvy to.
• Grant Mullen, President NMVLL, Matt Conover President LRLL, for stepping up and agreeing to be the host family leagues, and having the Presidential skill to anoint the three ladies already mentioned to be my go to folks.
• Matt for converting this missive to the blog everyday.
• The spectacular John Rollins for giving up your life for two weeks to be the van driver and Disneyland tour guide.
• Ezio Petrella, District Administrator California 68, who always has the kids at the forefront, who agreed to fight the battle to get them here.
• Jim Gertstenslager, Western Region Administrator, who said if EMEA blesses the trip, bring them here, you guys have my blessing.
• The EMEA Regional Director, Beata Kaszuba, who blessed the visit and signed the special games request.

Sure I have forgotten someone, probably many, but please know, that all involved made it the trip of a lifetime for these very special kids, from a very special place, who love the game we call our own.

Lastly if I may, I thank the wonderful Debra Griffith, who allowed me to disappear for 8 plus hours a day for two weeks, never complained when I crawled into the bed at 2 plus a.m. and had the alarm go off at 6 plus a.m. — she just rocks, married way over my head.

So they are on their way home, 19 hours or so, will miss them all, time for a nap, this is the end of an adventure that hopefully we get to enjoy again at some point.

Ed. note: On behalf of all the players, siblings, parents and friends who made a whole new set of friends and memories that will last forever — thank you to Sam Griffith — for having the vision, the patience, the persistence and most of all the love for the game that he knows is universal — from Eastern Europe to Orange County, the game of baseball is the spirit that unites…. MKC

Day 14 — Final Day in California

Some slept in, most of course the pool or Jacuzzi. Egle and Rapalas were taken up in the host’s private plane for a scenic tour, flew south for a ways and then back north at 500 feet above the ocean, over the Queen Mary in Long Beach, truthfully very jealous of this adventure, but not convinced that I would have been as comfortable as the host ad seemed to be when Rapalas was flying and had the controls of the plane. As they are landing back at John Wayne airport, a 737 is landing next to them on the adjacent runway.

At the LRLL fields at 11:30 a.m. for workout prior to the 1:00 PM game. After yesterday’s great showing, hoping they all truly do well as this is their last game with us. Warm-ups seem to go OK, not that many deep squats going on, so assume all is OK.

They played the Dodgers who are managed by Chad Lapes, the gentleman that helped VN with pants etc. One of the coaches is Brain Shackleford-also known as Shack-Daddy, Brian’s wife Rochelle, Mamma-Shack was my go to person for this weeks host families and she made sure that my train left the station on time.

Introductions by the announcer, each Lit given a red-white-blue and a red-green-yellow sweat band that the league had custom made, both teams wearing them, looked awesome. Four man umpire crew, water in the dugout, of course not ice cold. VN was also given three sets of LRLL all-star uniforms, truly look magnificent and know they will be worn with pride when they play at home.

All though they did not play at the level they did yesterday, they played well and held their own. Justinas Sabalys starts the game and throw 34 pitches, Edis Matusevicius in relief 10 pitches, Rapalas Petronis 41 pitches and game finished by Gerdas Palciukas with 2 pitches. Vykintas Kaziulis has a double and played brilliant shortstop, kid was a vacuum today. Kestas Vilimas played catcher today and had two throw outs on kids stealing second base, one of which was on a ball four, but no matter, the kid has a gun for an arm and got the runner out by three steps. Lits lose 9-2, but as said held their own.

Post game, Lits say good-bye to the NMV families that came out to watch the last day, hugs all around, what great folks that adopted each and every Lit. At 5:00 pm a pool party, BBQ with of course cheeseburgers and tons of other goodies. All the LRLL host families there with all their own plus the Lit kids, still amazes me how in such a short time, every one knows everyone.

Egle’s host Dad found a Russian deli, and purchased what the owner promised was also Lithuanian food for the extravaganza, Lithuanian bread, pickled herring, the garlic/artichoke spread on Lithuanian rye bread, delicious.

All back to their homes at 7:00 pm for the painful chore of packing. We are all meeting in the parking lot of the drop-off point so that VN can re-pack them all and assign them the extra bags that they are to claim to be their own when we check-in at Lufthansa. Plan is to have both 15 passenger vans, two pickup trucks and a large SUV fully loaded to get to the airport. Getting there is not going to be the big problem, it is getting it all on the plane that I fear will be a nightmare.

Day Thirteen — Trabuco Canyon and a Great Dinner!

For most, the day was spent in the pool or Jacuzzi, the Jacuzzi has become a daily must for the Lit. kids especially at night after their games. Those that have been to Lit. and have experienced the wonders of the sauna, well I am pretty sure these kids are going to want the sauna torn out and a Jacuzzi added.

I had my usual major game at NMV and Arnie meanwhile did the bases for a Juniors game at NMV, from all reports he can call a game here anytime he wishes.

We meet in the usual parking lot for the drive out to Trabuco Canyon Little League (TCLL). Trabuco Canyon has special meaning to the Lits,they were sent a few years back TCLL all-star uniforms. They have worn these uniforms ever since for all “important” tournaments and in fact TCLL gave me a number of adult t-shirts to take over last year so the parents watching the games would also have TCLL logo clothing to wear to the games.

In the parking lot all the PSP’s are confiscated by VN, they will be returned when they board the plane home on Monday. We arrive at TCLL and this is truly a baseball paradise, fields are manicured, batting cages, soft toss specific areas, bull pens etc. and for those umpires reading this, an umpire only “shack” that is truly outstanding, couches, lockers etc.

Warm-ups appear to go well, kids far more focused today, attitude seems right, hustling for balls etc. TCLL of course does it up big. Lithuanian flag hanging on the back-stop, announcer has obviously been up half the night practicing the names, music played between innings, copy of all the music put on a CD for VN to take home, maybe we will never hear again Born Free and Send in the Clowns at the Utena ballpark. The water in the dugout has not been iced down, a small touch but one I noticed and appreciated. A huge turn out of fans to watch the game, would guess around 300 folks, a large Lit contingent plus host families from both NMV and LRLL to watch “their kids”.

The umpires are all announced and the Jeff Robinson and Rob Nen, both of whom had long and very successful MLB pitching careers. The umps and these two gentlemen go the mound and then each kid is introduced, Lits given a bag with a t-shirt, pin etc. all with TCLL logos, special stuff as they are TCLL in Europe. Both the Lit and the local player go to the mound and shake hands with the umps and the aforementioned MLB veterans. Both national anthems are played, Lit kids proudly sing along to the music. The Lits are to play Carolina managed by the President of TCLL, Ricardo Nieva, who gets what LL is all about and has a great organization of volunteers. The first five batters for Lit all hit the ball, no strike outs. With two outs, up comes Adomas, who strokes a clean double, he is standing on second base, I am next to the third base fence, close to VN in the third base coaches box, crowd is applauding and I yell out to Adomas, NO PSP, NO Strike OUT, DOUBLE. VN collapses in laughter, Adomas has the giggles on the base and is just beaming, he is a cool little guy.

Lits play like we all know they can and win the game 7-4. Post game all given the must have cheeseburgers, all sit in the stands with the team members that they just played, a true international coming together, great thing to see. One of the local folks of Lit heritage gave each kid a beautiful book all about the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that they all went on many time at Disneyland.

My esteemed District Administrator, Ezio Petrella, threw a party at 8:00 pm for the Lit adults, the Presidents of the Leagues, the host family adults at one of the famous eateries here Olemendes, tremendous Mexican food. John Rollins who you have seen mentioned in this missive, knows the owners and pulled off the party of parties. Seven piece band playing authentic Mexican music and food to die for. The party was a huge thank you for all that everyone did to pull off this adventure, and a great time was had by all.

Photo of VN, Cyndi Boatwright and Arnie at the dinner

Ana and Egilides celebrate Mexican Style!

Anne from Dublin who went with the team from Dublin, an eight hour drive from here, packed he husband and now 16 year old son in their car and drove down to see the team and Egle. Egle was her host Mom when in Lit., a very cool thing to do, know Egle was thrilled to see her.

Speeches by Ezio and myself and then VN spoke. He was very gracious in his thanks to all for pulling this all together and got emotional at times during his speech. Egle also spoke in her beautiful English about what this trip has meant to all the kids and the adults, truly a class act. Arnie repeated a story of when a reporter wanted to interview a couple of the kids and Arnie acted as translator. Neither kid heard what the other answered to the same question: “what has been the greatest part of your visit?” Both kids answered exactly the same, “it has been the people we have meet, everyone has been so very nice to us”. For an 11-12 year old kid to say this, just warms your heart, not the beach, not Disneyland, the greatest part of the adventure is the people.

On day 14 they will play their last game at 1:00 pm against LRLL this weeks host families, then to one the pool complexes within the community for a BBQ.

Day Twelve – San Juan Capistrano

The two pictures above were sent to VN by a Mom back home to remind the kids what their field looks like, trust me having seen it, this is where they normally play. There is no mound and the base paths have just been worn into the ground with kids running to the bases over the years. She knows they are in baseball paradise here, and how lucky they are to be here, based on the comments I have heard at the fields and from the host families, we are lucky to have them here. There is only one true field in Lithuania, a 90 foot diamond in Utena, about a 2 hour drive from Vilnius where these kids hail from, hour and ten for VN.

I have been ratted out, this missive is being read by a Mom in Lithuania, a Mom whose son is one of the kids with a PSP. She emailed VN that the kids were staying up too late playing the thing, oh boy the meeting in the parking lot was not a happy one, the riot act has been read to them. She will remain anonymous as I do not want her kid being tormented by the others, but she is right, the kids are here to play baseball and have fun, but there are limits to the fun and with the lack of sleep they do not have the focus they need to play good baseball. When asked by VN who had stayed up until 3:00 a.m. only Adomas’s hand went up, proud of the kid, he took stepped up and took ownership for it, if VN had asked who stayed up until 1 or 2 a.m. a few more hands would have gone up I am pretty sure.

Today a good number of them went to the aquarium in Long Beach, got the back area tours etc, petted the sting-rays, sharks, feed the otters and sea lions, from the reports I received in the van, truly an amazing experience.

A few others went to a local amusement place to ride go carts, rock climb, laser tag and play video games. A couple others shopping. VN, Arnie and I went to the local league and school supplier of uniforms and gear. Baseball pants are impossible to get, so we went on a shopping spree at Lapes Athletic Supply. Chad Lapes is truly a saint and gave VN incredible pricing on everything purchased and a gift of a full set of uniforms. How this is all getting home is beyond me, when asked VN just says, “Sam no problem it will all be fine,” of course I just shake my head. Even if it all makes it on the plane, how they are getting it from the airport to their homes will be a feat, the cars there are not close to the size here, have never seen a pick-up truck, he may have to use every single cab at the airport in Vilnius just for baggage.

They played one game tonight at San Juan Capistrano Little League (SJCLL) which, although the smallest in the number of kids within the district, still has an amazing amount of folks that truly care and take to heart that, “It’s all about the kids.” Of course they did a tremendous job, red-yellow-green balloons, four man umpire crew, the President of the league as the announcer, who did a very good job on just about all the names. The National Anthem sung by a young lady who just nailed it and then the Lithuanian national anthem played. Lit kids and adults I know truly appreciate the length that folks here have gone to make them feel welcome. A banner welcoming them to SJCLL hung from the fence, signed by all the kids they played that will go home with them and be hung in their in-door cage facility.

I would say that focus again tonight was an issue, they lost 9-3, but the errors they made were not their style of play and batting was not what we have become accustomed to. Beach day, Disneyland and the aforementioned PSP are the issues, mostly my fault for not spreading out the “most fun” days.

A number of things of note: For the home team, they have a young lady, Abby, that has played in the league for a number of years. She is just a gorgeous, she will be mortified if she sees this, young thing who is also an athletes athlete. Imagine there is not a sport or anything for that matter that she does not shine. She hits
the ball hard and everywhere, plays defense like nobodies business and pitched two innings with brilliant high velocity pitching. Nomeda was truly amazed to see Abby not only playing, but the studette of the team. Emilis Gorbaciovas is a new player for VN. I think he is having the time of his life, but as he is so new to the game, the game itself has been a struggle. He has had a number of walks this trip, but today was his day as far as I am concerned. His second at bat, he fouled one off, his first contact with the ball that I have seen and then was patient enough to get a walk. He reaches first base, next pitch sort of and barely gets away from the catcher, he takes off for second base and is safe by a nano-second. You can hear the collective intake of breath from all the Lits and the host families that attend every game and know all the kids. VN was almost about to get the CPR that the kids learned at the beach from lifeguard Nick. When
the umpire signals and yells safe, the Lits and the host parents just go bonkers, sure the locals are thinking what the heck, but also give polite applause. You could see yourself in the shine on Emilis’s face, he was as
proud as he could be, as we were for him, a great moment.

Like any volunteer organization, it takes folks to step up and take charge, One couple did this for SJCLL, organized the volunteers who put on a terrific meal for the kids, even had a cotton candy machine at the snack bar, Lits just loved it. This couple also donated two cases of catchers masks. They had sent emails out asking for used masks and were not happy with the result, so procured two cases of new masks, a truly magnificent gift that will effect a great many back home. Honored to have met them and am sure they have no clue what a tremendous experience they provided the Lits and how far their gift will help baseball in Lit.

Tomorrow another single game against Trabuco Canyon LL at 4:00 PM and then a dinner at 8:00 PM for the Lit adults and all that have helped pulled together this whole adventure.

Day Eleven – Disneyland!

We meet in the drop off parking lot, VN pulls all the kids off to the side and gives them rules of the day, they will not get lost, they will not get separated, they will listen etc. sure the Lit kids do not know the expression, but if they did, sure they would have been saying or at least thinking, “yada-yada-yada,” lets get going to Disneyland. When told they will be at Disneyland for 12 hours, the adults groaned, the kids looked at me like I was nuts, just as I figured, they had to be dragged kicking and screaming out at 10:00 pm an hour before the park closed. This missive would grow exponentially to describe all the wonders of the day, you can all imagine a 11-12 year old going to Disneyland for the very first time. John Rollins, who has helped every single day with driving one of the two vans said it best, “the day has been incredible, to just watch their faces when they see a new part of the park or a new ride, has truly been the most uplifting experience.” Thanks to so many for your generosity, each Lit kid has $50.00 to spend in the park, one rule being that they buy something for their Mom. Some did not need the funds, but we made sure that those that did, had the money in their pocket, VN knew who to take care of, and he did this in a very quiet way. Bottom line, they will I believe remember this day for the rest of their lives.

I have found out thru the kid grapevine that yesterday’s loss is not all my fault. Four or five of them I believe have purchased a PSP, the Sony Playstation handheld game. The grapevine has it that some where up until 3:00 am playing the thing. It is fascinating to see that the ones that could never afford this game thing, there is no jealousy or envy, they just look over the should of the kid playing the thing, root him on or feel his pain when he loses, not sure that would happen here. Of course the game of choice is MLB baseball, they really are baseball junkies.

They will all be given their individual picture that they had with Rod Carew.  Charlie from All-Action Photo had them developed and Rod Carew has signed these also, sure these kids have no clue how truly special this is, he remains one of my heroes for going out of his way to make their visit special.

Day Ten – THE BEACH!

Today was a day of highs and lows:

The absolute tremendous high, THE BEACH.

We arrive at the San Clemente Beach at 10:00 a.m. The chief lifeguard for the city of San Clemente is an umpire within District 68. He always said that when a team from Europe comes in let him know, and he would set up something special, Holy Cow did he go over the top. We arrive at the lifeguard headquarters and are met by Alyssa. She is just dynamite in every way. She welcomes all the Lits, explains to them what the day will be all about and off we go for the tour of the pier. The Lits all get to go up in the lifeguard tower, no one but no one ever gets to do this, I have never been allowed to do this. This is command central for the lifeguards, cameras, folks looking thru binoculars etc., radio command post etc. Lits just amazed at the technology just to keep swimmers safe. She takes them the rest of the way down the pier, introduces them to fishermen, etc., kids loved it.

Back to the headquarters where we meet lifeguard Nick, this young man is say 22, is the epitome of the Baywatch stud and he is immediately the Lits hero, the guy just looks like you would put your life in his hands and all would be right with the world. All get to sit in one of the beach jeeps, turn the bubble machine on top on, run the siren, talk on the radio etc. Attached to the jeep is a Seedoo that they use for rescues and one Lit is picked to sit on the Seedoo, don the helmet, the waterproof back-pack etc., son of a gun if he does not pick the Little Ed of the family of Ed’s, Edis is in his element, what a ham. All is going well until, Edis is told to raise his right arm to signal the rescue swimmer which way to jump off the back of the Seedoo, Edis of course raises his left arm, lifeguard Nick, says “dude your other right arm.” Rest of the Lits are on the ground laughing, Edis of course takes it all in good humor, but he is not a happy camper. They are then taught CPR, working on dummies, doing the breathing and doing the heart resuscitation, etc. They are then shown a 20 minute video of rescues, water safety, surfing etc. way cool. They also taught the signal for hang loose and are all saying “Kowabonga Dude,” have no clue how to translate this in Lit. but trust me with the accents, very funny. Each is given a San Clemente Lifeguards t-shirt, stickers etc. As said they went way over the top.

We head down the beach, Nick has wet suits for all, boogie boards and into the water they go. Expected Nick to be on the beach yelling instructions to them, but no, into the water he goes, helping them catch waves, talking them thru the right way to do it. He would give a Lit a push, they catch the wave ride it into shore, jump up throw their hands in the air, turn for the look of approval from Nick, he is beaming and giving the arms in the air congratulations, truly Nick is the new hero for these kids. The Lits are wearing the wet suits, but not Nick, after an hour the poor man comes out of the water just blue. Beach games, eating the lunches the host Mom’s packed, and then back in the water again. Finally at 2:30 PM. drag them out and head for the vans, convinced that all would have stayed in the 60 degree water until dark if we had let them.

Another high: San Clemente LL. This league is in it’s 55th year and has one of the great fields within the district. As said, 55 years old, on the top of a hill, ocean view, lights old time clubhouse, just a great place. The Lits are put into he first base dugout, so they will be the visiting team, the announcer is the play-by-play and public address announcer for Cal State Fullerton. Man was he good, got the names right, did it with gusto, brilliant. Red-yellow-green balloons on the Lit side, red-white-blue balloons on the home team side. Post game, a true Texas BBQ, pulled pork, chicken, beans not sure how to say delicious in Lit, but it was a tremendous meal. Kids talking to the home team during the meal about their baseball experiences etc, a true international coming together.

The Low: somehow I am sure it is my fault, the beach took it out of them, nothing they do is right defensively or batting, the lose to the Orioles 10-3. Orioles manager, again a class act, does all he can to make VN feel better about the game. If there is a highlight, Gerdes Palciukas pitched all six innings, only threw 79 pitches, but he was not helped by the team. Crab crawls the length of the field, deep knee squats, and push-ups after the game, not only did they not play well, but the attitude was very casual. Again, sure it is my fault.

Jeff, Bobby, Steve, Manny, yesterday Nomeda was taken out to buy a dress, yes a dress!!! Do not think any of us saw this coming, what happened to the little tomboy monkey that we all know and love. It is of course red, a variation of pink, but this is a day none of us expected.

Day Nine – Doubleheader vs. North — 2 wins for the Lits!

For this team, today was truly the greatest day of the trip. LITS WIN A DOUBLEHEADER. They played tonight against NMVLL, those that have read the previous updates know that the Lits stayed with NMVLL host families last week. Both NMVLL and this weeks hosts, LRLL, play the Lits twice, only fair since they went beyond the call of duty.

First game against the Giants, as you all know, the first game has not been the Lits forte, but tonight, they jump on the ball, solid defense and are hitting the ball like nobody’s business. In the 4th inning the are ahead 11-2 and finish the game 14-8. Edis Matusevicius pitches very well and game is closed out by Vykintas Kaziulis, defense was better than we have seen in the first game so far, still issues, but a better display than has been the case previous nights. The NMV Giants manager very gracious, congratulates all the kids and VN, Giants players seem to be just as excited that the Lits win as the Lits are. With the Lits at the NMV fields all day last Saturday, every NMV kid knows them all, truly a great universal respect and admiration going both ways, which is for me what this adventure was and is all about.

For those that have called games in Europe, little Pupininkas is hit by a pitch just above the elbow, had to hurt, he heads for first holding his arm, umps have called time, VN checks on the little guy, yells to the dugout, one of the kids brings out the famous can of freeze spray, they spray his arm, he stays at first. I ask VN if the little munchkin is OK, he says, “yes he is fine, he wants to stay and run”, kid rocks.

Second game against the Nationals. The Nationals are the only undefeated team in NMV and have rocked all their opponents this year. Rick Mayer, the manager, was the host for both Nomeda and Gerdes last week, he and his wife Tia loved their Lits and it was more than a mutual love fest. The Nationals do not pitch their number one or two pitchers as they have a game later this week, but he throws the rest of his staff, this was not a give away game, taken seriously by both sides. Rick knows that VN really cares that his kids play well and brought the team here to face good competition, and if they win great, but if they lose but have played to the best abilities, VN is fine with that also. VN knows the Nationals reputation as the studs of NMV and was truly looking forward to playing them. Game goes back and forth, both teams playing well, in the fifth Lits ahead 5-3, Nationals have bases loaded, the stud hitter who jacked a three run home run in the first inning is up to bat. VN has Robertas Vilimas intentionally walk him, now 5-4, next batter strokes a double scoring two runs, Lits down 6-5. Now top of sixth, Lits start spraying the ball all over the field, go ahead 8-6. Rapalas Petronis, Egle’s son comes into pitch the sixth, allows one hit, but closes out the inning with some great defensive in back of him, Lits win, place goes nuts.

NMV kid’s had spring break last week when the Lits were with them, so not only the host families kids got to know the Lits, but since all were out of school all their buddies got to know the Lits also. Tons of kids all rooting for the Lits. Feel bad for the poor LRLL host kids, they are in school this week, so they rarely get to see their guests, some of the Lits are sleepers, so the host kid is out the door for school, and the Lit is at practice and then games before the host kid gets home, and the Lits are not getting back to the hosts homes before 10:00 PM, so host kid already in bed, bummer.

Gather there maybe a mass defection from school on Thursday so they can go to Disneyland with the Lits and for sure others are dumping school on Friday. Somehow, rules that would never ever be broken, are broken when they get very quickly to love their Lit guest.

Rapalas and Egle’s hosts this week, have taken to them in a big way. The host Dad since his kids are in school, took them today to Laguna and Newport Beach, toured the art galleries and had espresso, more for Egle than Rapalas. So it is Rapalas’s turn and they go to one of the local kids parks, video games etc plus go carts and wonder of wonders batting cages. Raplalas has no interest in go carts, batting cages of course for the typical Lit baseball junkie. The start in 40 MPH cage and when the host Dad ran out of tokens 45 minutes later, they are in the 80 MPH cage. Host Dad convinced that this was the cause of Rapalas hitting every thing that came his way today. When Rapalas takes the mound in the sixth inning of the second game, this normally reserved stress free Dad, looks like he is going to burst a blood vessel, pacing back and forth like an expectant father in the waiting room, game over he has to sit down and de-compress, the Lits have away of just getting under your skin, they are yours and you are as proud of them as you would be your very own, just a way cool thing for me to see.

Tomorrow, day with the San Clemente lifeguards at the beach and then one game against SCLL, San Clemente LL.

This missive is also now available at the following link: Orange County Register

Day Eight — Hand over day & a Visit to Tijeras Creek

All meet at 10:15 a.m. to make the transition over to their knew host families. The NMV Moms were awesome, if a tear was to be shed, backs where turned so Sam did not see. There were a couple of Dad’s that had the cloudy eyes going on and more than a few of the kids were emotional to moving on. I guess I should not be surprised how close they all got in a week, but the NMV folks all loved “their” kids.

When they arrived, the total bag count was 22 for the whole group. We went to the meeting spot for the Ladera Ranch (LRLL) parents, with the vans full of folks, and a over flowing pick-up truck filled with bags. What did not make the move yet is all the stuff in the garage of VN’s NMVLL hosts yet, will be another truckload, how this is going to get on Lufthansa this coming Monday is besides me. Typical VN, “Sam no problem, all will be fine”.

On my front porch when I get back to the house, are two huge boxes filled with slightly used MLB baseballs, courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays, one of the copied on the this email is a scout for the team. He has removed a great many of the vowels than in a normal Lithuanian name, but to his core he is still proud to be a Lit and supports baseball there in anyway he can. So if you would, next time you see a Ray game on TV, keep a good thought for them, unless of course they are playing the Angels, then all bets are off.

Back at the LRLL fields at 3:00 p.m. for practice and then a 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. double-header against Tijeras Creek LL.

First game against the Angels, there was a I gather some confusion with the plate umpire, so of course always having my gear with me, we dressed out Arnie and he called the game from behind the plate. The couple of you on the list that have called games with him before, even though he is now the District Administrator (DA) for Lithuania, he has not lost a step. He called a great game. The Lits as has become the custom did not play well the first game and were mercied 10-0 in five innings, VN not a happy camper. The Angels gave them all an Angels mug and a few other goodies.

Between games, TCLL bought out the local McDonalds, burgers, fries and sodas, Lits loved it. TCLL of course did a great job, bunting all around the outfield fence, red-yellow-green balloons everywhere, (Lithuanian colors), announcing all the players etc. TCLL has also given them a set of their all-star jerseys and enough adult t-shirts with the TCLL logo on it, so when the kids wear the uniforms, the parents will also have TCLL logo stuff to wear, very cool.  Anderson Bats also donated a box of t-shirts with their logo on it, these will be worn with pride.

Second game against the Red Sox.  Lits of course play much better, going into the fifth inning, Lits ahead 6-2.  The Sox come alive and a few defensive miscues, Lits lose 12-8. VN happier, truly believe he does not care if they win, but expects them to play their best and keep the errors to a minimum. Of course he and the kids want to win, but if they play well and still lose, oh well, that’s baseball. Sox give them a goodie bag of baseball related items, forgot to look truthfully, so cannot tell you what they received.

A number of their last week hosts from NMV come to watch them play and good number of LRLL hosts families also in attendance. Already starting with LRLL, “that’s my kid who just spanked the ball etc.,” NMV and LRLL hosts comparing notes on their kids, food likes etc.

Last double-header of the trip tomorrow against NMV, single games the rest of the trip. There are some great pictures posted at www.vll.org and www.smvll.com also on the www.smvll.com click on the link to the You Tube video, very cool.

Day Seven — Day Off!

Last day with the host families from NMVLL.  Some went to Dave & Busters, some to Knott’s Berry Farm, some to Hollywood/Beverly Hills.  Those that went to Knott’s loved the roller-coasters etc. amazed at the size of the place, wait until they see Disneyland.  Those that went to Hollywood, found it interesting, if they knew the word seedy, think they would have used it.  Two highlights, saw Jodie Foster leave a premiere in a limo and Egilides found an Elvis street performer, of course photos had to be taken.

Day Six – South Hosts the Lits!

The day started out as a treat for me, as Arnie (Arnoldas Ramanauskas) now the District Administrator for Lithuania and I called my normal time slot of 10:30 am major game at NMVLL. Arnie as you know did the Junior World Series in Taylor, Michigan three years ago. It has been a number of years since he and I have had the opportunity to call a game together, as when we are in Lithuania he is always the announcer, music player etc. during the tournament there. We had a great time, Yankees/Twins of NMVLL. The Yankees manager is a host for two of the Lit kids, so he had them in the dugout and we let them coach the bases, kids just loved it, truly a fun time for all.

The rest of the Lit kids hung for the most part at the fields all day as they know kids on every team by now, for the baseball junkies that they are, think it was heaven for them. Of course the snack bar would not take their money, so the candy, cheeseburger consumption had no bounds. The snack bar Mom was more than dismayed when she poured them a Pepsi with the normal amount of ice, and every Lit kid asked for less ice or no ice. “My God, they want straight Pepsi, yuck”.

Practice at three pm, with games against South Mission Viejo (SMVLL) at 4:30 and 7:00 pm. (video available on YouTube here) They played the Yankees first with the team giving each kid and VN a Under Armour type shirt with the Yankees logo on it, you know my feelings about the Yankees, pains me to think the Lits will be wearing Yankee stuff. Again defense did not help the pitchers, fly balls are an issue. Pitchers, Rapalas Petronis-Marius Balandis-Vykintas Kaziulis, all pitched very well, but the Yankees won 8-5.

As they are introduced before the second game, they are given a gift bag with SMVLL t-shirt, crackerjack, peanuts etc. kids loved it. Nomeda is given a special bag with a pink shirt in it, she wears pink sleeves under her uniform shirt always. Justinas Sabalys threw an absolute gem of a game, he was focused, hitting his spots and threw 85 pitches thru the 6th inning with two outs, Evaldas Grinys came in as the closer, threw three pitches, Lits win 5-2, over the Rockies. The second game continues to be when the Lits play solid ball, maybe because it is dark, it is colder than the first game, who knows, but they play solid ball every second game of a doubleheader so far.

Justinas Sabalys not only threw a gem, but hit a ball that went off the top of the fence and bounced back in, missed a home run by an inch at most. Nomeda again pulled off the slap hit, did not strike out at all today. Little Pupininkas again had three walks. The youngest Ed of the family of Eds, hit the ball very hard, pretty sure he had three hits today.

You will remember Nolan Adair who was on the team from here two years ago that went over to Lit. He was the plate umpire on the first game, 1st base on the second game, and sang God Bless America before the start of the second game. He is fast becoming one of the top youth umpires in my district and he can belt out a song, proud of the kid. Ana and Egilides were announced during the game as being married a few days ago in Vegas, announcer asked for a standing O for them, of course entire crowd came to their feet, thunderous applause. Both of them turned beet red, waived to the crowd, then both look at me and wagged their fingers, I of course am roaring which just made their embarrassment worse. Hey if you can’t have fun, what’s the point.

SMV did a tremendous job hosting the the Lits, besides the afore mentioned gifts and Nolan singing, they had a sister of one of the Yankees players sing the national anthem, she nailed it, spaghetti dinner between games and pizza after the second game. The kids will be ten pounds heavier when the return home. The Mayor threw out the first pitch, truly was high and outside, but he received polite applause anyway. Kaziulis during the second game was at shortstop, took a one hopper to the throat. The batter from the Rockies, ran over from first base said he was sorry and hoped Kaziulis was OK, class act and showed great sportsmanship. In the immortal words of Lina from Pasadena, Kaziulis had a little weep, VN asks him if he wants to come out for awhile, not sure what Kaziulis said, but it sure sounded in Lithuanian like, no way coach are you taking me out of this game, dries his eyes, looks at me and says, “I am fine, lets play ball”, another gamer.

The twins Vilimas, one a lefty the other a righty, no other way to describe them, they are studs. Not sure there is a position they cannot play, they hit the ball, tremendous attitude and love of the game and truly just awesome ambassadors. Would adopt them both as would every person that comes in contact with them. Hope they stick with the game, as they grow they will be superstars.

The kid that just makes me laugh is Adomas Aleksandravicius. He is never not smiling and the poor announcers as hard as they try, butcher his name every time. The kid is stuck with a name that has every vowel and when his name is butchered, he just gets the giggles. He is also a gamer, gives his all every moment of every game. Never gets bummed when his at bat does not go well and is always cheering for his teammates, you gotta just love the kid. A number of folks have expressed concern for “poor Egle.” Egle is the Mom that has the duty of sitting in the dugout as the other adult, a LL rule that there must always be an adult for safety reasons. Reported a couple of days ago that her host Mom had pulled her out of the dugout to go shopping. Egle is a school teacher in Lithuania and has a son on the team. Next day I asked her how she like going to the mall and shopping. “The mall is very large, unbelievable how many stores there are and the choices for things to buy.” I of course ask her what she bought, “nothing just looked, have not yet decided what to buy and truthfully I am not a shopper.” I of course immediately asked her to marry me, turns out she is married, turns out I am also married, who knew. She does not like to shop, can you believe it. Her host Mom grabbed her again tonight as Egle did think of a couple of things to buy and then on to a party that the host Mom had been invited to attend. Bottom line, Egle loves her son, loves every one of the kids on the team, is happy as a clam to sit in the dugout with the kids and share their joys and disappointments and is truly just a peach of a human being. So I got to be the other adult for half of the first game and all of the second, now have the Lits yelling YAHOOOOO when a great play is made or one gets hit.

They have the entire day off tomorrow spending their last day with NMVLL host families, some going to Hollywood, some going to Knott’s Berry Farm. No games and not even a practice, yes it was a battle that I won.

Day Five – Sporto Vilkai visits Ladera Ranch + an Elvis Wedding!

The days continue to fly by and the Lits are I truly believe having the time of their lives. Most went to Lake Mission Viejo for a picnic, swimming in the lake, riding the 2 person electric motor boats, beach volleyball and picnic lunch with their host families. Couple of others went to Angels Stadium in Anaheim with their host Mom, who knows somebody who knows somebody and they got the VIP tour, on the field, in the dugout and met Mike Scioscia the Angels manager.

Tonight another doubleheader, so another 7 plus hours of baseball if you add in the hour of practice. The played tonight Ladera Ranch LL who will be their host families next week. Of course this league went way beyond any expectations in hosting tonight’s games. Two different four man ump crews for each game, announcing their names, a great meal of sandwiches, chips, soda etc. The dugout had iced down Gatorade & water and of course again the Lits barely touched them, like their beverages air temperature, they do not get our fascination with incredibly cold drinks.

First game as they are each introduced they were given one of the huge Easton duffel type bags with their respective name embroidered on it. The look on the faces when they saw these was priceless. The bag has a pull out handle and wheels, way cool. As has become the custom, the first game is not a defensive gem. The youngest Ed of the family of Ed’s, pitched a truly great game with the right handed Vilimas coming in after Ed had reached his pitch count max, final score with the Lits going down to defeat 12-8. Again probably five outs per inning. The highlight of the game, little Nomeda has a 3-0 count, fakes a bunt, third base charges in, she slaps a shot over his head and gets to first base safely, the crowd of host parents of course goes nuts, the home team crowd gives her very polite applause. So she has her first hit, yahoo!!!! Other highlight, little and I mean little Pupininkas gets two walks in the game, he may be tiny, but he has a tremendous attitude. Turns out, Pupininkas is a cousin of Jesse James, yes our notorious Jesse James.

Second game against the Mets. Like every night so far, the Lits are a different team, hitting the ball, making solid defensive plays, Lits win 6-4. Left handed Vilimas throws a gem of a game with Balantas closing out the last inning with only 7 pitches. The Lits are given a gift bag with a Ladera t-shirt, red socks, a Ladera baseball and a few other things I forgot to write down. We are starting to have a number of expatriate Lits at the games, so they are hearing the language and being cheered on with garai-garai-garai, very cool.

In the fifth inning of the second game, the host Dad of the couple Ana and Egilides brings them to the game from the airport. Those of you that have been reading from day one, will remember they flew over to Vegas for two nights. They went to the Grand Canyon the first day and wait for it……………. YES they did get married by Elvis in one of the chapels over there. They were a little disappointed to find out that there are four Elvis’s, but hey, they were married by the head Elvis. He even sang for the Viva Las Lithuania for them. As they are walking up to the field she is carrying her bouquet. Of course the word was out and as they walk up they get a standing ovation, what a hoot. The host Dad, Bob Bishop is so proud that this was all pulled off by he and Egilides, you would think he was the father of the Bride, again what a hoot.

NMVLL host families have come to the realization that they only have them for two more days, depression is setting in, they were again warned that tears will not be acceptable and deep squats will be enforced if I see tears.

Day Four — Rancho Mission and Rod Carew welcome the Lits!

Great day had by all. Most of the team went down to Dana Point to the tide pools and some beach action, throwing rocks in the ocean, looking for migrating whales etc. weather remains perfect. Others went to a freshman high school baseball game, they loved watching the older kids play and rather amazed at the speed of the game.

Practice at 2:30 again today, hitting, fielding etc. Saw two of them take a ball off the head when the infamous fly ball came down and somehow missed the glove. The fly ball in the outfield is just a real problem, VN is going to go ballistic at some point, but recognizes that the kids are truly trying to make the catch.

They played Ranch Mission Viejo LL tonight, first game against Oregon, second game against Carolina, many leagues out here are going to college uniforms as it saves them a ton of money as the do not have to pay the onerous MLB royalties. We get to the fields and the Lits are all given RMV all-star jerseys, hats, belts and socks, must say they looked terrific. Changed of course into these “new” uniforms so the aqua green ones they have been playing went back to the van. They even had a uniform for VN, very cool.

RMVLL went way over the top, the only thing they missed was the fly-over by the Blue Angels. Boy Scout color guard, soloist did the US national anthem and the Lithuanian national anthem was played.  Truly awesome to see every Lit kid proudly and with gusto singing his national anthem. Rod Carew, 9 time all-star, 6 time MVP and Hall of Fame inductee came to throw out the first pitch.  Well he not only did the first pitch, brought 15 autographed Angels hats, an autographed picture of his hall of fame plaque, autographed copy of when he was on the cover of Time magazine and a Rod Carew autographed bobble-head doll.  He also had a photographer come, had his picture taken with every kid in a group shot, and then also individually.  He then sat in the stands for the first four innings of the first game, a superstar who just cares about the kids and thinks it is just a beautiful thing that these little guys can come here to play the game that was and is so good to him. He is one of my new heroes.

The announcer with a little help from Arnie did a great job with the names and the kids had a blast. First game, again the outfield is an issue, probably had again five or six sure outs an inning, but played all six innings, lose 7-1.

Second game, just like the last two nights, Lits come alive, making plays, hitting the ball etc. Lits the visiting team, ahead going into the bottom of the fifth 4-2, but Carolina pulls ahead for the final score of 6-4. We use continuous batting order (CBO) here and batting 15 kids is tough. Each kid plays a minimum of six defensive outs also. They came so far, it is only right that they all get to play, but when the other team only bats 12, makes it hard to bat 15, especially when a good number of them have not played for that long a time. But we are all seeing progress being made, the confidence level is growing and if the Lits just get both games to be like the second game has been the last three days, we will be rocking by the end of next week.

Mike Schaaf from Dublin, California who went to Lithuania with a team two years ago showed up at tonight’s game. Of course VN thrilled to see him. Poor Egle, the Mom that came with the team has been sitting in the dugout as the other coach, as there always has to be an adult in the dugout. Her host Mom decides that Egle needs a break, shows up and says that the two of them are off to the mall. Coach Mike from Dublin, steps up and is for a number of innings the Lit assistant coach in the dugout, pretty sure he had a blast, at least he did not get ejected by an umpire, so he behaved himself. Must say that when the umpire rang up little Nomeda on a beautiful third strike pitch, the entire crowd showed their displeasure, umpire never looks at the crowd, just nods his head, too funny. She made great contact on one at bat, but straight to the first baseman who just touched the bag, she is close to spanking the ball. A couple of others look like they cannot wait for their at bat to be over, but give them credit they are trying.

Have convinced VN that maybe, just maybe a little less pre-game practice would be a good thing. They have been practicing for an hour and half before the games at night, so it has been a seven hour plus baseball day for them, on top of all the adventures with their host families. So tomorrow, they all have to show up at 3:15 PM for practice, 5;00 pm first game time, second game at 7:30 PM against Ladera Ranch LL who will be their host families next week.

Day Three — First full day in the OC

Reports are that they all slept very well last night, poor little Nomeda did not make it out of the parking lot from the game last night, sound asleep before the car doors were even shut. Grant Mullen, President of NMVLL and the host family for VN and Arnie, is now I gather hooked on Lithuanian Brandy, why bother to use a snifter when a wine goblet holds so much more of the delicious amber liquid.

A good portion of the day was spent at Betsy’s house, highlights included:

• A salt water swimming pool in her backyard, an ocean at a house, amazing.
• Played basketball, of course she has a hoop.
• Foosball, as her house is made entirely of the male species, poor Betsy, the formal dining room was eliminated years ago and is the Foosball capital of Mission Viejo. The new reigning champion, beat all comers, VN. Who knew, he rocks at Foosball.
• An orange tree in the backyard along with the pool. Tree is full of fruit, to be able to pick an orange and eat it sitting under the tree from whence it just came, a huge treat.  Many pictures taken pretending to eat the orange right of the tree, a hoot had by all.
• Weather has been perfect, high 70’s low 80’s during the day, mid 60’s at night.

They have now been with the NMV host families for roughly 30 hours and it has begun. At the games tonight, “that’s my kid, think the ump is squeezing my kid, strike zone should be a little bigger for my kid, that’s my kid pitching, hey Sammy you see that play-my kid” etc. etc. etc. Of course they are all talking about their Lit visitor, know we are going to have tears
when they move Monday over to Ladera Ranch families. They have been warned that I do not do Mom tears and they will be doing squats if I see tears. The killer quote of the night, “want my kid to love me more than the Mom they have next week”.

Of course the Lit kids are the most well behaved, most polite, most thankful kids these folks have encountered. All hoping that their own kids learn valuable lessons on deportment from the Lit kids.

The NMV Yankees coach from last nights second game, went out today and got them all cups and sliding pants. He was aghast that only the catcher wears a cup and they are sliding with just uniform pants on. Hour and a half practice before tonight’s doubleheader and then games at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM at Viejo LL.  Viejo did a great job of hosting, fields looked awesome. Announcers for the games, national anthem played, 4-man umpire crews, a different crew for each game, awesome. Steak meal between games and burgers and hot dogs after the second game.

First game the Lits took a beating, mercied after 4 innings 16-4 to the Red Sox. With no outdoor practice at home, the outfielders are having a terrible time adjusting or seeing the ball off the bat. When they throw pop fly’s to each other, no issue, but of the bat, Big Problem. Probably had five outs an inning if the ball would have been caught. Also pretty sure none or very few of these kids have played under the lights before, different experience as we all know. Post game the Red Sox gave each Lit a bag with new batting glove, a league pin and other goodies.

Second game, THE LITS WIN 10-4 beating the Cubbies. Great infield defensive and solid pitching, Petronis throwing 81 pitches and the closer Vilimas throwing only 18 pitches to close out the 6th inning. Little Ed, “Commander Sam, we rocked the second game, we get better every game.”  Gotta love the kid.

Cubbies gave the Lits another bag filled with goodies and one of the Dads from the team works for Hyundai, so there were all given beautiful duffel type bag with the Hyundai logo on it. Every bag is going to be needed to get all the stuff home.

Grant Mullen tells me even after only a day and half, he can no longer get his car in the garage, donated equipment, uniforms etc. filling it up. The poor Ladera parents who host VN, are going to need a truck just to get the stuff to their home. How all of this is going to be checked baggage is beyond me, but VN keeps saying, No problem it will all work out. Viejo today gave them over 300 t-shirts, uniforms etc. One of the local club teams, The Knights, gave a complete set of Knight’s uniforms, including belts, hats, socks, the whole shebang, gorgeous.

Bob Slabinski came by the game with his Bride. He has been selected to go again to do the EMEA Seniors which will be held in Lithuania, and Bob has been anointed the UIC for the tournament. He and Arnie talked thru the umps that are coming etc., how cool is that Bob is not only going back again, but got to meet the TD for the tournament almost in his backyard, Bob lives about an hour or so away from me in Corona.

The big news, Ana and Egilidus flew over to Vegas today, be there for two days. The big plan is to get married by Elvis in one of those chapels, not sure Ana has agreed to this or maybe even knows of this plan. Will update when I get the story upon their return.

Great day had by all the Lits, the host families and the folks at Viejo LL.

Day One … and Two — The trip to Orange County

The group, 15 kids plus 5 adults did finally arrive here. It was an adventure to say the least for them traveling here. Two of the adults were traveling separately on Delta as the flight with the team was a sell out. The two adults were to arrive at LAX Monday night at 5:45 pm after changing planes in Brussels. I gather there was some issue in Brussels as they did not make the flight from Brussels to Atlanta and then LAX.

I arrive at 5:15 pm to get them, the baggage comes down the carousel, no two adults. I am holding up my Lithuanian sign and asking all if they are Ana and Egilidus, no one responds. I then go to Delta baggage and ask if they made the flight, of course Delta says they cannot tell me anything, finally after getting the supervisors supervisor, she tells me their itinerary has been canceled and if the are coming to LAX it is not on Delta and to go home. I get back to the house at 9:00 pm and just as the tires hit the driveway, phone rings, Ana on the line, “we are here at LAX, you come get us”? Delta re-booked them from Brussels to JFK and then LAX, so turn around drive the hour and half back to LAX.

The team was to arrive at 11;49 PM at LAX so, stay to await their arrival and one big group will come down to Orange County. Go over to United, the 18 of them are on this airline. The screen for arrivals in United baggage claim says “see agent”. Oh boy another nightmare has begun. The flight shows it as FRA-LAX, but what United does not tell you is that it goes FRA-SFO-LAX. So the team had arrived at SFO gone thru customs and re-checked their bags to LAX. United does not have a crew to fly the plane to LAX so the team is stuck at SFO. United SFO was truly terrible to the team. They were not going to give them anything, no food or hotel vouchers, nothing. To my rescue was a United agent in LAX, Terri Reis. When I told her what was going on, she flipped out had me get Arnoldas on the phone, had Arnie demand a supervisor, had Arnie hand his phone to the SFO supervisor, and Terri proceeded to rip this schmuck a new one. Hotel vouchers all of a sudden became available etc., more on this in a minute.

SFO refused to re-route or give them boarding passes for the morning flight, so Terri did it all in LA. She re-routed them to John Wayne (SNA), changed the baggage from going to LAX to going to SNA etc, she was truly awesome. The hotel refused to let the kids be in rooms by themselves and “had no connecting rooms”, so the three adults had five kids in each of the three rooms they were given. They arrived at the hotel at 10:30 pm and left the hotel at 5:00 a.m. pretty sure very little to no sleep was had.

They did arrive Tuesday morning at SNA at 8:00 a.m., but of course United SFO did not un-load the bags as they were supposed to from the LAX flight, so no luggage and another battle began. United SNA, Regina stepped up to the rescue, wrote down all the bag tags etc, and sent us on our way to meet the host families. Regina must have called me three or four times to make sure that LAX had contacted me and that the bags were being shipped by a baggage service United contract with. At 11:00 AM, the baggage shipper calls me, I tell them we need the bags badly, baseball players etc. and their first game is at 4:30 PM with the Virmides warm-up session at 3:00 PM. “yes sir, you will be our first stop, no problem”, liars pants on fire. Finally after repeated calls to them, get the driver’s cell number, he tells me he has already made 6 stops and has another 5 before he gets to me, sometime after 6:00 PM. Ballistic does not properly describe my reaction to this news. After much cajoling and the promise of a $40.00 tip, he re-routes and brings the bags to the fields at 3:30 PM.

The Lits are ecstatic, clothes flying everywhere as they dig into the bags, get gloves uniforms etc. Their first week here they are staying with North Mission Viejo (NMV) families. We meet in the parking lot at the fields. Lits amazed to see the baseball complex, 11 diamonds within the complex, lights, dugouts etc.

Divvy up the Lits with their respective families and headed home to find the baggage. Some of the Lits did nap I gather, others went swimming, host families have pools in their backyards, a huge thing for the Lit kids, played basketball etc.

Back to the fields for warm-ups at 3:30, the rest of the trip they will have to be at the fields 2 plus hours ahead of the first game start time, VN has to work the kids, they had snow as they were leaving Vilnius, so he is taking every moment he can to practice them.

First game of the night, 4:30 PM, NMV Braves, Lits are nervous, tense etc. and fielding errors just killed them, they lose 13-4. Lots of deep squats this year, no push ups, building the leg strength this year. NMV kids amazed to see Lit kids doing these and after one particular inning, the entire Lit team in their dugout doing 100 squats each.

Second game, Lits ahead 6-2 going into he 6th inning, but the NMV Yankees pull it out 8-6. The Lit pitcher had gone a full five innings, reached his pitch count max of 85 pitchers, so new pitcher who could not keep the Yankees from smacking the ball all over the park. Lits learned that kids here hit the ball hard, they outfielders played way to far in, think they have learned to play deeper for the rest of the trip. Between games, Sam Kim’s parents, you will remember him from the summer in Lit. the kid that thought he would be the first to hit a home run in the Utena ballpark, they have a restaurant, catered a meal for the team and then pizza after the second game.

They are spending the day today at Betsy Gray’s house in her pool, practice at 2;30 PM, first game at 4:30 PM second half of the doubleheader at 7:00 PM. against Viejo Little League (VLL).

Manny Pacheco came by the field to see VN and the team, he Betsy and I are standing together, and we all at about the same time made the same comment, “how cool is it that they are here, listening to Lit being yelled by the kids to each other and instructions be barked at to the kids by VN”.

Had a coach from one of the NMV teams come up to me last night with an envelope, so pretty sure I have enough cash to give the four or five with nothing, cash for their day at Disneyland, trash/trinkets for their siblings and food at the park, people I guess should not surprise me, but I continue to be amazed at the generosity and thoughtfulness of folks.

Sporto Vilkai to visit LL District 68 in South Orange County

Through the efforts of the leadership of District 68 of Little League Baseball, (particularly Ezio Petrella and Sam Griffith) in southern Orange County, CA, this team of 11-12 year old baseball players from the Sporto Vilkai Little League team in Vilnius, Lithuania are traveling here March 23-April , 2008 to enjoy a couple weeks of baseball and fun and goodwill with kids and families of the Little Leagues of District 68.