Las Vegas Little League Baseball Free To Locals
Las Vegas is known for its gambling, nightclubs, bars, and other adult entertainment. There have been hardly any constructive activities for kids to do in the Valley. Now there’s a little league in Las Vegas that is creating a platform for our local kids to express themselves through a team sport.
When Bolden Little League Began In Las Vegas
After 10 years without a little league program in the Historic West Side of Las Vegas, Bolden Little League brought the sport back when it was founded in 2016.Ā Mario Berlanga of Mario’s West Side Market created the league. He named it after Larry Bolden, who was the first African-American deputy chief in the history of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The name of the league caught the attention of the LVMPD Bolden Area Command’s Captain Plummer. He approached Mario and asked how Metro could be of assistance. That conversation created a partnership that now involves 14 police officers as coaches (That’s awesome!).
I spoke with Mario at the eighth annual Bolden Little League grand opening and he said “This is a great way to keep kids off of the streets and out of trouble.” According to Mario, not one parent paid a penny for their child to play.
The Growth Of The Bolden Little League In Las Vegas
Mario and I spoke about the growth of the league over the years. In 2016 Bolden Little League was able to have five teams and engage 70 children in the baseball program. One year later, the league was able to have 11 teams and engage 145 children in the baseball program. In 2018 they were able to have 16 teams and engage 187 children. And in 2019 Bolden Little League was able to have 14 teams and engage over 190 children.
In 2020 Mario canceled Bolden Little League in order to keep the children, and everyone involved, safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following year it was back with many safety protocols to maintain the safety of the children and everyone involved. Even though the world shut down, Bolden Little League was still able to have nine teams and engage 100 children. By the time 2022 hit they were able to have 12 teams & engage 176 children.
This year Bolden Little League has 16 teams and is engaging 240 children in the Las Vegas baseball program. The hope is that it continues to grow year after year. And that the interaction between police and youth through baseball will change the lives of these children forever in a positive manner. Increasing their trust in police while leading them away from negative activities.
And, according to The Nevada Black Police Association, it worked almost immediately. Only one month after Bolden Little League was active in the community, crime around the area decreased. Residents began to break the silence, calling the police to report crimes.
To get your child involved, or to become a coach, contact Mario Berlanga at [email protected].
Let’s Play Ball!
5 Life Lessons From Coaching Youth Sports
The Meaning of Hard Work
Thereās no better feeling than working tirelessly for something you really want, and then accomplishing it. Especially if you are an underdog. You learn to enjoy the struggle. It makes the reward that much sweeter. The most valuable lesson from this piece is that once you dedicate yourself to putting in whatever it takes, this becomes a mindset. No win comes for free. You aren’t entitled to playing time. Both of those must be earned. There’s nothing wrong with reminding yourself of that while preaching to your kids about how to get playing time.
Stock Photo/Getty Images
The Importance of Exercise
Your definition of exercise might be a sweaty cardio workout in the gym. But as a coach, exercise has a broad meaning. Certainly, getting yourself outside with a team and teaching them the importance of stretching and preparing your body is essential to physical success. Coaching a sport like football, for example, your two hours a day on the field are laser-focused on just that. There, you are giving yourself some mental exercise, taking a break from all the other work, stress, or life-circumstances. You can forget everything else when you hit the field, court, or rink.
Stock Photo/Getty Images
Treat Everyone The Same, But Coach Them Differently
Whether you manage a soccer team or a sales team, you’re leading a collection of individuals. What makes your top performer tick is not the same as what makes a lesser player (or employee) with potential, tick. This lesson centers around relationship-building and listening. How you run your team is about you, and how your players apply these guidelines is about them.
Stock Photo/Getty Images
Nobody Is Going Pro At 10 Years Old...
…Nor are they getting a full scholarship offer to a top NCAA college at this age. You may see things in your kid or another on the team where your experience makes you think a certain player has a shot at the big time. But that time is not right now. Your coaching duty is to give the best experience possible to your players. How does creating an entire game plan around one super-talented 10-year old give the other 20 kids a fair chance? How does it give them a memorable experience? Or something to build off for next year. Or confidence. Again, those refereeing your games are most likely high school or college kids themselves. They’re just trying to work and earn some money. Again, cut them some slack.
Stock Photo/Getty Images
You Matter
Your tone in addressing your players, the refs, and the other team matters, too. Be cognizant of how you deliver your messages. You may have an incredibly impactful point to make, but if you don’t articulate it correctly, and cater to your audience, it can be useless. Coaching youth sports is about the overall experience, not the final score, and not the final record. Your stats don’t matter, your voice does.
Stock Photo/Getty Images
