WEST SACRAMENTO (MPG) – West Sacramento Little League closed out their 2023 baseball season on Saturday. They started the day out with a team parade with teams from each division sitting in vehicles, trucks and trailers decorated with balloons, streamers and banners.

After the parade everyone gathered at Memorial Park. The teams all gathered in the Majors’ field while friends and families filled the stands. The National Anthem was sung and the ceremony began. Introductions were made of the Board Members where they were met with huge applause not only from the stands, but with the twist of always being able to identify which team that member’s child was on by the extra enthusiastic applause.

Little League President Jose Negrete spoke about what a great season they had and then thanked honored guests that included Mayor Pro Tem Quirina Orozco. President Negrete spoke about Brian Black, a former Little League coach that lost his life earlier this year. And about Captain Jon Sax, son of L.A. Dodger great, Steve Sax. Captain Sax lost his life in June of last year in a military exercise.

President Negrete then spoke about that in the 70 years that West Sac Little League has been around, there has been a lot of great baseball players that have come out of it. Many have gone on to play high school baseball and college baseball. He said that some have even gone pro.

At that point he introduced two West Sac Little League alumni, Steve and Dave Sax. Steve Sax passed up a full scholarship at the University of Arizona when he was drafted onto the Dodgers, where he played second base. As a Dodger second baseman, Steve made All-stars. Steve won two world championships playing for the Dodgers and is up for the next induction into the Hall of Fame.

Dave Sax is Steve’s older brother and began playing a couple of years earlier than Steve. Dave is a star in his own right. Dave was drafted, but instead he was invited to try out for the Dodgers by scout Ronnie King, the same scout that signed Steve. Dave made the team and became an LA Dodgers catcher. Dave spent 5 years playing Major League Baseball for the Dodgers and the Boston Red Socks.

Everyone was thrilled and honored that the two baseball greats would honor us with their visit.

“It was an honor to be back there, where it all began,” said Steve Sax, “The fields looked amazing, better than I’ve ever seen them!” He continued with, “It was an honor for them to recognize Dave and I on the 70^th anniversary.”

Steve and Dave were each presented with a baseball signed by players and coaches from West Sac Little League. Hearing a “This is really cool” as the brothers spoke to each other. The official ceremonies ended and the autographs begun.

But the Little League wasn’t finished with surprises yet. They went on to talk about the national Umpire shortage and wanted to recognize the dedicated umpires that were there for their games. One of those umpires has been chosen to umpire in Arizona for Western Regional. The Little League presented Shaun Miller with a check for $1,000 dollars to help with his expenses.

The ceremonies ended and the eating and autographs began. Once again, it was another great day at Memorial Park, home of West Sac Little League.