Little League Recognizes San Bernardino Attack Victims, First Responders

SAN BERNARDINO>> To pay homage to the victims of the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack and recognize the first responders, Little League International held a special on-field ceremony at the Little League Baseball Western Regional Tournament Aug. 13 at Al Houghton Stadium in San Bernardino. The ceremony took place prior to the Little League Baseball West Region Championship Game and game collections from the day were donated to the Arrowhead United Way’s San Bernardino United Relief Fund. “For nearly 45 years, the wonderful community of San Bernardino has been the western home for Little League Baseball and Softball and our hearts sank when we learned of the tragic events that unfolded last December,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “As we celebrate the achievements of our Little League Baseball players at our Western Regional Tournament this year, Little League Baseball also wants take the opportunity to recognize the lives lost on that sad day and thank those first responders for their dedicated service.” San Bernardino has been the home of Little League International’s Western Region since 1972. In addition to supporting the local operations of Little League programs in 11 states, the headquarters also hosts the Little League Softball and Little League Baseball Western Regional Tournaments, annually. “We would not be able to operate such a great regional center here in San Bernardino without the support of our community and the area’s service agencies,” said Dave Bonham, Little League Western Region Director. “The lives lost in December were our neighbors, friends and volunteers. Throughout our Little League Baseball and Little League Softball Regional Tournaments, we are proud to honor these victims and their families, recognize the first responders for keeping our community safe and showing that we are all SB Strong.” The on-field ceremony began at 6 p.m., with Keener recognizing the victims of the attack. Representatives from area service agencies including the San Bernardino Sherriff’s Office, San Bernardino Police Department, San Bernardino County Probation Office, Redlands Police Department, San Bernardino Fire Department, Rialto Police Department and Fontana Police Department were also recognized on the field. All donations from fan contributions that day will be contributed to the Arrowhead United Way’s San Bernardino United Relief Fund. In addition to the ceremony, the activities included the Little League Baseball Northwest Region and West Region Championship Games, with the winners advancing to the Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. The games also were broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, respectively.