Having served in the United States Marines I hold our military in high regard. It was a pleasure to have an Honor Guard from USMC at the annual Bobby Doerr Classic. For those that have never attended the Bobby Doerr Classic a youth baseball tournament in Junction City, Oregon, it is one you will not want to miss in the future. Hopefully at next years Classic we will again be treated to the presence of Baseball Hall of Fame player Bobby Doerr and the United States Marines or an Honor Guard from one of our other military services.

As many of you know, Bobby Doerr turned 93 this past April. While Bobby Doerr is not physically as strong as he was as a young man – any of us will do well to show the spirit that he shows at his age.

At this Junction City tournament it is hard to miss the smiles on our young baseball players as they receive the autograph of Bobby Doerr or have their picture taken with him. As you watch those kids you know that many of them also have a goal of someday playing in the Major League.

Each of us should make it our goal to follow the example of Bobby Doerr in service to youth and expect the same from each generation that follows us. Time passes fast and before we know it today’s kids are becoming adults with children of their own.

Pleasant Hill Babe Ruth had a number of teams that participated in this years Bobby Doerr Classic. In addition to local teams some of our players participated as part of the Willamette Valley All Star teams. You will find a number of photos of the Classic at the Pleasant Hill Babe Ruth website and hopefully more photos will be received so that they can also be posted.

In Pleasant Hill and the surrounding areas of Creswell, Cottage Grove, Dexter, Lowell, Jasper, Oakridge, Drain and the rural areas of Springfield and Eugene that participate in Pleasant Hill Babe Ruth, we are fortunate to have many outstanding youth athletes. If you are reading this and are one of those youth or a parent of a youth thank you for your participation. If you are not presently participating in Babe Ruth Baseball we want you to know that you are encouraged to do so.

As a grandfather and father I am proud of Pleasant Hill Babe Ruth and encourage its continuing support in both time and donations. While spring baseball season may now be over there are continuing projects that need to be completed year around to keep the organization going. If you hear from a coach or other person asking for your assistance in a summer field day or other help please offer your support. By the way – on July 9th from 9AM until noon we will be reconditioning field #1 and families will be receiving an email on this and it will be posted on the Pleasant Hill website calendar.

Thank you all for another great year of youth baseball and let us work together now to make next years even better for the youth of our communities.

Terry Weinheimer, secretary/webmaster