Spring is here and that means baseball is too. Clayton Valley Little League marked the beginning of its 47th season with two special events in March.

Almost 100 baseball and softball players took part in the third annual jamboree the week before the start of the regular season. The event featured shortened baseball games and full length softball outings.

The 300 spectators (and the players between games) enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch prepared by Greg Ferrell and his volunteer crew, including a cousin who flew in from Southern California to assist with the preparation of tri-tip, ribs, chicken and brisket. Ferrell is the father of four CV Little Leaguers past and present and has been the master chef for all three jamborees.

Deb Meylan termed the jamboree one of the best Little League days of the year. “Everyone is happy – the players, parents, coaches and umpires. The girls know how to cheer and constantly chant ... the boys were surprised at how loud they can be,” Meylan says. “It’s one of those rare events that truly brings a community together and makes you remember just why we all love to call Clayton home.”

At the annual Opening Ceremonies in the Clayton Valley High School gymnasium, the league retired No. 12 in honor of Pfc. Scott Barnett for his service to our country. Barnett, who played in CVLL Challenger Athletic Division No. 2 in 2001 and 2002, was killed in Iraq in January.

The 2009 season was one of the best ever for CVLL as the local league won five district championships and the 10-11 girls won the Northern California Division 2 title. The league features more than 720 players on baseball, girls fast-pitch softball and challenger teams this season. The league’s 62 teams were on hand in their new uniforms at the Opening Ceremonies before they began the season, which runs through June.