Santa Maria volunteers invite community to celebrate 75 years of Little League

A longtime youth volunteer recounted the history of Little League in Santa Maria and invited residents to attend anniversary games and commemorative events.

Eddie Navarro, identifying himself as a native of the Santa Maria Valley and a youth volunteer with the Elks Club, said this season marks 75 years of Little League in the valley, tracing the league’s origins to a 1950 charter petition and naming early organizers including Butch Simas, Larry Hagman Sr., Harry Goodchild, Carl Barberini and Bill Ellis.

Navarro described opening ceremonies at several neighborhood sites and said two remaining ceremonies were scheduled for the coming Saturday at Northside and Westside fields. He invited the council and community to attend and asked the city to consider recognizing local fields and individuals involved in the league’s history, naming the ballpark currently called Carl Barberini Field at Simas Park and referencing the Orchid Express’ 1981 national championship.

Discussion versus action: Navarro’s remarks were public comment and included an invitation and suggestions for recognition; the transcript records no formal city commitment or motion to create a historical designation during this meeting.

Why it matters: Little League activities and field recognition are community events that acknowledge local volunteers and history; the request could lead to future staff work to consider historical markers or event partnerships.

Clarifying details: Navarro said the league began in 1950 and recounted names of early organizers; he referenced recent losses of longtime players and volunteers but provided no formal list or dates for any proposed recognition actions.