Grangetto’s participates in the “Valley Center Little League’s Opening Day"!
By Dan Kidder
Photos by Cathy Kleiman

Valley Center's Little League season got started this weekend with Saturday's Opening Day ceremonies, including a pancake breakfast sponsored by Grangetto's and an appearance by former Padres pitcher Randy Jones.

 

 

Players and their parents enjoyed the food starting at 7 a.m. and had the opportunity to get an autograph from the Cy Young Award winning pitcher. Jones even chatted briefly with the players and shared some of his experiences.

 

"Those were the good old days," he said of his Little League days. "It all starts with that foundation of baseball, and it just keeps getting passed down to younger generations."

Jones has two daughters and says that sports have played a major role in their lives.

 

 

"It's all about the kids," he said. "The lessons you learn in baseball are stepping stones for life. You learn about teamwork, practicing and working hard to get better. Baseball really reinforces those ideas."

Jones also says that even though sports can bring some disappointment, in the long run, it helps players become better people.

"It's a game of failure," he said. "But it's all about how you handle the disappointment. If you learn from your mistakes and you commit yourself to hard work, you'll have success."