LA PUENTE >> La Puente welcomed the little league baseball season Saturday with a parade and inspirations visits from two former professional baseball players.
The La Puente National Little League’s grand opening parade and ceremony was a success, La Puente Mayor Charlie Klinakis said.
In addition to a parade of local officials, organizations, and of course, baseball players that went from City Hall to La Puente Park, little leaguers and their parents got a chance to mingle with former Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles player Don Buford, as well as former Toronto Blue Jays player James Bishop. Both men are staff members at the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy in Compton.
“These people taking the time and coming into the community… we all appreciated it,” the mayor said. ““I’m glad to see there’s programs like this out there.”
Saturday’s festivities were hosted by the City of La Puente, La Puente National Little League and the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Industry Station, which patrols La Puente, organizers said.
Sheriff’s Lt. Pete Cacheiro, who effectively serves as La Puente’s police chief, said sheriff’s department was glad to take part in the event and thanked the Urban Youth Academy for it’s support.
“These guys are always mentoring young kids, making sure they don’t get into gangs, and giving back to the community,” the lieutenant said.
Also in attendance were city officials, dignitaries including Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, D-El Monte, State Assemblyman Ian Calderon, D-57, State Sen. Ed Hernandez, D-24.

PHOTO courtesy of the City of La Puente