California District 66 Little League has been serving the communities of San Diego, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove and National City since 2000.
Member leagues include Valley de Oro, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, San Diego American, Las Palmas, Twin Hills and Encanto.
It makes for a relatively compact geographic group and some great neighborhood rivalries. Post-season play is divided into the annual Tournament of Champions and All-Star tournaments.
TOC championship games in the Minor, Major and Junior divisions took place June 11.
Six teams participated in the Minor Division TOC: Spring Valley, Encanto, Las Palmas, Lemon Grove, San Diego American and Twin Hills. Spring Valley finished 2-0 while Encanto, Las Palmas and Lemon Grove were all 1-1. San Diego American and Twin Hills were both 0-1. Spring Valley defeated Encanto, 4-3, in the championship game.
Five teams participated in the Major Division TOC: Lemon Grove, Encanto, Twin Hills, Las Palmas and Spring Valley. Lemon Grove finished 2-0 while Encanto and Twin Hills both finished 1-1. Las Palmas and Spring Valley both finished 0-1. Lemon Grove defeated Encanto, 11-1, in the title game.
Four teams participated in the Junior Division TOC: Encanto, Lemon Grove, San Diego American and Spring Valley. Encanto finished 2-0 while Lemon Grove was 1-1. San Diego American and Spring Valley were both 0-1. Encanto outlasted Lemon Grove, 12-10, in the championship game.
Road to the LLWS
All-star tournament play started June 18 and is scheduled to conclude by July 7-8 in five divisions: 10U, 11U, 12U, Junior and Senior.
District 66 all-star champions advance to California Section 7 tournament play.
The 10U and 11U divisions both end at state level while the 12U Division extends all the way to the iconic Little League World Series Aug. 17-28 in South Williamsport, Pa. The Junior and Senior divisions also have national championship tournaments.
The Junior Division World Series is scheduled Aug. 14-21 in Taylor. Mich. The Senior Division World Series is scheduled July 30 to Aug. 6 in Easley, S.C. Additionally, the Intermediate Division World Series is scheduled July 31 to Aug.7 in Livermore.
The 2022 Little League World Series is set to return with a full participation field and fans after two years of not being able to hold events to full capacity (or full brackets) because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Little League Baseball World Series, squarely placing the long-held American tradition in the spotlight.
“We know how difficult these past two years have been, and continue to be, on our local leagues, players and families, but we are thrilled to welcome back fans and international teams at all seven divisions of our baseball and softball tournaments this summer,” Little League President and CEO Stephen D. Keener said. “We are anticipating a more exciting tournament than ever with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Little League Baseball World Series, the expansion of teams in Williamsport (baseball) and Greenville (softball), and the return of full competition at all seven of our divisions of play. We hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the World Series experience this summer with us, whether in person or watching at home with their family, and we look forward to writing a historic chapter in the Little League story.”
