La Jolla Youth Baseball to participate in partnership with Padres

By Tom Murphy

La Jolla Youth Baseball

Last week the San Diego Padres unveiled their new uniform design and logos for the 2012 season. In addition, the Padres also announced that approximately 10,000 youth baseball players from districts closest to Petco Park will be wearing Padres jerseys for the 2012 season as part of the club’s ongoing effort to support youth baseball. This program is a first in Major League Baseball and LJYB is the only PONY district included in this historic partnership.

“While there has been a lot of talk about our new uniforms, we are even more excited and proud to announce the next step in our support of youth baseball in San Diego,” said Tom Garfinkel, President & COO of the Padres and a La Jolla resident. “This is a great chance for us to partner with the local baseball districts, showcase our team’s history and build upon the emotional connection between the team and the San Diego community.”

The Padres have deep roots in La Jolla dating back to owners C. Arnholt Smith and Ray Kroc, General Managers Buzzy Bavasi, Ballard Smith and Kevin Towers, and present CEO Jeff Moorad — all residents of La Jolla. The Padres have been long-time supporters of La Jolla Youth Baseball as evidenced by the Little Padres Park where the Shetland and Pinto teams play.

For the 2012 season, all 44 LJYB teams in five divisions will be sporting authentic MLB Padres’ jerseys by Majestic that represent current and vintage eras going back to the 1948 PCL Padres. In all, there are 26 uniform designs, many of which incorporate the memorable brown, yellow, and orange colors that conjure up memories of Nate Colbert, Ollie Brown, Clay Kirby, Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith and of course Tony Gwynn.

LJYB President Jim Benham added, “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 60th Anniversary than having all the kids wear classic San Diego Padres uniforms. We can’t thank the Padres enough for their vision and generosity. Our kids will wear these uniforms for years to come.”

Imagine Opening Day on March 3, 2012 when the 1984 Road jersey (chocolate brown) takes the field with the original 1969 Home jersey in cream, or the 1972 Home jersey (who can forget that yellow uniform?) facing the classic blue pinstripes of the 1998 Padres. There will be a cornucopia of color and style at each and every game on the Shetland, Pinto, Mustang, Bronco and Pony fields of LJYB, and it will be a constant reminder that quality youth baseball has been played in La Jolla since the league was founded in 1952, marking the 60th “Diamond Anniversary” in 2012. In keeping with tradition, all LJYB teams will retain local sponsors from throughout the community and a custom patch designed for each sponsor will be worn on the right sleeve of every uniform. Thanks again to the San Diego Padres for stepping up — yet again — on behalf of youth baseball in our community.

— Reminder to LJYB Families: Online registration is open at

www.LJYB.org