Padres donate $10,000 to Chula Vista Little League squad

Howard J. Lamade Stadium, Williamsport, Pa. (photo from 'jimmywayne' via Flickr)

With Chula Vista’s Park View Little League team headed to World Series pool play in Williamsport, Pa. (read our recap here), San Diego’s Major League team has stepped in to help ensure that the “Green Machine” has plenty of fans present at their first game on Saturday.

In addition to a $15,000 donation by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the Pads have contributed $10,000 towards travel costs for the players’ families.

While Little League players and coaches travel to Williamsport on the organization’s dollar, family members and fans have to cover their own costs, an estimated $4,000 per family of four for preliminary rounds, and around $6,000 if the boys get to the finals.

Park View Little League began a fund raising drive this week, in the hopes of raising $45,000 to cover pool play expenses, and $72,000 for the finals.

The Sycuan Tribal Council and the Padres pledged large-sum donations almost immediately, but many members of the community have also contributed in any way they can. 

At the Eastlake Community Church’s game-watching party on Sunday, attendants bought food and raffle tickets, and pledged money for each home run. A rival Chula Vista league donated $1,000, and area merchants are donating a portion of their proceeds to the team.

Bullpen Baseball and Softball Academy in Chula Vista is putting on a hit-a-thon on Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. The requested donation is $20, and all proceeds will go towards the team’s parents. On Sunday, the city’s South Bay Fish & Grill is holding a fundraiser at 2p.m. until the game is over. Admission is $20, and includes “ballpark food”.

Donations can be made via PayPal on the Park View Little League’s website. Checks are also accepted, written out to “Park View Little League” and mailed to the league, c/o Leaf & Cole, 1843 Hotel Circle S., Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92108-3397.