After a break of six years, the revival of the beloved youth baseball program in Estancia rounded the bases for another try.
The league’s mission has always been to bring youth baseball, softball and tee ball to the Moriarty, Edgewood and Estancia area of New Mexico.
The league supports and works toward the development of children’s athletic skills at all levels, promoting the core ethical values that baseball represents universally: good sportsmanship, honesty, respect, patience, loyalty and a sense of teamwork — all within a positive, competitive environment that helps children and youth grow into the best members of society they can be.
Through these standards, Estancia Valley Little League has been able to hit several home runs.
The renovation of the baseball field, securing a recreational grant, high player participation and forming an established gathering space have been some of the main accomplishments thus far, creating one of the best seasons yet.
This has been no easy feat.
Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the vision and determination of Trustee Albert Lovato and his team — the town of Estancia’s community — the Little League has made a successful comeback.
“My dream was to kind of revamp the ball field, to bring Little League back to the valley, but also tried to have a headquarters here in Estancia. So this has been a plan for like, the last four years,” said Lovato.
His vision slowly began taking shape, gaining traction when the state released recreational grant opportunities.
Though the league was denied funding in its first attempt, it struck gold the following year.
With help from engineer and contractor JB Brawley, who drafted blueprints of the current field, the league secured funding and broke ground.
“Most of it was grant money,” Lovato said. “We were able to get this whole project done before the spring season started.”
The recreational grant was a state-provided funding opportunity that helped Albert Lovato and the Sunset Valley Little League renovate the baseball field.
This grant was crucial in funding the project and allowed them to complete the field renovations just in time.
What was once their greatest challenge — securing funding — was now showing signs of hope.
The program started with only $1,000 left from 2019, according to Lovato, but that changed when they began to see a flood of support from the community, in the form of donations from local businesses and residents alike.
“This year, I couldn’t believe the amount of financial support …people just going to the concession stand and donating 100 bucks,” Lovato shared.
“We have banners of all of our sponsors out on the outfield, and it’s almost full because of just so many donors and people that have just donated to it,” he added.
One anonymous donor gave $1,000 to waive fees for children who couldn’t afford to play, ensuring that every child had access to cleats, gloves and a team.
Funding wasn’t the only base that was left to cover.
“We were having a hard time getting a charter from Little League to start a program,” Lovato recalled.
While it took them longer, the program was able to secure a full board of directors and a renovated field, as well as more registrations than they had imagined.
“We didn’t think we were going to reach 100 players, but we got up to 120,” Lovato said.
Speaking of numbers, Lovato shared that game night crowds have ranged from 100 to over 200, while special events like picture day have attracted as many as 350 people.
Lovato is currently serving as president of Sunset Valley Little League. A long-time coach himself, he believes this goes beyond baseball and softball.
“It’s turned out to be a big, big community gathering and a positive community gathering,” Lovato said. “I haven’t seen anything negative thus far. I see nothing but positivity.”
He saw an urgent need for a structured youth program, particularly a bridge for kids transitioning into middle school, and got down to business.
“There are other things that are available to kids,” he said, “but baseball wasn’t one of them.”
This is what inspired him to step up to the plate and take a leap of faith.
This has successfully created a positive impact on the East Mountain community, which is eager to get out and enjoy what the town has to offer.
The league goes beyond baseball.
“I’ve always preached that I’m not too worried about the baseball skills, but building character and having the kids have something to do, and physical exercise and learning learning new things,” Lovato said.
Creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere for everyone has been central to the league’s mission.
Themed nights like “May the Fourth” Star Wars night featured lightsabers, vendors and raffles, including a handmade Boba Fett helmet.
“When the lights went out, it was so awesome to see all the kids. We invited all the kids to come out into the field, and the lights turned off, and all we saw was just a bunch of those little lightsabers out in the field,” Lovato shared.
“The fire department and one of our board members lit a big fireworks show, which was donated by our local Moriarty fireworks shop. It was a really, really nice night, and the community was really, really happy with it.”
Continuing with the hot streak was the “Little League Under the Lights/Vendor Night,” with local food stands, a league-sponsored face painter and another evening of fireworks—all completely free for all families to enjoy.
The intention was to give the events a major league feel and to have “something for everyone.”
Lovato also acknowledged the support from Estancia’s leadership, which has been equally vital to the success of the program.
“Our mayor (Nathan Dial) and the board of trustees were 100% in support of renovating this baseball field and giving these kids whatever they needed,” Lovato said.“If it wasn’t for them, they could have really put a wrench in it–or even close it down.”
Their backing came at a crucial time, especially with the town pool closed for renovations this summer.
“I say this almost every meeting: if it wasn’t for this baseball program, we’d have a lot of kids not having a lot to do,” Lovato said.
With the season set to conclude on June 7, anticipation is already growing for the closing ceremony.
Aside from the kids going out to play against each other and scrimmages here and there, plans include bouncy houses, vendor booths, scrimmage games, and—if fire restrictions allow—another colorful fireworks show.
Lovato plans for it to be another big celebration for everyone, including other programs, as the league’s success has even drawn the attention of neighboring organizations.
“The talk between our interleague partners, which is Albuquerque and our East Mountain partners, is that they’re really excited to come out here because of the baseball field and how we’re running this ball club,” he said.
Blending baseball’s timeless traditions with fresh new trends has been a grand slam for Estancia Valley Little League. For more information about the league’s mission and future events, visit its website or Facebook page.