Pahrump Valley Little League officially kicked off its season in a big way on Saturday, March 21, hosting a lively and well-attended Opening Day ceremony that showcased the league’s remarkable growth and strong community support.
A total of 37 teams and 370 young athletes took part in the celebration, marking a significant increase in participation and signaling a bright future for youth baseball and softball in Pahrump. Families, coaches and supporters gathered to recognize the start of a new season filled with opportunity, development and fun.
Each team was welcomed during the ceremony by members of the Pahrump Valley Little League Board, the Pahrump Valley High School baseball team and a special guest appearance from Stomper, the mascot of the Athletics, adding an extra layer of excitement for the players. The ceremony also featured a stirring performance of the National Anthem by Sharon Sadler, followed by Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to officially open the season. Game play followed the ceremony for the rest of the day across all divisions.
League President Lou Banuelos reflected on the growth the program has experienced over the past year.
“We went from 200-plus kids to 370-plus this year,” Banuelos said. “The community has bought in, and we’re trying real hard to get baseball back in Pahrump. We’re headed the right way.”
Banuelos, who stepped into the role of president in 2024, credited the league’s success to a dedicated board and a shared vision for rebuilding and strengthening the program.
“Last year was going to be our beginning, which it was,” he said. “This league is going to get better, and it’s headed that way.”
One of the biggest additions this season is the introduction of softball, giving more athletes in the community an opportunity to participate.
“Softball is new,” Banuelos explained. “We decided to bring the girls into our program and give them another avenue to play.”
With the league’s expanded numbers, games began immediately following the ceremony, and for the first time in recent years, all play will remain local.
“Since we have enough teams and enough players, we’re going to keep it local,” Banuelos said. “That will make us stronger in All-Stars because nobody’s going to know our players. We become a local force as well.”
The All-Star season is set to begin in early June and can extend into July, with the possibility of continuing into August for teams that advance. Banuelos noted that last year’s All-Star teams made encouraging strides, including a juniors team that secured two wins.
“We want to bring it back to the old days where All-Stars—we were no joke,” he said. “That’s what we’re pushing for.”
He also emphasized the commitment of the league’s coaches, many of whom dedicate time year-round to developing players.
“We have a couple of guys that coach year-round, and others who coach fall ball and spring ball,” Banuelos said. “In the senior division, all the coaches came back just to help these kids get better and keep them together.”
The success of Opening Day was made possible by the dedicated Pahrump Valley Little League Board, including President Lou Banuelos, Vice President Steve Davis, Player Agent Marcie Tillery, Assistant Player Agent and Sponsor Hayley Redmond, Treasurer and Safety Officer Bobbi Ward, Secretary Katie Loveless, Social Media Coordinator Amanda Wagnon, Equipment Manager Ray Wagner, Snack Bar Coordinator Porsha Thomas, Softball Vice President Angelina Rutherford and Softball Player Agent Tiara Ellison.
With strong leadership, growing participation and a clear focus on development, Pahrump Valley Little League’s 2026 season is off to a promising start—one that reflects both the passion for the game and the strength of the community behind it.
