Dear Blossom Valley PONY Baseball Players, Coaches and Parents;

It has been 8 years since I assumed the position of President of this incredible organization. In those 8 years we have achieved some amazing things:

1. A 2012 Mustang World Series Championship.
2. A 2015 Palomino World Series Championship.
3. Our own Patrick Wicklander is playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
4. I was honored to receive the Hometown Hero Award from the San Jose Giants in 2016.

After 8 years the numbers start to add up: With an estimated average of about 1700 players, coaches and parents each year some 13,600 people have passed through BV. In those 8 years BV has touched an innumerable number of members in our community. Friendships among players, coaches and parents have formed and will endure for a lifetime. Being spotted with a BV cap or jersey in a local store is a badge of honor in our community.

For years we have said “We are not Little League.” We said that because the rules of PONY Baseball were taken from the major leagues and modified for age-appropriate play. But the idea was to keep them safe and to teach the game the right way, so they could get to the next level and ultimately move on to college ball or the minor leagues using the same set of rules.

PONY is an acronym that stands for “Protect Our Nations Youth.” Now, more than ever, I believe it is important to reminisce on the roll that BV PONY Baseball has played in protecting the youth of our community, and in providing a safe, healthy alternative to the electronics and social media that tempt our youth from every direction.

Eight years of PONY Baseball. Eight years of protecting the youth of our nation through the vehicle of baseball. A sport that exemplifies the finest traditions of America. Traditions of respect, sportsmanship and athleticism that are becoming lost in our modern world.

I did not last eight years in this position without the trust, confidence and assistance of board members, parents, coaches and players. I would like to thank them all, from the bottom of my heart, for their support.

I would also like to thank my family, without whose support I could not have followed this passion for 8 years.

In passing I would like to mention that James Purvis, our previous president, has supported me quietly for all of these years and has honored our BV nights with his rendition of the National Anthem.

Wishing you all a safe, fun and successful 2019 PONY Baseball season.

Warmly Yours,

John Hughes

President

Blossom Valley PONY Baseball