Pioneer Sports Shorts for January 2023
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Jan. 19, 2023) — The Pioneer wants to publish your sports news. Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments.
Youth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necessary details (too much information is better than too little) with your contact information. It’s simple. Send an email to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
Here are the announcements for January 2023.
Concord American Little League registration for spring ball still open
Concord American Little League player evaluations begin this weekend for its 2022 spring baseball season. The league’s website has complete registration information for t-ball (ages 4-6) through senior baseball (13). Evaluations will be Jan. 21 and 28 for all players seven and older. Practice begins Feb. 4, opening day is Mar. 18 and closing day June 3. Visit concordamericanlittleleague.org for details and to register.
Diablo Valley Wolves benefit Crab Feed Feb. 10 at Centre Concord
The Diablo Valley Wolves benefit crab feed, raffle and dance is Friday, Feb. 10, at Centre Concord. Tickets are on sale for the event that benefits programs for the local competitive youth soccer club affiliated with MLS NEXT and the Women’s Premier Soccer League. Visit diablovalleywolves.com for more details and to get information on event sponsorships and purchasing crab feed tickets.
Clayton sharpshooter perfect twice in quest for another Elks Hoop Shoot National title
Last winter, Jackson Ramirez fell one shot short of qualifying for a repeat trip to the Elks Hoop Shoot National Championships, which he won the previous year. Now competing in the 12-year-old division Ramirez has started red hot while making a perfect 25 for 25 in the first two competitions this year.
The Clayton youngster began this year’s Hoop Shoot in Walnut Creek and then last Saturday in Modesto posted his second successive perfect score at the district meet. His next step is seeking a third straight state championship Feb. 4.
Spring Alliance program coming to Concord AYSO
Concord AYSO Region 305 will be participating in the new Area 2C & 2D Spring Alliance Soccer league for 2023. This program is taking the place of Select. The Alliance program is open to all kids in birth years 2009-2014 in the Concord AYSO geographic area regardless of where they played fall soccer. For more information on alliance and spring programs visit ConcordAYSO.org website.
Junior Optimist taking spring baseball signups
Junior Optimist Baseball League is taking registration for boys and girls 4-11 for its spring season. There are two weekly games for teams, one a weeknight and the other on Saturday. JOBL started in 1963 and plays all its games at the JOBL Complex in North Concord. Visit joblconcord.com or email President Mark Northrup info@joblconcord.com for more information and to register.
First Tee Crab Feed Jan. 27 at Centre Concord
First Tee of Contra Costa is hosting a fund-raising crab feed on Friday, Jan. 27, at Centre Concord. The evening, which benefits the youth golf program, is from 5-9 p.m. with a delicious menu catered by Zandonella’s including marinated crab, salad, pasta, garlic bread and dessert. A 50/50 raffle and silent auction will benefit the program. For more information on tickets visit firstteecontracosta.org/crabfeed.
Clayton Valley Charter flag football program kicks off this month
Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Be Elite Flag Football season on 10 consecutive weekends starting Jan 22. The co-ed program is open to kindergarten through eighth grade students. There are no tryouts or draft, and everyone plays offense and defense. No football experience is necessary. One-hour weekend practices are followed by 5v5 non-contact environment games the same day from Jan. 22 – Mar. 26. Coaching is by student athlete mentors.
Fee includes participant’s custom jersey (name and jersey number) and shorts. For registration information contact CVCHS football coach Nick Tisa at nick.tisa@claytonvalley.org or visit BeEliteAthlete.com.
Mt. Diablo High Hall of Fame Crab Feed this Saturday
The annual Mt. Diablo High School Hall of Fame crab feed is this Saturday, Jan. 20, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. The evening, which benefits the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, includes music, dancing, 50/50 raffle and lots of raffle prizes. For more information on tickets call Lou Adamo at 212-9332 or email louadamo@gmail.com.
Pleasant Hill Baseball Association accepting waitlist registrations
The all-volunteer Pleasant Hill Baseball Association, which was founded in 1958, is accepting waitlist signups for its spring 2023 baseball and softball season for girls and boys ages 4-18. For more information visit the PHBA website phba.org.
Newest Ygnacio Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame class to be honored May 20
The Ygnacio Valley High Athletic Hall of Fame dinner for the Class of 2020 has turned into the Class of 2023, which will finally be installed May 20 at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill, three years after the original induction date. Visit yvathletichof.com for more details and to reserve tickets when they go on sale early in the new year.
MDSA spring league registration open
Registration is now open for Mt Diablo Soccer Association’s spring season. The program is open to boys and girls ages 4-18. The 12U and older divisions are co-ed. For more details and to register visit mdsoccer.org.
Clayton Valley Athletic Hall of Fame Honoring CBCA
Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will host is seventh induction ceremony May 19 at Centre Concord. The Hall of Fame committee announced that the Clayton Business and Community Association will be honored as part of the honorees after what will be a four-year hiatus since last celebrating its sixth class in May 2019. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the presentation of inductees. Ticket info for the induction dinner will be announced soon. Check cvhshof.com for more information.
Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.