Little league builds community, develops future high school players

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Anderson Little League player Nick Brugman makes a catch during The Red Sox game against Cottonwood Little League Team, The Outlaws.

Local little league coaches and organizers say that when a child picks up a bat or puts on a glove, they learn more than how to play ball.

First year Anderson Little League president Larry Noble said young t-ball, baseball and softball players can learn teamwork and structure to help them out later on in life.

"We are trying to bring the focus back on the kids, give them something to do, and keep them out of trouble," he said.

Anderson Little League has 19 teams and includes boys and girls from five to 12-years-old.

Anderson Little League teams also play against little league teams from Cottonwood, Foothill and Shasta Lake City. Some softball teams even travel to Corning and Central Tehama.

The collaboration between communities helps support the leagues by providing enough teams, Noble said.

Last Tuesday, Anderson Little League team, The Red Sox, played against Cottonwood Little League team, The Outlaws.

Dennis Brugman coaches the Red Sox baseball team, with players ranging from 10 to 12-years-old.

"Baseball is my thing," said Brugman.

Brugman coaches a collegiate baseball team, as well as a traveling team for youth. Brugman said he got involved coaching little league for his son, Nick Brugman, who is eleven.

“He wanted to play with his friends from school this year, so I thought I’d coach the team,” Brugman said.

“I want to be able to give kids the opportunity to learn and to learn it the right way, whether it’s throwing mechanics, hitting or pitching,” the coach said. “I want to be able to help kids in my community.”

Brugman played little league in Anderson, and also went to Anderson Union High School.

“We used to have great teams,” Brugman said.

The coach said one of his goals is to help bring Anderson’s baseball teams back to what they used to be.

“I believe there is a group of kids my sons age that are phenomenal athletes. By giving them the right mentors and coaches in their lives, hopefully it will allow them to grow together and stay together, and not transfer out and go to other schools,” Brugman said.