After Record Signups, Temecula Little League Urgently Needs Help

TEMECULA, CA — If you have spare baseball gear taking up space in a closet or garage, Temecula Little League has kids who can use it.

After signing up more than 1,000 players for the 2022 season — a record-setting number over the last 10 years — the league is in dire need of equipment for young athletes whose parents may not have the resources to buy all that's needed for game day.

For community members who have items to donate, a gear drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Ronald Reagan Sports Park's Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road (look for the red Temecula Little League tent). Gently used helmets, bats, gloves, cleats, pants (no holes), practice baseballs, catcher’s gear, and baseball bags are all being sought.

"Outfitting a Little Leaguer can be a challenge for families to keep up with growing kids and financial limitations. However, we also know that a player having their own equipment can help them to feel included, especially at the younger age groups," said Miranda Czerwiec, who sits on the Temecula Little League Board of Directors.

The baseball mom has also started a nonprofit that she's calling the Gear Closet to help address the overwhelming equipment need.

"We hope [Saturday's event] will be the first of many successful equipment drives, and also hope our Gear Closet will reach every person who is in need of baseball equipment in the Temecula Little League family," she said.

If by any chance there is leftover gear, Czerwiec said it will be donated to Turn Two for Youth, a nonprofit organization that delivers new and used baseball equipment to underprivileged youth in poverty-stricken areas.

For Temecula Little League, it's not just gear that's needed this season. The high number of signups means more teams and more games. The league is hoping local businesses and community members will come forward to become sponsors and help pay for umpires and field-use fees.

"We need a lot of help this season," Czerwiec said. "We know there are a lot of people out there who, hopefully, can step up."

For questions about this weekend's gear drive or about Temecula Little League sponsorships, contact Czerwiec at 760-525-2233 or email [email protected]