Ramona Pony Baseball kicks off record-breaking 47th season

Opening Day celebration welcomes 462 players across 42 teams, with new live-streaming capabilities and expanded youth umpire program

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Ramona Pony Baseball's 47th season kicked off on Saturday with an Opening Day celebration that welcomed a record-breaking 462 players across 42 teams in six divisions. The league has experienced a 135% growth in participation since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year features new upgrades like live-streaming capabilities and an expanded youth umpire program.

Why it matters

Ramona Pony Baseball is a longstanding community institution that brings families together and helps shape the next generation of leaders. The league's growth and new initiatives demonstrate its continued importance and impact in the local area.

The details

The Opening Day celebration included the national anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and a season-opening prayer. Foal player Cameron Cooter officially launched the season with a 'play ball' call. The league has installed new bases and anchors, and partnered with GameChanger to provide live-streaming of games from the Shetland through Pony divisions. The league's Junior Umpire Program has also doubled in size, providing leadership experience and job skills for local teens.

  • Ramona Pony Baseball's 47th season kicked off on Saturday, March 5, 2026.
  • The league's 462 players are spread across 42 teams in six divisions, the highest registration total in at least the past five years.

The players

Emma Chandroo

Led the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance during the Opening Day ceremonies.

David Chandroo

Led the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance during the Opening Day ceremonies alongside his daughter Emma.

Phil de Martimprey

Associate Pastor of Grace Community Church and Ramona Pony Coach, who offered a season-opening prayer.

Cameron Cooter

Foal player who had the honor of officially launching the season with a 'play ball' call.

Stephanie Cooter

League President, now in her second year leading the organization.

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What they’re saying

“This is the highest registration total in at least the past five years. Since COVID, the league has experienced an impressive 135% growth in participation.”

— Stephanie Cooter, League President (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“All fields at the main complex are in use this season, along with a secondary field for the Shetland division to accommodate the growing numbers.”

— Stephanie Cooter, League President (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“Ramona Pony was selected to receive the cameras at no cost, aside from a yearly subscription fee paid by the league. Families can now stream games live through the GameChanger app, allowing extended family members and friends to follow along from anywhere.”

— Derek Stowers, Technical Director (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“The program not only supports the league, but also provides leadership experience and job skills for local teens.”

— Stephanie Cooter, League President (sandiegouniontribune.com)

“Many are student-athletes who benefit from flexible scheduling around their sports seasons. The snack bar now operates five days a week — Saturday and Monday through Thursday — to meet the needs of the growing league. The experience provides valuable job skills that teens carry with them into future employment within the community.”

— Alisa Padilla, Snack Bar Coordinator (sandiegouniontribune.com)

What’s next

The league will continue its season with games scheduled throughout the spring and summer, culminating in playoffs and a championship tournament.

The takeaway

Ramona Pony Baseball's record-breaking 47th season opening is a testament to the league's enduring role as a community institution that brings families together, develops young leaders, and provides valuable opportunities for local youth. The league's growth and new initiatives demonstrate its ongoing commitment to serving the Ramona area.