Kids & Family

Morongo Knocks it Out of Park for Banning Pass Little League, Donates Thousands for Supplies

This week, Morongo donated $5,500 to the league to buy 540 baseballs and softballs, 60 bats, 20 batting tees, umpire gear and other equipment for BPLL.

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians:

A single broken base. That was the only piece of equipment that the Banning Pass Little League owned when it began three years ago. 

Desperate league officials crisscrossed Southern California for donations, “taking whatever used items we could get,” recalls League President Jim Price. But most of the equipment was in sad shape. 

Then the Morongo Band of Mission Indians stepped up to the plate. 

This week, Morongo donated $5,500 to the league to buy 540 baseballs and softballs, 60 bats, 20 batting tees, umpire gear and other equipment for BPLL. The tribe’s latest donation comes two years after Morongo gave dozens of brand-new batting helmets, bats and other baseball and softball equipment valued at more than $3,200 to the fast-growing youth league. 

“A donation like this means everything to our league,” Price said. “I’ve been around Little League organizations for about 50 years and I’ve never seen anyone come through like Morongo. They really open their hearts for children. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what they’ve done.” 

Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said the tribe was happy to pitch in and help the league, which serves about 450 boys and girls from Cherry Valley to Whitewater. 

“Baseball and softball are a great way for kids to enjoy the benefits of exercise while learning sportsmanship, teamwork and other valuable skills,” Martin said. “We’re delighted to help the Banning Pass Little League keep costs down and offer a quality program to the community.” 



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