Rain doesn’t dampen the excitement at Ramona Pony opening day

The Heat Wave Mustang team gathers with their coach, Rick Coffman, for a mid-inning talk before they take their turns at bat. (Stephanie Ogilvie)

PUBLISHED: March 4, 2025 at 12:12 PM PST

The crack of the bat, the cheer of the crowd, and the sight of eager young athletes wearing their team uniforms marked the start of the 46th season of Ramona Pony Baseball on March 1.

While unexpected overnight rain canceled the Opening Day ceremonies, the baseball families came together to prepare the fields for each of the division’s first games. Ramona Boy Scout Troop 768 continued the annual tradition of raising the flag despite the light drizzle.

“We may have lost our Opening Day ceremonies, but nothing was stopping baseball from happening,” said Stephanie Cooter, president of Ramona Pony Baseball. “It was incredible to see everyone come together — coaches, families, and volunteers — to get the fields game-ready after the rain.”

Carlos Godinez has been playing baseball for Ramona Pony for four years and this is his final year. Godinez is on Coach Paul Adams’ Pony team this season. His favorite memory was being on the 11U All-Star team in Spring of 2023. (Stephanie Ogilvie)

1 of 5

Expand

This year the league welcomes 391 players that are spread across 34 teams. There are six divisions this season including three Shetland Minor teams (4-5-year-olds), four Shetland Major teams (5-6-year-olds), seven Pinto team (7-8-year-olds), six Mustang teams (9-10-year-olds), eight Bronco teams (11-12-year-olds) and six Pony teams (13-14-year-olds).

This season’s uniforms were inspired by the decades of the San Diego Padres. Brian Smith, a Ramona Pony board member and player agent brought the idea to life by working with Hitting Bombs owner and graphic designer Chris Nearing.

Brothers behind the dish in the final Opening Day game on the Bronco Field. Ramona High School sophomore and varsity baseball player Tallon Ogilvie umpires while his little brother, Trevor Ogilvie catches a wild pitch. Doug Bernd ducks to avoid being hit by the pitch. (Stephanie Ogilvie

1 of 3

Expand

“We needed a way to differentiate each team. So, we came up with the idea to pick a player that was popular and used the jersey they wore. It pays a little tribute to our past Padre heroes that we grew up rooting for,” Smith said.

The league selected Richard Michael “Goose” Gossage, Dave Winfield, Steve Garvey, Randy Jones, Joe Musgrove, Gary Templeton, Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado as the player jerseys to replicate.

The league will host 16 regular games and then a postseason playoff bracket where the Championship games will be played on Closing Day.

As the season unfolds, youth baseball will bring joy, competition, and community spirit to Ramona, Cooter said.

“That’s what this league is all about: community, teamwork, and making sure the kids get to play ball. We’re excited for an awesome season ahead,” she said.

For those looking to catch a game, the schedules are posted on ramonabaseball.com with teams competing on weekends and evenings.