One day, a father walked with his young son to a stretch of grass on a hill to play catch. There was an older man checking on a Union 76 oil derrick at the property. The older man began to watch the father and son play catch. He began to think about when his own son was a young boy & how they’d spent hours playing catch. He thought about how much he enjoyed teaching his son about baseball & about life. He was now looking forward to teaching his grandson those same life lessons. He couldn’t wait to spend endless afternoons playing catch & getting to know his grandson. This man caught the eye of the father who was playing catch with his son. He walked over and joined the father and the young boy. The wide smile on the young boy’s face told of his happiness and enthusiasm. His eyes were filled with innocence. The men began to talk about how nice it would be if someone build a little league field on this spot. Soon thereafter, Union 76 leased the land to Golden Hill Little League and the rest, as they say, is history . . . Well, it may have happened that way.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate much in the way of our history, so I’ll do the best that I can. If anyone has any information that I can incorporate, please contact me. We would like to have a complete and accurate history of the league.
G.H.L.L. has two of the most beautiful fields in the County, on property leased from Unocal. They are located at 2200 N. Brea Blvd., just north of Panorama, in the City of Fullerton. We are adjacent to the S/W edge (Hole #13) of Coyote Hills Golf Course. Over the years, capital improvements have been made to our fields, including a paved parking lot, bathrooms, announcer’s booths, scoreboards & a snack bar. However, our fields are not lit so only day games take place at these two fields. Golden Hill Little League has been able to flourish over the years thanks to many generous sponsors ~ both businesses & individuals. To all of you who have supported us over the years, we thank you very much.
Golden Hill Little League is a self-supporting, non-profit organization. There are three little leagues located in the City of Fullerton (Golden Hill, East Fullerton and West Fullerton Little League). We are the only league in Fullerton who is responsible for maintaining & watering our own fields, restrooms, scoreboards and parking lot. Both East and West Fullerton’s fields are located within City Parks and are maintained by the City of Fullerton. Plus we are the only Little League (that I know of) with a working oil derrick in our parking lot.
In 2003, we also began playing in the beautiful, brand-new Fullerton Sports Complex, enabling to do away with games on Sundays. The snack bar at F.S.C. is run cooperatively by both East Fullerton and Golden Hill Little Leagues, and maintained by the City of Fullerton.
Over the years, we have continued to grow. In 2004, our registration has soared to 500 players. Our divisions include T-ball, rookie, A, AA, AAA, Majors, Juniors & Seniors.
Typically, G.H.L.L. has an Opening Day ceremony to kick off each new season, preceded by Picture Day. In the summer, we participate in a post-season Tournament of Champions & a City Tournament. We also have a shorter, instructional Winter Ball season.
First and foremost, Little League baseball is about building character, integrity and good sportsmanship in our young people. We have posted on both of our home fields, the Little League Pledge:
I trust in God.
I love my country & will respect its laws.
I will play fair & strive to win.
But win or lose, I will always do my best.
This field is a special place that families can spend time together, learning life’s lessons and focusing on what is truly important ~ being together and, of course, BASEBALL! It’s also a place where over the years, you see little children grow into incredible young men and women.
by: Karen MacDonald