All posts by Victor Peinado

Where Are They Now: BALL Alumna Leah Freeman Makes Professional Soccer Debut

Berkeley Albany Little League is proud to celebrate one of our own.

Leah Freeman, a BALL alumna who once took the field during our 2010 Parade Day, has officially made her professional soccer debut, marking an incredible milestone in her athletic journey.

Leah’s path is a powerful example of dedication and perseverance:

  • Started right here at BALL
  • Developed through youth and high school athletics
  • Competed at the Division I level at Oregon and Duke
  • Now competing professionally as a goalkeeper

After patiently earning her opportunity, Leah is already making a strong impact at the professional level:

  • Appeared in multiple professional matches
  • Off to an impressive 4–0 start
  • Recorded 2 shutouts
  • Continues to step up in every appearance

Leah’s journey is also deeply rooted in the BALL community. Her father, Coach and former Board Member Dale Freeman, has contributed years of leadership, mentorship, and support to our league — helping shape not just players, but people.

From Parade Day memories to the professional stage, Leah’s story reminds us what Little League is all about:

Building confidence, character, and a lifelong love of sports.

We are incredibly proud to call Leah a BALL alumna and can’t wait to see what’s next.

Congratulations to Leah and the entire Freeman family!

Honoring Imaayu Akili Hancock

Berkeley Albany Little League would like to take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Imaayu Akili Hancock, a former coach and valued member of our community.

Imaayu coached in both the Juniors and Seniors divisions in the mid-2000s, dedicating his time to supporting and developing young players. He wasn’t just a coach—he was a mentor, a steady presence, and someone who truly connected with the kids he worked with.

Some of our current board members still remember Imaayu coaching their sons on the diamond. He brought patience, encouragement, and a genuine love for the game and for the players.

He was, simply put, a true kids’ coach.

His impact lives on through the players he mentored, the families he supported, and the community he helped shape.

We are grateful for his contributions to Berkeley Albany Little League and extend our thoughts to his family and loved ones.

💚 Play BALL, Imaayu.

Great Weekend at BALL

What a great weekend of Berkeley Albany Little League baseball!

From games on the field to families in the stands, it was a weekend full of fun in the sun, teamwork, and community.

And don’t forget — the Snack Bar is OPEN! 🍔🌭
Stop by to grab a bite, cool off, see your teams schedule and support the league while enjoying the games.

More baseball, more smiles, and more great moments ahead.

⚾ Play BALL!

BALL is buzzing in March!!

The fields are packed, the Snack Shack is hopping, and the action is everywhere across Berkeley Albany Little League!

🔥 Tigers vs A’s on Krone Field

🔥 Braves vs Marlins on Victory Field

🔥 Iron Pigs vs LugNutz on East Field

Families cheering. Players competing. Community showing up.

This is what Little League is all about — a full day of baseball, energy, and smiles all around.

Let’s keep it going! Play BALL!

The Season is Rolling!

What a way to kick things off this past Saturday at our Opening Day Parade! The energy, the smiles, the community — it was everything Berkeley Albany Little League is all about.

Now we’re right back at it.

Teams are practicing, players are sharpening their skills, and the fields are alive with baseball again. Every throw, every swing, every cheer — it all builds the season ahead.

This is what BALL is all about:

Community. Growth. Fun. Baseball.

We’re just getting started.

Play BALL!

Opening Day Parade is Today!

Today is the day! Berkeley Albany Little League kicks off the season with our Opening Day Parade this morning.

Players and coaches should arrive by 8:30 AM at the grassy median at Key Route & Solano Avenue, and the parade will begin promptly at 9:00 AM as teams march down Solano Avenue to Krone Field at University Village for Opening Ceremonies.

Families, friends, and community members are encouraged to line Solano Avenue and cheer on our teams as they parade to the fields to start the season.

This year’s celebration will also include the UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons and the University of California Marching Band to help make the morning even more special with the National Anthem.

After the ceremonies, Opening Day games will begin, and later in the afternoon there will be Sno Cones available at UC Village to help support the league.

It’s one of the most special traditions of the season and a celebration of our entire BALL community, make sure to come visit the Snack BAR!!!

We’ll see everyone out there this morning!

Play BALL!

Opening Day Parade is This Weekend!

The countdown is on! Berkeley Albany Little League’s Opening Day Parade is happening this Saturday, March 14, and we can’t wait to kick off another great season together.

All players and coaches should arrive by 8:30 AM at the grassy median at Key Route & Solano Avenue. The parade begins promptly at 9:00 AM as teams march down Solano Avenue toward Krone Field at University Village for Opening Ceremonies.

Families and community members are encouraged to line Solano Avenue and cheer on our teams as they parade down to the field.

We are thrilled to welcome UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons and the University of California Marching Band to help make the morning even more special with the National Anthem

After the Opening Ceremonies, games will begin, and later in the afternoon, there will be a Sno Cone booth at UC Village to help support the league.

Opening Day is one of the most special traditions of the season and brings our entire BALL community together.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Play BALL! ⚾

Intermediate 50/70 Division Delivers an Exciting Weekend of Baseball

The Intermediate 50/70 Division had an action-packed weekend as the Barons, Clowns, and Grays kicked off league play while also competing in District 4 interleague games.

League Play Highlights

The Barons came away with two thrilling victories in close contests.

In their first matchup, the Barons edged out the Grays in a nail-biting battle that finished 11–10 after six innings. The game featured strong hitting and several momentum swings before the Barons held on for the win.

Day two brought even more excitement as the Barons faced the Clowns. In another high-scoring matchup, the Barons recorded the first walk-off hit of the season, sealing a dramatic 13–12 victory in five innings and sending the crowd into celebration.

District 4 Interleague Updates

Intermediate 50/70 teams also competed in District 4 interleague play this weekend.

The Grays delivered an impressive performance against ECYB, defeating the Marlins 15–4 with a strong offensive showing.

Meanwhile, the Clowns faced the Noll-Soll Mariners in a competitive matchup but ultimately fell 13–6 after six innings.

A Strong Start for the Division

With close games, big hits, and exciting finishes, the Intermediate 50/70 Division is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting divisions this season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Barons, Clowns, and Grays continue league play and represent Berkeley Albany Little League in District 4 competition.

Play BALL!

20% OFF at Sports Basement for BALL Families!

Berkeley Albany Little League families can score 20% OFF at Sports Basement just in time for the start of the season.

From bats and gloves to cleats and helmets, this is a great chance to get your players ready for Opening Day.

📅 Discount Dates

March 7 – March 22

🏪 Visit your local Sports Basement store or shop online using the code provided.

Even better, a portion of purchases made by BALL families helps support the league.

Get your gear ready and Play BALL!