The 2026 season for Dixon Little League began March 6 and 7, with the first games played March 6, and an opening-day ceremony the morning of March 7 that brought players, families, and volunteers together at the community’s ballfields. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) – The 2026 season for Dixon Little League began March 6 and 7 with the first games played March 6 and an opening day ceremony the morning of March 7 that brought players, families and volunteers together at the community’s ballfields.

League President Ricky Rodarte said the new season marks a milestone for the youth baseball program, which is fielding the largest number of teams and players in its history.

“We have a record-setting number of teams and players this year – the most kids we've ever had participate in Dixon Little League,” said Rodarte. “It's also the first time we've had multiple teams in our older divisions, including Juniors (14U) and 50/70 (13U). Seeing that growth, especially with our older players continuing to stay involved in the program, is something we're really excited about.”

According to league officials, 41 teams with just under 500 players are participating this season, roughly 100 more than the previous year.

The first games of the season were played on the evening of March 6. The official Opening Day ceremony followed at 9 a.m. March 7, marking what Rodarte described as a traditional start to spring for many local families.

“Opening Weekend is really the kickoff to spring in Dixon,” he said. “It's when families come together, kids get to put on their uniforms for the first time, and the community gathers around the ballfields again. For many families, it's a tradition, and it's always great to see the excitement from the players, parents and volunteers as the season gets underway.”

League President Ricky Rodarte said the new season marks a milestone for the youth baseball program, which is fielding the largest number of teams and players in its history. According to league officials, 41 teams with just under 500 players are participating this season, roughly 100 more than the previous year. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Rodarte said the increase in participation required additional volunteers, particularly coaches for teams in the younger divisions. The community responded through outreach efforts on social media and league communications.

“With our record number of teams and players this year, especially in the younger divisions, we initially had a lot of coaching spots to fill,” said Rodarte. “Through community outreach on social media and league communications, we were able to get enough parents and community members to step up and volunteer to fill every coaching position. It really shows how supportive this community is of youth sports.”

The league is also introducing a new postseason structure. Instead of having the top two teams in each division play a single championship game at the end of the season, every team will participate in a postseason tournament to determine division champions.

Rodarte said the change will allow more players to experience postseason competition.

The league is also introducing a new postseason structure. Instead of having the top two teams in each division play a single championship game at the end of the season, every team will participate in a postseason tournament to determine division champions. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Off the field, the league has implemented measures aimed at maintaining a positive environment for players and volunteers. All volunteers, including coaches and board members, must complete background checks and Live Scan fingerprinting. Parents and volunteers are also required to sign a Parent Code of Conduct that the league enforces throughout the season.

“Our focus is not only on developing baseball skills but also teaching teamwork, sportsmanship and accountability,” said Rodarte. “We want players to learn how to compete while also respecting teammates, coaches, umpires and opponents.”

Another event on the league’s schedule this season is Family Day, planned for April 18. Rodarte said the event will return after a successful turnout last year and is expected to be larger in 2026.

According to Rodarte, the continued growth of the league reflects both the expanding population of Dixon and the community’s support of youth sports.

“Dixon, while actively growing, still has that small-town feel,” he said. “Dixon Little League reflects that spirit with families supporting each other, volunteers stepping up and the community rallying around the kids and the league.”

Looking ahead, league leadership hopes to maintain participation numbers while continuing to provide a competitive and positive experience for players across all divisions. Rodarte said the league has seen steady increases in participation over the past several years, including more players continuing into the older age groups.

“Our goal is to continue providing and promoting a positive and competitive atmosphere,” he said. “Over the last few years, we have seen increasing numbers each season, as well as maintaining participation as players get older.”

For more information, visit dixonlittleleague.org or email [email protected].