RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On Saturday, March 16th, Cordova Girls Softball officially started their 59th season of recreational girls softball. At approximately 9 a.m. on a beautiful spring morning, 25 teams composed of more than 280 participants paraded around home plate to the infield as Rod Borba, president of Cordova Girls Softball, announced their teams division, coaches and sponsors. Mr. Borba has had the esteemed honor of leading the organization as their president for the past 25 years. The players and their coaches walked into the diamond proudly behind their teams’ banner.

 The Lil’ Angels hold their team’s banner during Cordova Girls Softball’s opening day festivities.

The program serves the communities of Rancho Cordova, Anatolia/Kavala Ranch, Gold River, Rosemont, College Glen and Lincoln Village areas for girls ages 4-16. Cordova Girls Softball offers programs for girls to participate in during spring, summer and fall. “We strive to provide an opportunity for all. Over the years the program has developed some strong players that have gone on to play college ball and become Rancho Cordova Hall of Fame inductees. We are very proud of our program”, said President Borba.

 League President Rod Borba speaks holding the red book.

The league functions under a volunteer board with great relationships with the City of Rancho Cordova and the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD). Mills Middle School Softball Complex, completely redesigned and upgraded for the 2021 season, is home to their program. Now considered a premiere facility, with seven fields at Mills/Cordova High and 2 fields they maintain at Cordova Gardens, the program has great promise for future generations.

In attendance for the ceremony were several invited dignitaries that included Rancho Cordova Vice-Mayor Siri Pulipati, City Council Member Linda Budge, City Council Member Garrett Gatewood, FCUSD Trustee Christopher Clark,  Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) Board Chair Brian Danzl, CRPD Vice-Chair Rick Sloan, CRPD Board Member Michael Yearwood and Mills Middle School Vice-Principal Keith Shields. Vice-Mayor Pulipati carried on the tradition of throwing one of five ceremonial first pitches. The mayor of Rancho Cordova has historically performed this honor, but Mayor David Sander was out of town attending to his duties as president of the National League of Cities.

Besides being president of the league, Mr. Borba and a handful of volunteers has run what I can honestly say is one of the best snack bars in the region for the past 22 years. Some of the more popular menu items include Rod’s famous tri-tip sandwich. grilled chicken sandwich, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and chili cheese nachos. What’s even more impressive is the always-stocked condiment table that includes sliced tomatoes, sliced and chopped onions, lettuce, dill pickle slices, relish, jalapeños, ketchup, mustard and barbeque sauce.

 6-year-old Joslynn Haven is ready at third base for the ball.

Next year, the softball program will celebrate it’s 60th year. Mr. Borba said he has big plans for an opening day to match no other. Registration for the 2025 season will begin October 1, 2024. Until then, come on out to the Mills Middle School Softball Complex located at 10439 Coloma Road in Rancho Cordova and enjoy watching some exciting softball competition and get something from the snack bar.