In Memorium
Mr. Berhel was a spirited force who brought love, passion and enthusiasm to every practice, game and team event. A staple at the baseball fields for over 20 years, he spent countless hours working with the youth of North Vallejo. Mr. Berhel coached his son's Teams and offered support to numerous aspects of the league.
A devoted Father, his inspiration and dedication showed the true power of love and community volunteerism. Through his involvement with our league - and the respect that the Alumni will always have - his spirit will live on for generations to come.
North Vallejo Little League (NVLL) has a rich history of baseball memories and legends. Since the 1970s, Thurman Baseball Field has been host of many memorable games. It was very often that a full day of Saturday games would pack all sides of the field. In addition to providing a safe and fun outdoor activity for Vallejo's youth, the league has been a beacon of our community, unifying neighborhoods, schools and families.
The Alumni (Players, Coaches, Sponsors):
From one of the many Ivory Jones' no-hitters to epic battles between Foster Lumber and the Omega Boys Club, you could always count on great competition among friends and rivals. Parent-coaches such as Major Norton Sr. and Aaron Berhel Sr. manned the dugouts, keeping their teams motivated. Local sponsors like Pendergast Auto, Host Lyons, Cougar Records and Jenai's Deli were staples of support. And, of course, everyone remembers the excitement of Opening Day, when all teams from each division paraded onto the freshly cut grass and stood lined up in bright new uniforms on the foul lines for another season of play.
"He hit it to the tennis courts!":
The phrase was used so many times by those who witnessed such power hitters as Thomas "TaTa" Bondurant, Quincy Newsome Jr. and Wayne Schoop, hit the ball well over the left field wall and onto the adjacent tennis courts. Located more than 300 feet from home plate, these hits would be talked about for weeks throughout the entire neighborhood.
"Making the Stars":
At the end of each season, a select group of players were united to form one All-Star team. Also known as making "the Stars", the squad featured the brightest players from each team in the Majors to create a traveling squad to play in regional tournaments. Major Leaguers such as CC Sabathia, Joey Thurston, and Damon Hollins all put on the orange and black uniforms as members of the NVLL All-Star teams.
The Champions:1986 Northern California Sectional Tournament District 2 Champions:
Section 2 Results:
1 - North Vallejo 8, San Rafael 1
2 - Belmont 12, Concord American 9
3 - North Vallejo 3, Castro Valley 2
4 - Concord American 6, San Rafael 0
5 - Castro Valley 3, Concord American 2
6 - North Vallejo 7, Belmont 0
7 - Belmont 2, Castro Valley 1
8 - Belmont 3, North Vallejo 2
9 - North Vallejo 2, Belmont 0 (North Vallejo wins championship)
1992 Northern California Sectional Tournament District 2 Champions:
1 - Santa Rosa American 6, San Rafael 1
2 - North Oakland 9, North Vallejo 4
3 - North Vallejo 5, San Rafael 0
4 - North Oakland 5, Santa Rosa American 3
5 - North Vallejo 3, Santa Rosa American 2
6 - North Vallejo 7, North Oakland 5
7 - North Vallejo 6, North Oakland 3 (North Vallejo wins championship)
