Yes, it's football and basketball season right now, but with the holidays fast approaching, it's going to be Little League season again before you know it.

That means it’s time to sign up for Clairemont Hilltoppers' 2009 season! On Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cadman Park, we will be registering kids for a new year of baseball fun and excitement.

Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League is preparing for its 53rd season, and thanks to the generosity of our fine sponsors, we have once again lowered registration fees – now just $48 per child. No other youth sports organization can match that value. Yes, there is also an easy candy fundraiser, but if you choose to sell the candy, you can really get your kid into a full season of fun, safe, Little League baseball for only $48 out-of-pocket!

And, if you sign up on December 6, you will automatically be entered into a drawing that day for a $100 gift card from Sports Authority. What a great way to get a jump on your holiday shopping!

Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League has been providing the kids of Clairemont with a great opportunity to play ball on some of the finest fields in San Diego since 1957. We pride ourselves on the family atmosphere within our league, and strive to give every child the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and, above all, have fun playing baseball.

Simply come to Cadman Park on December 6, and get your kids signed up. Any child who will be 5-years-old by April 30, 2009 but not yet 17-years-old, is eligible to play Little League Baseball this year. Clairemont Hilltoppers' boundaries are bordered by Morena Blvd. on the west, Hwy. 52 on the north, Genesee Ave. and Tecolote Canyon on the east, and Clairemont Drive on the south. Children who are within the Alcott, Cadman, Whitman, Field and Toler Elementary school boundaries will all qualify.

Just come to registration with an original birth certificate for each child, along with proof of residency (driver's license, voter registration card, SDG&E bill, Pac Bell bill, water bill, or rent receipt). Each child signing up must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, as well. Complete information about fees, fundraiser, etc. will be available at registration and on our website. Additional registration dates will be Saturday, January 10 & 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you have any questions about signups or need further information, please visit our website: www.ClairemontHilltoppers.com, or contact President Bill Salonius (273-1551), Vice President Mike Van Cleave (274-6420), Player Agent Linda Camus (270-5408) or League Information Officer Ken Cicalo (586-1861). You can also call our league Hotline number 483-9857 for periodic updates or to leave voicemails.

A great time was had by all when Clairemont Hilltoppers hosted its First Annual Texas Hold 'em Tournament on Saturday, November 8.

More than 60 Hilltoppers parents and friends gathered at the Best Western Seven Seas Hotel in Hotel Circle for a fun evening of cards, food, drinks and prizes. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves tremendously, with numerous comments along the lines of "When can we do this again?"

First place in the tournament went to Doug Fauth, who won a two-night stay at the beautiful Bahia Hotel. Second place was won by league parent Kim Bautista, who took home a $100 Macy's gift card. Third place was captured by league parent Bob Faudoa, who won a home poker table.

Best news of all, was that Clairemont Hilltoppers raised over $1,000 that night, thanks to the generosity of all who participated. If you haven't talked to someone who was there, ask around and be prepared for some great stories. This could definitely become a can't-miss Hilltoppers event.

Special thanks to league parent Joe Toczylowski, for providing the space to hold the event. Thanks also to our fine dealers Kelly Gorman, Anna Fellers, Christina Faudoa, Kris Stoermer, Sean Daniels and Karen Keltner. They did a fine job under sometimes challenging circumstances. And thanks to Donna Fleming, Bill Salonius, Mike Van Cleave, Bob Faudoa, Danielle Pestana and Kelly Gorman for the fun and exciting prizes they provided.

Most of all, thanks to tournament organizer Troy Keltner, whose vision of having a fun tournament for our Hilltoppers family, was not only realized, but exceeded all expectations. His tireless efforts resulted in a huge success, with the only remaining question being not if, but when the next tournament will be held.

One of the highlights of our 50th Anniversary celebration in 2006 was the announcement of a brand new Clairemont Hilltoppers Hall of Fame.

Named as Charter Members were 17 individuals whose achievements, contributions and leadership will forever be recognized with this honor. A permanent plaque listing the names of all current and future Hall of Famers hangs in our scorebooth building.

Following are the Inductees along with year named:

• Frank Adams (2006)
• Ron Conkle (2006)
• Ken Henderson (2006)
• Tom Franklin (2006)
• John Adams (2006)
• Link Lincavage (2006)
• Harold McCoy (2006)
• Jim Gerstenslager (2006)
• Dave Stephenson (2006)
• Mike Winters (2006)
• Dave Bermudes (2006)
• George Kovacevich (2006)
• Bill Salonius (2006)
• Jeanne Morrow (2006)
• Cesar Carmona (2006)
• Dave Pursel (2006)
• Mike Van Cleave (2006)
• Steve Conner (2008)

These members were recognized for their contributions in one or more of these four categories: Inspirational, Leadership, Volunteer and Special Recognition. Future members will be selected by a committee of current and former Hilltoppers.

Congratulations to all of these Hall of Famers, and many thanks for all you have meant to Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League.

As District 32 wrapped up All-Star play, both our Juniors and Seniors teams reached the finals of their tournaments and finished as runners-up for the titles. The Seniors lost to Peninsula 3-0 on Wednesday, July 9, while the Juniors fell 11-6 to Coronado on the same night.

Congratulations to both of these teams for getting as far as they did in their competitions. Our Hilltoppers family is proud of your efforts and accomplishments. Here is how all of our All-Star teams have fared this postseason:

9- & 10-Year-Old All-Stars:
Tournament being played at Clairemont Hilltoppers
Thursday, June 26 - Lost to University City, 12-2
Sunday, June 29 - Won a very exciting matchup with Mission Bay, 14-13 in the bottom of the sixth inning
Wednesday, July 2 - Lost a very exciting game to Pt. Loma, 11-8 in the last inning (eliminated)

10- & 11-Year-Old All-Stars:
Tournament being played at Mira Mesa
Friday, June 27 - Lost to Coronado, 11-1
Sunday, June 29 - Won a nailbiter against Mira Mesa, 10-9 in extra innings
Monday, June 30 - Lost to Clairemont Mesa, 14-8 (eliminated)

11- & 12-Year-Old All-Stars:
Tournament being played at University City
Friday, June 27 - Lost to Rancho Penasquitos North, 11-1
Sunday, June 29 - Beat Mira Mesa, 11-10, with a last-inning rally
Monday, June 30 - Lost to Mission Bay, 6-2 (eliminated)

Juniors All-Stars:
Tournament being played at Mira Mesa
Saturday, June 28 - Defeated Peninsula, 5-4, coming from behind in the last two innings
Tuesday, July 1 - Defeated Mira Mesa, 12-2
Sunday, July 6 - After leading for most of the game, fell 5-2 to Coronado
Tuesday, July 8 - Broke open a close game in the last inning, to defeat Presidio, 12-3
Wednesday, July 9 - Lost to Coronado, 11-6 (finish as District runners-up)

Seniors All-Stars:
Tournament being played at Mission Bay
Saturday, July 5 - Won a close one, 4-3, against Mission Bay
Sunday, July 6 - Pulled out another nailbiter, edging Peninsula, 8-7
Tuesday, July 8 - Lost to Peninsula, 8-2
Wednesday, July 9 - Lost to Peninsula, 3-0 (finish as District runners-up)

Congratulations to our 9/10, 10/11 and 11/12 teams, also. All three teams represented Clairemont Hilltoppers extremely well, and we are proud to have had you named as All-Stars. And thank you to the fans who came out to support all of our teams. You helped to make the experience special for our kids.