205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
On July 24, 2007, Kittitas County welcomed the Sanda Little Seniors baseball team comprised of fifteen young men between the ages of 14 & 15 along with three coaches and four parent chaperones.
During their week long visit to Kittitas County, the team stayed with host families from around the area and participated in the first annual "Ellensburg Summer Slam" baseball tournament. There were many teams throughout the region who played in the tournament, including one from Alberta, Canada, making it a true International event. The Sanda Little Senior's played in the Championship game and came in second overall against all the other teams. Those who watched their team play were completely impressed with their team's talent and respect not only for the game of baseball, but their fellow teammates, and those they played against.
The team attended an all American style barbeque in their honor at a local family farm (Eslinger Farms). They also spent a day touring Seattle and were able to attend a Seattle Mariners game that same evening, (which also happened to be "A Salute to Japanese Baseball Night"). To say the least, they were ecstatic to be able to watch their hero Ichiro play in person and get some players autographs prior the game.
Each host family graciously provided opportunities for their guests to experience a typical American lifestyle. The team represented Sanda City and their nation of Japan with great respect and honor during their visit. To say the least, there were many tears shed at the end of the week when it was time to say good-bye because of the new friendships that had been formed between the two nations.
