Harbaugh Inspires Little Leaguers As Parade Returns
Feb 22, 2026 10:23AM ● By Dave Fratello
The Manhattan Beach Little League made a triumphant return Saturday with its first parade in seven years and an inspirational talk by L.A. Chargers head coach – and local resident – Jim Harbaugh.
Once among the largest little league organizations in the country, MBLL took a step back due to COVID-19, which prevented operations and allowed a competing league to draw in local players. If there was one message made clear by Saturday's event, it was that the league is back – and civic support for the organization is as strong as ever.
League officials said they'll field 23 teams this year, with enhanced training options and some new inter-city matchups to keep things interesting.
After Saturday's parade through downtown – replete with a marching band, a fire truck, classic cars and some relatively organized player/marchers – everyone gathered at the turf fields of American Martyrs school. There, a sizable crowd of players, parents and siblings heard from league officials, city representatives and coach Harbaugh, who urged players to dive into the baseball season and "attack it with enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
While emphasizing the benefits of playing – having fun, making friends, being part of a team, getting better – Harbaugh concluded by saying players need to feel how special it is to be part of MBLL specifically. "There are no finer fields in all of America than right here. Who's got it better than us?" Harbaugh barked. "Nobody!" replied the crowd.
After Harbaugh – a former NFL quarterback – threw a ceremonial "first pitch" (a strike with a nice bit of drop on it), the crowd quickly scattered out to the field areas.
There were bouncy houses, slides, carnival games and many food offerings laid out for participants, including local favorite Hector's Tacos, which the league announced will be operating the snack stand at the Big Marine complex this year.
Once among the largest little league organizations in the country, MBLL took a step back due to COVID-19, which prevented operations and allowed a competing league to draw in local players. If there was one message made clear by Saturday's event, it was that the league is back – and civic support for the organization is as strong as ever.
League officials said they'll field 23 teams this year, with enhanced training options and some new inter-city matchups to keep things interesting.
After Saturday's parade through downtown – replete with a marching band, a fire truck, classic cars and some relatively organized player/marchers – everyone gathered at the turf fields of American Martyrs school. There, a sizable crowd of players, parents and siblings heard from league officials, city representatives and coach Harbaugh, who urged players to dive into the baseball season and "attack it with enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
Harbaugh added, "Kids, you get to do this – you don't have to do it, you get to do it." He then modeled how to tackle being part of a baseball team, yelling out: "Oh boy, am I enthusiastic! I get to do this!"
While emphasizing the benefits of playing – having fun, making friends, being part of a team, getting better – Harbaugh concluded by saying players need to feel how special it is to be part of MBLL specifically. "There are no finer fields in all of America than right here. Who's got it better than us?" Harbaugh barked. "Nobody!" replied the crowd.
Attendees were also treated to an angelic rendition of the national anthem by local middle schooler Tyler Lee.
After Harbaugh – a former NFL quarterback – threw a ceremonial "first pitch" (a strike with a nice bit of drop on it), the crowd quickly scattered out to the field areas.
There were bouncy houses, slides, carnival games and many food offerings laid out for participants, including local favorite Hector's Tacos, which the league announced will be operating the snack stand at the Big Marine complex this year.
MB Little League Parade 2026 [17 Images]
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