On Saturday morning, hundreds of residents gathered at the Castaic Sports Complex to celebrate the opening day of the Santa Clarita Youth Baseball League. 

Among those in attendance was L.A. County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

During her address to the crowd, Barger took a moment to express her gratitude to first responders for their efforts in battling the Hughes Fire in January, which scorched the hillside behind the complex.

Burn marks and the mountain range behind the Castaic Sports Complex. Steven Barrera | KHTS

“Behind me stands some amazing people,” said Barger, referring to firefighters from the L.A. County Fire Department.

She praised the firefighters for their dedication in fighting the Hughes Fire while simultaneously battling the Eaton Fire and many other fires.

In addition to her appreciation for firefighters, Barger is a strong supporter of youth sports. She advocates for programs like Santa Clarita Youth Baseball, recognizing their impact on the community.

“I was looking forward to today because it’s been a tough month, and that’s why I brought the firefighters because L.A. County Fire truly are heroes,” said Barger.

She shared that attending the event was not only an honor in her role as supervisor but also personally meaningful. Being in the community and celebrating those who make a difference, especially in youth sports, is something she deeply values.

Barger reflected on her own childhood, reminiscing about weekends spent watching her brothers play Little League baseball while their father coached and their mother kept score.

She emphasized the importance of youth sports, whether it’s baseball, basketball, or football.

“Programs like this are vital to the community, and there is a reason why Castaic is thriving, and it is because families invest in their kids, and it shows,” said Barger.

Alina Bokde, chief deputy director at the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, echoed Barger’s sentiments, thanking her for her dedication to youth sports.

“Many of you here know the benefits of sports: building teamwork, being able to get through losses as well as celebrating some wins and what that brings to our kids,” said Bokde.

Barger also took the opportunity to recognize Castaic High School’s head baseball coach, Darrell Davis, for his commitment to coaching, both at the high school level and within the Santa Clarita Youth Baseball League.

Davis addressed the crowd, expressing his appreciation for the parents and families supporting their young athletes. He also invited everyone to watch Castaic’s team as they started their season.

Barger also took a moment to acknowledge Cayden Kollasch, a junior at Hart High School and pitcher for the Hawks baseball team, who donates his birthday and Christmas money to the league every year.

Cayden Kollasch talks to the crowd about how he gives back to the league.

Kollasch shared that his generosity was inspired by an encounter he had seven years ago with MLB player and Santa Clarita native Hunter Greene at a camp where Greene provided a shopping spree for underprivileged kids in baseball.

“It really inspired me to reach out and further employ the love of the game,” said Kollasch. “I’ve donated my Christmas and birthday money every year to this program so I can give a child or several children an opportunity to play the sport I love so much, and it’s a pleasure to give back to the game.”

Having played baseball since the age of four, Kollasch said the sport has given him valuable life lessons and cherished memories. He hopes to continue playing for as long as possible, with one of his proudest moments being his team’s victory in the Division 2 CIF Championship last year.

Following the heartfelt acknowledgments of those who contribute to the community—whether through public service, coaching, or charitable giving—the event concluded with the ceremonial first pitch, thrown by a member of the L.A. County Fire Department.

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