This is the introductory post on this website, LVDiamondReport.com. No, it’s not a site dedicated to Adam Sandler’s new movie, Uncut Gems. It’s about a the great sports that take place on diamonds: baseball and softball.

It will focus on all things baseball and softball in the Las Vegas Valley. On the baseball side, we will delve into the Aviators, UNLV, CSN, high schools and even club ball. On softball, we’ll cover UNLV, CSN, high school and travel ball.

So, what makes me think I can offer anything in this regard? Well, in my career I’ve been a sportswriter and editor for various newspapers, including the Las Vegas Review-Journal. I played the game through high school and adult baseball leagues while living in San Diego many years ago.

Lastly, I’ve followed my son through club ball, high school and a short college stint that ended in injury and then watched my daughter play travel ball in Las Vegas and then high school until she decided she’d rather focus on other aspects of her life.

In one year as a 13-year-old while living in Arizona, my son played more than 100 games with his club ball team, and I was there for every one of them. That’s 100 games in 365 days, and that doesn’t include the practices two to three times a week.

With my daughter’s teams, there weren’t quite as many games, but there was a lot of travel. Trips to Southern California, Arizona and Utah were regular occurances.

My goal for both kids never included any delusions of my son making the big leagues or either one of them even playing in college. I just wanted them to have a good high school experience and whatever happened after that would play itself out.

One thing I did find out about baseball and softball, parents and players have to be extremely dedicated. The cost isn’t insignificant but it pays off in the friendships and the memories.

Well, anyway, these are my baseball/softball credentials. My goal is to offer and entertaining and informative site that delves into the baseball and softball community locally. I hope you enjoy it.

Kirk Kern

Publisher/Editor