Opening Day ceremonies kick off Little League baseball/softball seasons

Pop-up!!! All eyes were on the ball with the proper degree of enthusiasm as Buffalo little leaguers battled their parents in an Opening Day scrimmage. Parent/player games, a jump house and other activities made for a full day of Family Fun at Harriman Park on Saturday. Rain stormed through the area on Friday night, but Saturday morning dawned to blue skies and sunshine, much to the delight of members of the Buffalo Youth Organization who were looking forward to Opening Day ceremonies for the 2010 baseball/softball season. There was a great crowd at Harriman Prak as President Russell Jonas welcomed the families of the local league’s 153 players, and expressed appreciation to the 27 coaches who are leading twelve teams of youngsters. Caps were handed out and the kiddos introduced, and Mayor Royce Dawkins tossed out the first pitch. (Unfortunately, it wasn’t caught, but T-baller Logan Seklton will have a story to laugh about... when he’s a little older and his shiner goes away!)

Mayor Royce Dawkins tosses out the ceremonial first pitch. Van’Go’photo Each team contributed a cake for a fundraiser and they were auctioned off throughout the introduction of players. Treasurer Amanda Skelton reported that the auction raised $2500 for the organization.

Opening Day activities included a lot of family fun even before the teams got down to the business of playing their first games. A fast-pitch machine, jump house and face painting were available, and parent/player games provided plenty of entertainment. Team pictures were also made -- while those uniforms still looked new! Van’Go’photo