The sun was shining in Stotzky Park for Riverhead Little League’s opening day ceremony this morning.
“We had a great response this year, we kept adding teams,” league president Scott Wicklund said after the ceremony, referring to the influx of players that had signed up. “We kept getting calls saying ‘can you add just one more kid’ and soon enough one more kid turned into one more team, and then another.”
There are more than 20 teams with full rosters this year, Wicklund said.
“What we do still need are more board members,” Wicklund said during his opening remarks. “If you’re interested, there are only two requirements: a big heart, and a tough skin.”
The opening day ceremony would not be complete without the Little League parade around the bases. Coaches and kids marched on the field to cheers and high fives from league organizers as well as Councilwoman Jodi Giglio and Supervisor Sean Walter. The ceremony featured a color guard presentation by the Cub Scouts. Walter lead the teams in a prayer, reminding them to use good sportsmanship, play fair and have fun.
After the first pitches were thrown, Wicklund ended the ceremony by telling the kids to pick up a special Riverhead Little League water bottle on their way off the field and invited folks to stay and watch two of the teams play a game this afternoon.
“Now I get to say two of my favorite words — play ball!”
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Courtney Blasl.
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