Warwick. Little League holds opening day for the 2021 baseball season

Play ball.

On Saturday, April 17, Warwick Little League officially held opening day for the 2021 baseball season at Veterans Memorial Park.

The annual Little League opening day traditionally begins with a parade led by a color guard and local officials heading down Main Street and then to the ball fields for ceremonies including throwing out the first ball.

However, as a result of the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions, those ceremonies were canceled both last year and this past Saturday. But the games were scheduled as usual.

Last year they were postponed but held with everyone wearing masks, during July, August and September.

But for the 2021 season, the games began on time.

More than 390 young players have signed up for 31 teams, each with its own manager and two to three coaches.

In preparation for the season, there were field improvements along with a fresh coat of paint for the concession stand.

In 2020 everyone wore masks at all times. But this year that only applies to the managers, coaches and volunteers. The players are excused from that rule while on the field but must wear their masks when they are in the dugout.

During opening day the League raffled off two fun baskets and sponsored a non-perishable food donation for the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry. The team that donated the most food would win an ice cream party at the concession.

Although the traditional open day ceremonies were canceled, the league is considering a ceremony to be held in June, depending on restrictions at that time.

- Roger Gavan