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Florida celebrates half a century of playing ball

| 15 May 2012 | 07:07
    Village of Florida Historian William Pillmeier Jr. throws out the first pitch to open the Florida Little League season, now in its 50th year. Florida Mayor Jim Pawliczek looks on; he would later throw out the ceremonial first softball pitch. Photos by Andrea Cushing
    Village of Florida Historian William Pillmeier Jr. throws out the first pitch to open the Florida Little League season, now in its 50th year. Florida Mayor Jim Pawliczek looks on; he would later throw out the ceremonial first softball pitch. Photos by Andrea Cushing
    Here's the view from the outfield on opening day of the Florida Little League at the Little League complex on Round Hill Road in the Village of Florida.
    Here's the view from the outfield on opening day of the Florida Little League at the Little League complex on Round Hill Road in the Village of Florida.
    Players, coaches, friends and families listen to remarks during the opening day ceremonies of the Florida Little League.
    Players, coaches, friends and families listen to remarks during the opening day ceremonies of the Florida Little League.
    Community volunteers, past and present, have helped build what started fifty years ago with four teams and 52 players, into the current 18 teams and more than 200 players.
    Community volunteers, past and present, have helped build what started fifty years ago with four teams and 52 players, into the current 18 teams and more than 200 players.

FLORIDA —In one of the more visible signs of spring, the Florida Little League kicked off its 2012 season with opening day ceremonies on April 21 at the Little League complex on Round Hill Road.

The sun-drenched ceremonies started off with Florida American Legion Post #1250 raising the American flag at the newly donated centerfield flag pole and the singing of the National Anthem by Alyssa Yee.

League President Glenn deJong welcomed everyone to the start of the Florida Little League’s 50th season.

Both past and present were recognized during the ceremonies. The 2011 Florida Junior Girls All-Star softball team also was honored for winning the 2011 District 19 Junior Girls softball tournament.

In addition, Girl Scout Troop 308 were recognized for building the brand new picnic tables under the pavilion at the complex to earn their Silver Award.

The past was also recognized as deJong presented Village of Florida Historian William Pillmeier Jr., himself a past Florida Little League president and the son of the first president of the league, with a framed set of the original plans for the complex.

First pitches As the league starts its 50th season, deJong mentioned that an appropriate person to throw out the ceremonial first pitch would be the son of the very first league President.

Pillmeier, who was a coach in the inaugural season 50 years ago, then threw out the ceremonial first baseball pitch. Florida mayor Jim Pawliczek threw out the ceremonial first softball pitch. Both gentlemen briefly spoke about some of the history of the league and its volunteers.

deJong thanked the current members of the Little League Board of Directors, sponsors, parents, and players and mentioned that volunteers are always needed and welcome.

Fifty years ago, Little League in the Village of Florida began with four teams and 52 players.

On opening day 2012, Florida Little League consisted of 18 teams with more than 200 players.

Here’s to the next fifty! This article was submitted by Rob Pillmeier.