x
  1. Home
  2.  News
  3.  Sports

Warwick Little League celebrates opening day for 2014 baseball season

| 09 Apr 2014 | 08:54
    Everyone assembled in one of the ball fields at Veterans Memorial Park.
    Everyone assembled in one of the ball fields at Veterans Memorial Park.
    After everyone had assembled, Mackenzie Martin, a junior at Warwick Valley High School and a member of the schoolþÄôs Meistersingers, gave a beautiful rendition of the National anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." She received a well deserved round of applause.
    After everyone had assembled, Mackenzie Martin, a junior at Warwick Valley High School and a member of the schoolþÄôs Meistersingers, gave a beautiful rendition of the National anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." She received a well deserved round of applause.
    During the ceremonies Bart Amatetti, president of Warwick Little League, welcomed everyone and later presented special recognition awards. Pictured here, he presents the Volunteer of the Year Award to Gene Decker.
    During the ceremonies Bart Amatetti, president of Warwick Little League, welcomed everyone and later presented special recognition awards. Pictured here, he presents the Volunteer of the Year Award to Gene Decker.
    Photos by Roger Gavan Singing "God Bless America."
    Photos by Roger Gavan Singing "God Bless America."
    At the conclusion of the event Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton pitched the first baseball of the season to catcher Jake Dreizler.
    At the conclusion of the event Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton pitched the first baseball of the season to catcher Jake Dreizler.
    Mayor Michael Newhard tossed in the first softball of the season to catcher Brigid Danaher.
    Mayor Michael Newhard tossed in the first softball of the season to catcher Brigid Danaher.
    Fortwo and a half year old Nico Green, baseball is all about enjoying a hot dog.
    Fortwo and a half year old Nico Green, baseball is all about enjoying a hot dog.

WARWICK — It was a little on the chilly side but everyone managed to brave the unseasonable weather to participate in a popular spring event.

On Saturday, April 5, the Warwick Little League officially opened its 2014 baseball season with the traditional parade down Main Street to the ball fields at Veterans Memorial Park.

After everyone had assembled, Mackenzie Martin, a junior at Warwick Valley High School and a member of the school's Meistersingers, gave a beautiful rendition of our National anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

She received a well deserved round of applause.

League Parade Chair Kerry Danaher served as emcee for the day and introduced local Warwick Town and Village officials one by one.

During the ceremonies Bart Amatetti, president of Warwick Little League, welcomed everyone and later presented special recognition awards.

"This is more than a recreational sport," he said. "It's about community, getting involved and friendship."

A group of young players, formed for the occasion, then stepped up to the microphone to sing "God Bless America."

Repeating the words, as he recalled them, of the late Ben Winstanley, a former Orange County Legislator, who wore his Brooklyn Dodgers jacket as he opened each season, Little League Board Member Roger Showalter shouted, "Play ball!"

At the conclusion of the event Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton pitched the first baseball of the season to catcher Jake Dreizler. Mayor Michael Newhard tossed in the first softball of the season to catcher Brigid Danaher.

All the players, parents and guests then headed over to the food concession stand for hot dogs and other refreshments served by Little League volunteers. Sanford Insurance donated a portion of the expense to offer free hot dogs to the players.

- Roger Gavan

Baseball in Greenwood Lake also opened last weekend. Page 38.