MILLERTON— The first pitch of the Little League season was thrown on Saturday, April 6 at Eddie Collins Park, and game schedules will be announced soon.
The Webutuck Little League held Opening Day ceremonies at the village park from noon to 3 p.m. with players and parents pumping up the anticipation of another ball season on the newly renovated field.
Games again this year will be played in Millerton and at Amenia’s Beekman Park. Nearly 100 players have signed up for all the divisions, close to last year’s number.
Saturday’s ceremony kicked off with a parade from the Millerton Fire Department on Century Boulevard to the park, passing along Main Street with players waving from a hay wagon float.
“What’s going on?” the cashier at Agway asked. Another stroller on Main Street in front of Harney & Sons asked the same question.
The answer “a Little League parade” prompted immediate and knowing smiles.
The parade was over almost as soon as it got underway.
Once at the park, coaches and parents corraled the excited Little Leaguers to the infield diamond where they lined up by division from third base to home plate and then on to first base.
Webutuck Little League President DJ Reilly took the mound and directed attention to the American flag while the national anthem was sung. Reilly then asked the the players to recite the Little League pledge, followed by the Volunteer Parent pledge.
Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek addressed the players, parents and coaches, thanking everyone for their continued support of the Little League program.
Next up, “Rascal,” the mascot for the Hudson Valley Renegades, walked on the mound and threw the first pitch of the 2024 season to catcher Jay Muldoon. The Renegades are a Minor League team based in Fishkill and affiliated with the New York Yankees.
With official business completed, the players were released to find food and drink and bounce houses. Later, a sound system filled the air.
The baseball gods were smiling on everyone on this 39-degree Saturday turned in to a sunny afternoon.
The Village of Millerton Police Department distributed free bicycle helmets to children. The program is part of a New York State safety initiative.
Sgt. David Rudin fitted a new helmet on Lillian Perusse, 8, of Millerton. Village Chief Joseph Olenik and State Police Trooper J.C. Cruz were on hand to assist at more players lined up for the free helmets.
Game schedules will be announced.
For more information, contact webutucklittleleague@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page.
John Coston
Webutuck Little Leaguers and coaches — and the Renegades mascot — have been preparing for opening game day to come Saturday, April 13. This season approximately 100 players have signed up for all divisions.
