Batter up in Baldwin!

Little League hosts Opening Day ceremony

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The scent of freshly mown grass, the periodic sounds of baseballs clanging against metal bats, and the sight of kids kicking up clouds of dust as they ran the bases signified the beginning of baseball season at Baldwin Park on Saturday.

Despite the chilly weather and a threat of rain, the Baldwin Sports Little League’s annual Opening Day ceremony drew hundreds of local kids, parents and others to the park, many sporting clothing supporting the league.

“I’m usually here every year,” said Amanda Castillo, a vendor for the Little League. “My daughter plays, too,” she said. “I think the season’s going to go … well.”

The boys’ and girls’ teams lined up along the outfield as the ceremony to usher in the new season of baseball began. The event also served as the official debut of four recently installed batting cages, and as an opportunity to thank the volunteers, contributors and sponsors.

“We put the turf down right before Easter and by Monday they were hitting, so it worked out great,” said Thomas Reilly, treasurer of Baldwin Sports Little League.

“This was my Eagle Scout Project; I’ve been working on for about three or four weeks,” said Thomas Hopkins, 15. “I hope you guys have fun using it throughout the years, and I’ll be down here watching you guys have fun.”

In addition to helping with the labor, Hopkins also collected $2,700 in donations for the batting cages, which cost $13,000. The Little League board ­— Robert Oliveri, Chris Morro, Sam Paray, Francis Olmedo and Reilly — were also a driving force in getting the batting cage project completed, without financial help from the Town of Hempstead.  

Local sponsors, including Island Wide Pressure Washing, Chris’ Service Center, Baldwin Little League, Baldwin Babe Ruth and the Long Island Royals, also aided the project, donating money or equipment, or volunteering.

Preston Kirchner, 9, has been a part of the Little League for three years, and he was the first to use the batting cages, practicing for the upcoming season. He was confident that his team, the Phillies, would win the championship this year.

“Congratulations on the Opening Day,” Assemblyman Brian Curran said at the ceremony. “Remember the most important things: play hard, listen to your coaches and also have fun.”