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Little League begins 54th season
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It was a stark contrast to last year’s opening day for the Valley Stream Little League. In 2011, the season began on a cold, gloomy morning that felt more like the start of the football season. But the 2012 season, which got under way last Saturday morning, really did feel like baseball season with sunny skies and spring-like temperatures.
“This is a sign we’re going to have a great season,” said Steve Dignam, who has been the league’s president for the past four years.
Hundreds of children, along with their coaches and parents, gathered on the bleachers at Firemen’s Field for the ceremony and the start of the Little League’s 54th season. Dignam welcomed them all, introduced members of the league’s board and elected officials, and highlighted the Senior Boys’ team’s District 29 championships from each of the past two summers.
Heather LaBarbera, a senior at Central High School, performed the National Anthem for what she expects to be her last Opening Day as she heads to college in the fall.
Marty Clarke was recognized for his leadership of the girls softball program and was named president of that part of the Little League. Then he was asked to throw out the ceremonial first softball pitch beside Mayor Ed Fare who threw out the first baseball pitch. On the catching end were Dignam’s children, Jennifer and Steven, respectively.
Dignam said that there are more than 300 children in the league this year between the softball and baseball programs. Games began on Saturday and will continue for the next two months. The season ends with the Trophy Day ceremony on June 16.
