Baseball A Summertime Tradition in Somers

Two simple words bring spine-tingling excitement to youngsters and adults alike this time of year – “play ball!” Those words kicked off the much anticipated summer season for Somers Little League on Saturday.  

"This season marks out 49th year providing Little League baseball for the youth of Somers, and my second year as Little League President" said Somers Little League President Jeff Jablonski.  "The intent of the league is to provide a place where Somers youth can go to learn the game of baseball, play on a team, and strive to follow the Little League motto of 'Character, Courage, Loyalty.'"

The fields were groomed, the plates were set, and the fences were mended. All that remained was to get the games started.

Little Leaguers joined their coaches for a parade, as parents and fans lined the path from the back of , and a flood of colored uniforms marched to .

After the parade, players, coaches, parents and family members - displaying their team colors - turned out in record numbers to listen to the announcements of teams and sponsors before dispersing to the well-groomed baseball fields to play their first games of the season. Fans also enjoyed the traditional hot dogs and drinks from the concession stands.

The crowd joined Jablonski in recognizing the contributions of the volunteers that made the day's festivities take place and First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini gave the welcoming speech at the ceremony.

"The Somers Little League gives our young people a fabulous opportunity to learn the game of baseball," said Pellegrini. "This is where they make life-long friendships and are part of a team that will have a summer full of excitement and family-oriented fun."

Shortly afterwards, and on a nearly perfect Saturday morning, six Somers High School seniors threw out the first pitch to six Little League Division players and the season was underway.