Play Ball! at Peter J. Foley [Photos]

Opening Day ceremonies were held at Peter J. Foley Little League in Naugatuck on Sunday.

More than 150 boys and girls will play this year at what is called the oldest Little League stadium in New England.

Coaches, league directors and local dignitaries encouraged players to learn baseball, have fun and keep the game in perspective.

Barbara D'Agnone, a league organizer, read the poem "Alone at the Plate" by author unknown:

He pulls on a helmet, picks up the bat,
and walks to the plate, “gotta hit and that’s that.”

The crowd starts to yell, the game’s on the line,
last inning, two outs, the score’s nine to nine.

Dad yells, “Go get it,” Mom wrings her hands,
Coach hollers, “hit it,” but alone there he stands.

Heroes are made in seconds such as this,
but he’s just a little boy, what if he should miss?
Years after the game’s ended, and he’s little no more,
will he remember the outcome or even the score?

No he’ll have forgotten if he was out, hit or a run,
he’ll only look back on his friends and the fun.

So cheer this boy on, alone with his fate,
help him remember with fondness this stand at the plate.

Spend your time wisely and help in his quest 
to be a hitter with confidence and always do his best.
And when the game’s over, this boy can stand tall,
for you’ve helped him prepare to give it his all!