Rocky Hill Little Leaguers Make Memories

Saturday morning marked the opening day for Rocky Hill Little League, but it also was a chance for several little boys and girls to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Hundreds of parents, coaches and players braved the cold, windy morning to attend opening day ceremonies and the first games of the season for Rocky Hill Little League at .

"It's a great day and you can tell people are really having fun," said Rocky Hill Little League President David Sevigny.

Little leaguers between the ages of five and 12 from the five divisions (tee ball, farm league A and rookie, minors and majors) took to DiMauro Field for the opening ceremonies. Each team got the chance to run onto the infield from the outfield to a round of applause from parents and supporters.

"If we don't have a good sense of community, I don't know who does," Sevigny said.

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State Rep. Antonio 'Tony' Guerrera was the guest speaker and got the little leaguers all riled up when he discussed the Red Sox and Yankees rivalry. 

"I feel like I am at the capitol already," joked Guerrera, who was accompanied by state Sen. Paul Doyle.

However, Guerrera said he wanted to take the time to recognize who he believed are the "true heroes" of the baseball diamond.

"It's your moms and dads. It's your coaches who love this sport to make sure you have the opportunity on this gorgeous day to play baseball," Guerrera said. The little leaguers applauded their parents and coaches.

He added that little league was a chance for children to "make memories" with friends new and old "that will last forever."

"Someday you will be supporting your boys and girls while they're playing this great sport," Guerrera said.

Sevigny said several changes over the years have been made to the fields at Elm Ridge Park to make it more "visually appealing." The changes included new sounds systems and scoreboards for both fields as well as Major League Baseball team flags and a green screen on the outfield fence at DiMauro Field.

"It's going to be a lot more fun to come down here," Sevigny said.

One of the major changes will be implemented later this year when the Rocky Hill Little League builds a , which will be fully funded with donations.

Over the years participation in little league has been dropping and its down 10 percent from last year. Sevigny said it is "hard to retain people," especially with competition with other sports such as lacrosse.

However for Sevigny, nothing beats opening day for the little league and added that baseball is as much about athletics as it is "socialization."

"It is a staple," Sevigny said. "Opening day does not get rivaled."

In the end, the bricks for the concession stand will to help build even more memories for families, Sevigny said. A father who played little league 20 years ago, can now share a portion of the field with his son.

"It's nice we will have a father next to a son," Sevigny said about the possible placement of the bricks.