Hopkinton Little Leaguers March to the Batters Box

Hundreds of families with their children in baseball uniforms streamed into Hopkinton town square to celebrate the opening of the 2011 Hopkinton Little League season Sunday.

Excitement filled the air as the parade stepped off  led by Wally The Green Monster, the 2010 10-year-old champions from Medway's Tondorf Tournament and the Boys and Girls Hopkinton High School Division Champion varsity basketball teams.

With summer-like temperatures, team members and coaches enjoyed walking down Main Street into Carrigan Field behind Hopkinton Fire Headquarters.

 Coach Ed Cavallo opened the event with a rousing cheer from the players. TEAM B SCREAMED THE LOUDEST, or maybe I was just standing too close.

Hopkinton Little League President Mike Scire thanked the volunteers who helped with the field cleanup, the girls and boys Hillers basketball teams, Wally, and families for coming.

"We have over 800 kids participating in the Hopkinton Little League, which is one of the largest in the United States," said Scire.  "We are celebrating over 55 years as an organization."

Dave Teitelman received the day's first award for Volunteer of the Year. "Dave has been instrumental in helping with registration, websites and organization for the league," said Mike.

After the crowd rose to sing the National Anthem, Alyssa McIntire and Megan White treated the fans to the Little League Pledge*. 

Proud parents snapped pictures as championship trophies were awarded to the members of the Boys 2010 Tondorf League Team for their victory against Medway.

The Paul Phipps Award went to Doug Onsi who coached the major league Athletics. Phipps was an athlete, WWII veteran, and successful Hopkinton businessman who founded the Hopkinton Little League 55 years ago.

The Tom McIntyre Award went to Jim Mirabile who coached the U-12 Red Sox.

Scire acknowledged Fran Pettepit  who has been instrumental in organizing the HLL's website, registration, and safety officer.

Boys and girls basketball MVP's Barrett Hanlon & Nicole Anagnostaras threw out the first pitches. Let's play ball!

The parade was a success. Both parents and players are looking forward to a season packed with high-level competition and good sportmanship.

Wally had to leave to cheer on the Red Sox as Josh Beckett shut out the Yankees Sunday night!

Little League Pledge

I trust in God 
I love my country 
And will respect its laws 
I will play fair 
And strive to win 
But win or lose 
I will always do my best

(Source: Littleleague.org)