HYBSA Parade Rings In New Season on the Diamond

Finally, at long last, the bitter winter has been exorcised, the snow is a distant memory and the rains of April are behind us. In short, spring is here.

And what says spring in Holliston better than Littel League baseball?

The Holliston Youth Baseball Softball Association (HYBSA) held its annual Opening Day Parade Sunday, starting the procession outside of . The event was put together by the HYBSA, which is made up of parents and members of the Holliston community who took the time out of their busy schedules to put this special day together.

The parade itself was a sight to behold, as hundreds of uniform-clad young athletes marched the streets with their coaches and teammates, throwing candy to the crowds from Woodland Street to Washington Street and back.

The weather was a breezy 70 degrees and attendance was extremely strong as hundreds of families gathered for the parade start at 12:30 p.m. The march was led by a handful of Holliston’s finest antique cars, in which a few lucky athletes were allowed to ride.

Meanwhile, the parade was escorted by both the and Departments. HFD brought along three fire trucks, allowing a few athletes to ride along inside.

“It’s been a great day for the parade, there’s a nice breeze," said parade coordinator Andy Sykes. "The kids got off right on time for the parade, we have fire trucks, antique cars, just a nice festive event for Holliston.”

HYBSA President Charley Jacobs echoed similar views as he discussed putting the event together: “Today is going fantastic, the weather gods are smiling on us. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes with all of our volunteers and coordinators prior to the season starting. This becomes our opening day of the season. We have the ceremonial first pitch for both the baseball and softball leagues, and the games get under way either today or tomorrow. In short, spring ball is finally here.”

Spirit wear — everything from T-shirts and hoodies to pajamas and jerseys — were sold at multiple kiosks run by the volunteers of the HYBSA.

“Today’s parade has gone fabulous," said volunteer Danielle Hollan. "HYBSA is a wonderful organization with great family involvement. The spirit wear is sold in hopes of raising money to keep costs down for the families of Holliston.”

After the parade circled back to Damigella Field at the , Jacobs gathered all of the teams and coaches around the infield to publicly thank the many people who were involved in putting the parade together.

Jacobs then introduced first-year softball coach Melissa Dlugolecki, who has led the Panther to an impressive 6-1 start this season, and senior co-captain Lauren Lisak. Lisak then threw the ceremonial  first pitch to a roar of approval from her teammates and the crowd.

Next, Jacobs invited HHS baseball coach Keith Verra to the mound, who was followed by former HYBSA presidents Fred Snow and Mark Jeye. Jacobs detailed how Snow and Jeye had given countless hours of volunteer work to helping build the organization. Snow and Jeye then delivered the ceremonial first pitches for the baseball season. Both pitches were low and inside.

Finally, Jacobs ended the ceremony by giving out of a few prizes to some randomly-selected athletes, who each gleefully sprinted from their respective teams to get their prize and take in a brief moment in the spotlight.

Afterwards, all participants were invited across the street to the , which was fully stocked with hot dogs, chips and sodas for all the athletes and volunteers.

All in all, one couldn’t ask for a better day to bring together the sports community in Holliston. Luckily for all parties involved, the season is only just getting started.