Wilmington Little League Prepares for Celebration

Wilmington’s first official Little League game was played in 1952 and, while the program has grown and changed over the years, the tradition and commitment remains very much the same. 

The first Wilmington Little League games were actually played on the Town Common, across from the high school, with a snow fence erected to mark the field. Since that time games have been played in various locations across town and, finally, in the 1980’s, Little League made Rotary Park its home. 

Three years ago the President of Wilmington Little League at the time, Joe Mullens, decided it was time to bring back a long standing tradition and host an Opening Day Parade. “With the blessing of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, the Police and Fire Departments and the help of local organizations such as the Kiwanis and the Wilmington Minutemen,” said current president Rick Hill, “Joe Mullens and the Wilmington Little League Board of Directors put into motion a plan to bring back the Opening Day Parade.”

More than simply a parade, Opening Day is a town wide tradition celebrating Wilmington Little League, its role in the community and the people who have participated in it over the years. 

 “Last year we had over 1,000 people attend our Parade and Opening Day ceremony,” said Hill, “We took advantage of this special day to honor two military veterans who had participated in Wilmington Little League as children by allowing them to throw out the season's first pitch.”

Also attending and speaking at the event were , 2010 Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Michael Newhouse and Town Manager Michael Caira.

Of course what would opening day be without hot dogs? “When the ceremony concluded,” Hill said, “all the players who marched in the parade and watched the festivities from the field were directed back to the area across from the Public Safety building where the Kiwanis prepared over 600 hot dogs for all of the participants.”

Over the years, Wilmington Little League’s success in the community has been thanks to a number of long standing, devoted coaches who volunteer their time to work with the players. 

One of those coaches, Bob Gage, has dedicated the past thirty one years to volunteering as a Major League Manager. For twenty eight of his Wilmington Little League years Gage has been the Manager of The Major League White Sox. What keeps Gage coming back to the Little League field year after year? “It’s a release,” said Gage. “The kids keep you young.” 

Of course, supporting the community as a coach has tremendous benefits and, as Gage said, “I’ve met so many great people over the years.”

Gage’s nephew, Brian Kane, proves that the love for Little League can often run in families. Currently the Vice President of the program as well as Major League Orioles coach, Kane is proud of what Wilmington Little League represents. 

“Currently we have close to 900 children playing both baseball and softball from ages 7 through 16 on over 70 teams, with over 200 volunteer coaches in the program,” he said. “I think Wilmington Little League is a program that the town can be proud of.”

With opening day on the horizon teams are practicing, fields are being readied and everyone involved is looking forward to the parade. “We expect to have a larger crowd this year,” said Hill. “And we hope to have more special activities during our Opening Day ceremony.”

This year’s parade and Opening Day ceremony are scheduled for Saturday April, 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Players and their coaches will march from the 4^th Of July Building, down Church Street and to Rotary Park. Once everyone has arrived, the ceremonies will take place on the field. 

Following the ceremony, the Tigers and Orioles from the major league level will officially play the first game of the season.  For more information, visit the Wilmington Little League Web site at wilmingtonlittleleague.org.