Play Ball! Westfielders Celebrate Baseball, Softball Opening Day (Photos)

Westfield’s sixth annual Liam’s Room Home Run Derby was held at Gumbert field on Saturday. Westfield baseball and softball players and their families marched to the field from Mindowaskin Park behind Mayor Skibitsky, Councilwoman Jo Ann Neylan, Councilman David Haas and Councilman Keith Loughlin.

Before the games, rides and ice cream truck were bombarded by enthusiastic members of Westfield’s baseball community, Dan Duffy, the president of the Westfield Baseball League, thanked everyone in attendance and those who organized the event. Additionally, co-founder of Liam’s Room, Peter McNamara, stated, “Whatever challenge you face, whether it’s a big one or a small one, don’t give up!”

According to www.liamsroom.org, the Liam’s Room organization raises funds for families in need of a place to stay while their child or children undergo treatment for chronic, potentially life-limiting illnesses. They also aim to provide hospital staff with the knowledge of how important it is to support the entire family unit.

A self-proclaimed baseball-lover, Skibitsky threw the first pitch of the season, and the games began.

Stated Westfield mom Julianna, whose husband coaches softball: “I think it’s great that they get everybody out here at the start of the season.”

Westfielder William Tessler agreed that it was “fun to see everybody in town having a great time.”

To make a donation to or learn more about Liam’s Room, visit www.liamsroom.org.