Take Me Out to the Ballgames

Early on Saturday morning, under bright blue skies, the Bedford Pound Ridge Baseball Association (BPRBA) kicked off their 2010 season with opening ceremonies at the Bedford Village Memorial Park.

Forty-four Little League teams, composed of boys and girls from 5 to 14, marched to piped-in party music across the field to commence what Van Muller described as a "wonderful day in Bedford and Pound Ridge."

In his opening day speech, Muller, President of the BPRBA, had advice for the parents, players and coaches gathered there.

"There is no single day in sports better than this," he said. "I hope everyone will relax and enjoy baseball this season, let the kids play, let the coaches coach, and to leave the field smiling."

David Lillian, a fourth grader player on the Braves team, couldn't contain himself. 

"I am so excited to play baseball again. I haven't played in such a long time!" he shouted. 

Five year-old first-time Reds player Alexa Fields said she was most looking forward to hitting and running.  

Several local celebrities and politicians were on hand to help with the festivities. State Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli issued a citation to commemorate the day, and Town Supervisor Lee Roberts threw out the first pitch. In addition, Sam Roberts, a voice-over actor on TNT and the Discovery Channel gave the crowd a rich introduction to all the teams.

The BPRA includes an instructional league for kindergarteners who play on Saturday mornings; a Rookie League for first and second graders who play one game on Saturday and one during the week; the Minor league for third and fourth graders and the Major league for fifth and sixth graders, who also play one weeknight and one weekend game each week. Seventh and eighth-grade players, known as the Senior League, play their games against other teams from the Central Westchester Baseball Association. 

Players are issued uniforms, and wear the name and logo of teams from Major League Baseball on the front of their shirt, and their number and sponsor's name on the back.  Local businesses like Learning Express, EssentialMom.com, and Bedford Village Hardware are just some of the businesses to sponsor a team this year.

Kevin Hughes, the coach for the Minor League team the Brewers echoed the sentiments of many. He called the opening ceremonies "a true piece of Americana" and said he felt blessed and fortunate to have such great facilities on which to play.

After a lively group rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," red and black balloons, the colors of Fox Lane High School, were released into the air and the children dispersed to throw their first pitches and play ball.