[PHOTOS] New City Little League Opening Day 2013

Matt Gemignani  doesn’t usually play catcher, but after Saturday he can officially list on his playing resume that he caught for Mets and Yankees legend Dwight “Doc” Gooden.

On Saturday, Gooden was the special guest at New City Little League’s Opening Day, and threw out two ceremonial first pitches. Gemignani, 11, of New City, caught the first one.

“It was awesome,” he said.

Michael Chillino, 11, of New City, caught the second first pitch.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “It’s a once in a million chance to catch for him because he was in professional baseball.”

Gooden also appeared at New City Little League’s Opening Day three years ago. On Saturday, he not only threw out the first pitches, but also spoke briefly to the hundreds of baseball and softball players at the ceremony.

“This is where it all started,” Gooden said, referring to little league. “It’s all about teamwork, being supportive for your teammates and also opposing teams, cheering for them and helping them out as well.”

Each baseball and softball team in the league’s various divisions marched onto the field carrying their respective banners and lined up along the outfield edge of the infield dirt.

A few local elected officials were also on hand, including Rockland County Legislator Ed Day, who also threw out a ceremonial first pitch, and Clarkstown Town Council members Shirley Lasker, George Hoehmann and Frank Borelli.

“It’s been a very long winter and now it’s officially spring because it’s Opening Day in New City,” Lasker said.

Day mentioned that he started coaching in New City Little League 19 years ago.

“I just want to thank all of you, past and present, for a lifetime of memories and lifelong friends,” he said. “Have a great 2013 season.”

Also throwing out a ceremonial first pitch was Rockland Boulders pitcher Bobby Blevins. Gooden and Blevins also stayed after the ceremony to sign autographs for the young players.