Warren Little League Kicks Off Opening Day

Excitement filled the air Saturday morning as Warren Little League players, coaches and families paraded through downtown Warren on their way to Opening Day ceremonies at Jannitto Memorial Park.

Over 200 players in four divisions on seventeen different teams (each of which is named after a Major League team) briefly stopped traffic as they walked in a boisterous processional down Main Street past and over to the freshly groomed baseball diamond.

Marny Kindness’s son Miles was one of four T-ball players chosen to carry the Little League banner at the start of the parade. She snapped off shot after shot with her camera as they walked along.

“Oh my God, this is too cute. I can’t stand it,” she gushed.

Bridget Faria, another mom, was also happy to be there. “I played ball in school. It’s good for them. They learn sportsmanship and camaraderie.”

Eric Perrotti, who pitches in the Minor league for the Giants, was definitely enjoying time with his buddies. “I like the team because we’re all friends, and we’re all righties.”

League President, and manager of the White Sox team, Steve Calenda pumped his fist and lead his players in a chant as they walked. Others, like Coach Mike Servant, were just relieved by the good weather.

“We’re finally not getting rain,” he said. 

The teams assembled on the field as upbeat music blared through speakers.  Dawson Harris of the Pirates and Jabin Read of the White Sox, who both carried flags in the parade as part of the Color guard, broke into a spontaneous synchronized dance to ‘Rock the Casbah’ while waiting for officiants to began. Nearby, other players giggled at a dancing Dunkin Donuts cup.

Dave Loughlin ran over and adjusted his son Micah’s hat, which had been falling over his eyes. Micah’s mom, meanwhile, was a little nervous about him getting hit in the face with the ball during the game.

"Sometimes they get bored and they don't pay attention," she said.

At the start of the ceremony Reverend Peter Gower drew chuckles with a prayer that began “God grant me the wisdom to tell a strike from a ball.”

Calenda then asked for a moment of silence for Americans in the armed forces and for Marilyn Picerelli, wife of former coach Bob Picerelli, who passed away in January.

Local politicians wished the teams well, including Rep. Malik who urged parents to “stay involved with your children through sports,” and Senator Felag who hoped the children would create the kind of fond memories he holds from his time in the Little League forty-five years ago.

Calenda gave a distinguished sponsor award to Dunkin Donuts, while Kevin Ferias presented a posthumous Lifetime Achievement award to Joe Coccia, a volunteer who scored the games for over fifty years. The Coccia family, who accepted the award, then presented the League with a $1,000 check.

“What can I say, one year later Joe is still helping out,” said a visibly moved Calenda.

As the players were introduced one by one, each stepped forward and tipped their hat. Finally, Cliff Prazeres from Dunkin Donuts went to the mound and threw the first pitch. Then it was officially time to... play ball!

Games were held all day on Saturday at Jannitto Memorial Park and the field at Hugh Cole Elementary School.  The next event for the League is the “Warren Pitch, Hit & Run Competition” on May 7.