Softball Opening Day A Hit With Players

The Newport Little League girls softball season kicked off as  players celebrated the fifth annual Opening Day Saturday morning.

As part of the celebration, the Little League rededicated a flagpole formerly located at First Beach. The flagpole, dedicated in 2004 by the Slom family, moved to its new location at the Douglas Marine Field on Wellington Avenue after being refurbished, said Brian Russell, Little League board member and volunteer.

Rita Slom was on hand to throw out the first ceremonial pitch of the season.

“I played for Rogers High School 60 years ago for Matty Nooan. He was a great coach and taught us well so I still think I remember how to throw,” Slom said.

Russell said there has been tremendous growth in girls’ softball since Newport Little League took over all the responsibility for running it.

“There used to be a mishmash of girls softball programs in the city. Some were run by the Recreation Department. They did a great job. Other venues existed for girls softball. But now that it’s under one umbrella and it’s grown from 40 girls five years ago to over 90 now,” he said. “We’re really proud of the growth and the commitment of the girls."

There  four levels in the League, including the clinic division, Minors, Majors and Seniors. Girls ages five to 15 have the opportunity to participate. After playing in Little League, many of the girls move on to playing for the Rogers High School team, who were on hand to conduct a clinic for the younger players from the League.

Sisters Laura and Kelsie Fountain conducted one of the stations at home plate.

“It’s fun being out here teaching them,” said Laura Fountian. 

They both showed the younger girls how to run from home to first base, touching the bag as they went.

At another station Kila Nelson and Precious Daquil taught the girls how to slide into a base.

“These girls are good and they really want to learn,” Nelson said.

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