Home Run for Little League Opening Day

The 57^th Portsmouth Little League Opening Day commenced at on Saturday morning with a record number of participants, according to League President Dean Hladick.

“There are about 460 kids in the League this year with 200 on the instructional teams,” said Hladick. “The instructional teams include t-ball, mechanical pitch and coach pitch and includes kids, ages 5 through 9 years of age. After that, there are minor teams and major teams to play on."

Both boys and girls can play baseball, but only girls can play on the softball teams according to Little League rules.

“In softball, we also have minor and major teams. On the minors are girls, ages 9 and 10, and on the majors are girls, 11 and 12 years old. We also have senior softball. Those girls are 13 to 15 years old,” said Hladick.

When it was time for the National Anthem, sung by Laurie Spaner, the parents and the children were reminded that the nation is still at war when an American flag, which once flew over Afghanistan, was unfurled.

Honored afterward for their achievement were the 9 and 10-year-old girls' softball All Star team that won the District 2 championship.

Also recognized were the 10 and 11-year-old boys' All Star team that won the District 2 championship.

In a touching moment, Bob Dyl threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his son Caleb. The senior Dyl founded the Portsmouth Challenger team, according to Hladick, “from the ground up.”

The Challenger team is sponsored by Salve Regina University and gives children with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Caleb Dyl is on the Challenger team.

Dave Davies and his son, Nathaniel, brought optimism to opening day. "We're looking forward to a great season," said Dave Davies.

Kendall Ferris was waiting with her mother, Karen, for the festivities  to begin. She had her 2011 goals well focused.

“I want to be a good sport and have fun,” she said.