Tiverton Little League Holds 55th Opening Day Ceremonies

Neither a blustery wind and nor temperatures in the mid-40’s could not diminish the turnout and enthusiasm for the opening day ceremonies of the Tiverton Little League at the on Saturday.

After face-painting, relay contests, a 50-50 raffle, candy bar sales, other activities and food from the concession stand, it was time to start the parade of players on Main Road.

Over 400 bundled-up children accompanied by their coaches and ‘Gully’, the Newport Gulls mascot, made the annual 200-yard, 10-minute trek to the main field. Meanwhile, dozens of cameras of family members recorded the momentous occasion.

Officers in two cars and a truck with lights on and horn occasionally blaring, served as valuable escorts.

League President Claudia Linhares was the emcee for the ceremonies. The routine and first-day ceremony never gets old to her.

“It still is exciting and keeps my blood running,” says this veteran volunteer of 33 years in a league entering its 60^th year.

Linhares praised the board of directors, coaches, parents and other volunteers, and businesses that annually sponsor teams.

“This is the first time we’ve ever had banners,” she said as of local businesses on the outfield fence were unveiled by players. “Three more will be added later.”

“We have some fundraisers with teams selling candy bars,” Linhares said of ongoing efforts to raise money for a new concession stand. “The winning team will get to go on the field with the Newport Gulls later on in the season. We also will have a golf benefit at Newport Golf Club on June 24.”

Resident John Vaillancourt has been involved in the league as a coach for the past 11 years with his son, Robbie and daughter Rebecca, participating in the league. “We are a baseball family,” he proudly said. “I gave them both a glove when they were born.”

“It was fun today,” said Rebecca , who says she usually plays in the infield for her sotball squad. “I especially like playing with my Dad.”

Brother Robbie pitches and plays other positions for his baseball team and for AAU. He has big ambitions. “I want to play for Bishop Hendricken, go to the University of Miami and sign with anyone but the Yankees.”

With team names such as the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rockies, this league of 480 boys and girls ages 4 through 12, experienced growth in registration this year. Ten teams with 100 players in T-Ball represent the biggest increase. Teams in the league play on six fields in town.

Gary Rose, chairman of the Tiverton Recreation Committee, was honored as a volunteer and ongoing league involvement, including as a player, for over 30 years. He also threw out the first ball.

“I coached the Senior Little League boys to a state championship in 1979 and girls softball to three division championships,” he said. “Lots of credit has to go to coaches Tracey DiPrato and Craig Mello for their efforts in developing softball, too.”

Linhares is carrying on a legacy left by her late husband, Ozzie, for his work in the league.

“My sons played, my granddaughter played for the league and for two championship teams at and my grandson is playing in the majors division,” she said.

“Claudia has done an outstanding job,” Rose added. “I’m not sure she has gotten nearly the credit she deserves. She organizes everything on opening day, always encourages the volunteers and is the backbone of the organization.”

In the future, more players like Tiverton Little League alums Jim McGlynn, current Tiverton High School baseball coach Carl Reid and Richard Phillips might also go on to star in high school and college ranks or farther. Young ladies who play softball in the league are now making their marks in high school such as Taylor Furtado and may do so in college, too.

Tiverton Little League officials emphasize the league is not intended to be just a high school feeder system or as a portal into colleges or even the major leagues.

“The main thing is to keep as many kids busy as possible,” Linhares says. “But that wouldn’t happen without all the volunteers.”

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