Baseball leagues open up season
Published 11:22 am Monday, April 26, 2010
From left, Olivia Laurita, Alysa Adamczyk and Ellie Knapp prove that baseball is not just for the boys. The trio took part in the Brandywine Cal Ripken Opening Day festivities at Fireman's Park. (Daily Star photo/ERIKA PICKLES)
By ERIKA PICKLES
Niles Daily Star
Bell road was flooded Saturday morning, but rain wasn’t to blame.
Around 350 youth baseball players marched from Brandywine High School to Fireman’s Youth Park for the opening day ceremonies of the 2010 Brandywine Cal Ripken season. The league, which features a total of 28 teams, is one of the biggest in Niles, something president Jamie Stover is proud of.
“Not only are the kids excited, but parents and coaches as well. This field, right here where we’re standing, was rated one of the best ballparks in Michigan. That’s something we can all be proud of,” league president Jamie Stover said to a crowded field during the opening ceremonies.
Cal Ripken has a total of four divisions – Tee-ball (ages 4-6); rookies (ages 6-8); minors (ages 9-10); and majors (ages 11-12). Last year, the league hosted The Cal Ripken Baseball State Tournament.
Games got underway right after the ceremonies ended and continued throughout the day on Saturday. On Sunday, most of them were canceled due to the weather. A list of games this season can be found on the league’s website at www.eteamz.com/bcrbrl/
Season opening parades and games were also held at Howard Township and Greater Niles Little League.
