Ceremony is the first held in the last three years
There was a special kind of buzz in the air Saturday morning as hundreds of young baseball and softball players gathered in front of Town Hall for the Little League parade and opening day ceremony. The festivities were being held for the first time in three years, since before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the nation.
“I think it’s great,” said Cornwall Little League President Lynn Beesecker. “We missed it. Last year we had a regular season and started without a parade. Somehow it didn’t seem right. They [the players] don’t have the same nostalgia as three or four years ago, but I think they’re happy to be out playing. Our numbers reflect that. Everyone is happy to try to get back to normal.”
Led by the Storm King Engine Company color guard, each team marched down Hudson Street, up Little League Drive to Ed Doty Field. Upon entering the complex, the players were greeted by the Cornwall varsity baseball and softball teams, which formed an archway to the field. The teams lined up along the outermost edge of the infield as they awaited the start of the ceremony.
Treble in Paradise, the high school’s acapella group, kicked things off with the singing of the National Anthem. Chaplain Robert Hershberger provided the invocation, reminding the players to do their best win or lose. He said whether they hit the ball or not, the most important thing is to have fun.
Beesecker then recognized the three teams which won banners last season: the Senior Girls won the Fall League’s Harvest Cup, the Minor Boys won the District 19 championship, and the Boys Intermediate 50/70 baseball team won the state championship. As a surprise from their parents, the state winners each received championship rings from Coach Brent Hershberger.
The ceremony concluded with Brian Adams, Bobby Lynch, and Alyssa Anderson throwing out the first pitches to kick off the season.
Beesecker reported over 500 registrants, which equal or surpass the league numbers prior to the pandemic.
“That’s encouraging,” he said. “People want to get out. People want to play.”
The league will be comprised of eight tee ball teams (co-ed), 23 baseball teams (instructional, major, minor, and senior), and 12 softball teams.
Most of the COVID restrictions which were in place last year are gone. While masks aren’t required, players may continue to wear them. Absent from the fields last year were bleachers, but Beesecker said they will be making a return. The concession stand will also be re-opening.
The biggest sign that things are getting back to normal, however, is the international All-Star tournament will resume this year.
Beesecker said the league is always looking for sponsors and donations, as well as additional coaches. If anyone is interested in contributing, they can visit the league’s new website, cornwallnyll.com or e-mail contact@cornwallnyll.com.
