Horsham Little League Holds Opening Day Ceremony

Saturday marked the opening day ceremony for the Horsham Little League, which celebrated its 53rd year with recognition of last year’s victories. 

“We’re looking forward to our 1,000-plus players enjoying a great season with their friends,” said President Kevin Wall.

After raising the American flag to the national anthem, last year’s teams that won the town-against-town district games received league jackets. A special plaque was awarded to former President Jim Worthington, who was instrumental in creating the League’s Meadow Park grounds. Worthington had the honor of throwing the season’s first pitch.

Several teams then took to the field to officially start the 2011 season, which spans through June.

Horsham's Little League is comprised of 86 baseball and softball teams with children ranging from 4 years old to 16 years old.  The approximately 1,050 children playing are made up of about 650 boys and 400 girls with an additional 96 specially-abled children in the league’s Challenger division.

The 2010 season was especially successful, with six of the teams proceeding to district competitions. The boys’ senior and junior baseball teams also won the sectional games, played against other counties, and then played in the state-wide games.  

Jake Jones, 8, is excited to have his father Dave coach his team, the Horsham Phillies. Jake’s favorite part of the game is batting.

“I’m excited and this year is his first year doing machine pitch,” said his father Dave Jones, referring to the mechanical pitchers that some of the teams use.

 “We want to get the kids a great, fun experience in baseball and softball,” said Kevin Barron, baseball vice president.

Also, “no rain” this season, he added.