The crack of the bat, the cheer of the crowd – baseball and softball season are back! The Habersham County Little League celebrated its big Opening Day Saturday. There was a huge turnout at Diamond Memorial Park in Clarkesville as parents, coaches, players and fans gathered for the festivities.
As the teams arrived at the field you could feel the energy in the air. The Parade of Teams kicked things off with a walk around the field that ended in a tunnel of arms courtesy of the Habersham Central High School and Piedmont College baseball teams. Every Little League player was recognized and just about every one of them had a smile on their face.
After the twenty-minute parade, cannons boomed in the distance marking the start of a new season. Cannons. Literally. There were three small cannons at the park, the largest of which was only about three feet high. Without warning, these small but powerful noise makers cracked the air and everyone whipped their heads to see what was happening. It was a fitting start to what promises to be yet another exciting season of HCLL baseball and softball.
Little League meets the Big League
Saturday’s special guest was former Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees pitcher Roger Erickson. Big League dreams start in Little League
The MLB right hander was drafted by the Twins in 1977 and was traded to New York in 1982. He threw his last pitch in 1983. Though retired from he game his heart never left it as evidenced by the way he interacted with local Little Leaguers. He encouraged them to “just have fun.” Erickson had some fun himself Saturday in a heated lemon squeezing competition.
Inflatables, face painting, raffles and more gave the kids plenty to do and, oh, there was BASEBALL!
This is the 18th season for the Habersham County Little League. Two famous mascots came out to enjoy the day with the kids. The Gwinnett Braves Chopper and Chick-fil-A cow were both there handing out high-fives and hugs all day long: No doubt there will plenty more where those came from as the Little League season continues through May.
