Players take the field during opening ceremonies for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)
Young athletes took to the field at Roto-Rooter Park on Monday, April 13, for ceremonies marking the start of the Keizer Little League season.
This year, Little League has just over 270 kids signed up. They gathered with their families and coaches at the stadium for the opening event, where they received new jerseys.
The excited players ran onto the field with their coaches after each team’s name was announced.
Shannon Moore, president of the local Little League, said this is the second annual kickoff event at the stadium.
Stepping into the role held by Mayor Cathy Clark last year, Keizer Police Chief Andrew Copeland threw the ceremonial first pitch.
Those attending participated in drawings, one for a Blackstone grill. Another offered a cash prize, with half the money from tickets going toward the Keizer Little League and half to the raffle winner.
Moore said the Little League created separate boys and girls T-ball teams this year. The league previously had co-ed teams, but noticed that other leagues in the area recently began dividing teams by gender.
She said the other leagues found the change helps promote girls in sports, and fosters connections between the girls.
A trip to the concession stand is part of opening day for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)A young player gets in some practice during opening day for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)A young player gets in some practice during opening day for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)A young player gets in some practice during opening day for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Young players wait to take the field during opening ceremonies for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Volunteers staff a raffle table during opening ceremonies for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)A young player pulls on team gear during opening ceremonies for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Shannon Moore, president of Keizer Little League, addresses the crowd during opening ceremonies on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Paxton Bogenoff takes a swing during opening ceremonies for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)Kristen Jones hands out team packets ahead of opening ceremonies for Keizer Little League on Monday, April 13, at Roto-Rooter Park. (STEVE SCHNURBUSCH/For Keizertimes)
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