Show of spirit marks MLL opening ceremonies

Pacana Park was teaming with ball players Saturday as Maricopa Little League opened its season.

Twenty-eight teams comprised of kids ages 4 to 8 played in four of the leagues six divisions: T-ball, machine pitch, Coach Pitch and Challenger.

“I like baseball,” said 5-year-old Micah Figueroa, who plays for the Hooks and is coached by his father, Richard, in T-ball. “I like to bat last; you can go all the way around.”

With players spanning across the infield during the opening ceremonies, excitement seemed to radiate off them, coaches and parents.

“We’re here to have fun and teach some basic baseball skills,” said Josh McClain, coach of the Volcanoes.

McClain, who coaches his son Hunter’s team, made the move from T-ball to machine pitch this year and said he is excited for the pending season saying, “Last year many of the kids learned a lot and had a lot of growth, which is what this is about.”

The season’s hour-long opening ceremony had teams chanting and displaying signs and props to show their pride and win divisional “spirit sticks.”

“We wanted to do something different this year and to get the parents involved,” said MLL President Heather Diamond.

In her first year as president, Diamond said, “I’m trying my best to grow the program and am very excited for the new park,” referring to the city’s Copper Sky Recreation Complex set to open in March.

***ADVERTISEMENT***The league’s majors and minors divisions are set to begin March 15.

Registration is still open for both leagues and more information can be found by visiting www.MaricopaLittleLeague.com.