Union City’s boys of summer return for 62nd season

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Naugatuck Mayor Bob Mezzo, right, rallies his team during opening day ceremonies for the Union City Little League April 16 at the Joe Joy Complex on Morris Street. PHOTO BY KEN MORSE
NAUGATUCK — The Union City Little League ushered in the beginning of the baseball season with its 62nd opening day ceremonies on Saturday, April 16 in front of an oversized crowd of supporters.

Opening day also marked the 28th season at their current location the Joe Joy Complex on Morris Street behind City Hill Middle School.

U.C.L.L. president John McSweeney addressed the crowd introducing the local dignitaries Deputy Mayor Tammath Rossi, state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas, District III Little League Director Wendell Stieber and state Sen. Joan Hartley, who were on hand to celebrate the event.

“I would like to thank our board of directors for all the time and effort they put into this organization,” McSweeney said. “It’s all for the kids and we are excited to begin another season here at the Union City Little League.”

To the left of home plate was a sign proclaiming the Junior softball team as the 2010 Connecticut District III Champions.
As each team was announced they raced in from the outfield to the cheers of the crowd. Naugatuck Mayor Bob Mezzo charged to the mound with his team the Rays waving their caps to the crowd.

The Union City Little League program has over 350 kids in the program with divisions for Tee-Ball, coach pitch softball and baseball, Minor League softball, AAA Minor League baseball, Junior softball and Major softball and baseball divisions.

One young Met can barely contain his excitement during opening day ceremonies for the Union City Little League April 16. PHOTO BY KEN MORSE

There was a steady stream of patrons to the Union City snack bar that fed the oversized crowd throughout the day.

“We have been really busy,” said Al Terry the umpire-in-chief and the cook of the day, along with board member Ricky Cool.

“In one hour we sold out of five dozen bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. Now we are on to the hot dogs and hamburgers.”

It was a fun-filled day for all and the opening day ceremonies concluded with a double header to kick off the season.