Weather no match for opening day

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Mudcats from the Robert A. Cole Little League get amped up for opening day. PHOTO BY KEN MORSE
BEACON FALLS — The beginning of the baseball season holds the promise of warmer days ahead. On Saturday, April 16 at the Beacon Falls Recreation Complex, the third Robert A. Cole Little League opening day ceremonies were met with weather more suited for football.

That didn’t keep the crowd down as a throng of family, friends and well wishers helped to usher in the Little League baseball season.

The excitement in the players eyes as they lined up all the way around the base paths was hard to hide as they jumped around shouting out words of encouragement to each other.

“This is our third year associated with Little League baseball,” said RACBL president Scott Szturma. “We have about 140 boys in the program and we also have a girls softball division. There are two major boys teams, three minors, five coach-pitch teams and three tee-ball teams.”

Father Leonard Kvedas of St. Michael’s Church was on hand to offer up a prayer for the young baseball players, parents and coaches. Also on hand was Beacon Falls First Selectman Sue Cable and Selectman Mike Krenesky.

A few Grasshoppers check out the action down the first base line during the opening day ceremonies for the Robert A. Cole Little League April 16 at the Beacon Falls Recreation Complex. PHOTO BY KEN MORSE

Other dignitaries in attendance were Lisa Swanson, chairman of the Beacon Falls Park and Recreation Committee, Chris Doiron, president of the Beacon Falls Girls Softball League, former RACBL president Dave Bodnar, who threw out the first pitch for the boys, and former BFGSL president Bob Starkey, who threw out the first pitch for the girls.

“The one thing I would like to point out is that everyone have fun this season,” Cable said. “We have a beautiful complex here for the boys and girls to play in. Let’s have respect for your opponent and respect for each other as you have fun during this upcoming season.”

Following the ceremony two games were held to usher in the season. In the minors, the Mudhens defeated the Bees by an 8-7 margin. In the major, the Mets outlasted the Red Sox by a slim 7-6 final.