SEBASTIAN — Hundreds of kids and their parents descended on the Barber Street Sports Complex Saturday to usher in the start of the 2012 Sebastian River Area Little League season. Though the ball diamonds were a bit waterlogged from Friday’s rain, the teams took to the field ready to get the games going.
This season, between 430 and 450 children ages 4 through 16 will be a part of nearly three dozen teams ranging from T-ball to the Majors and including Softball.
“We want to thank the City of Sebastian” for working hard to maintain the fields, Sebastian Little League President Jo-Ann Webster told the crowd. “It’s tough with budget cuts and budget cuts and more budget cuts.”
The Opening Day Ceremony brought out several dignitaries, including Mayor Jim Hill, who tossed out the first pitch, marking the official start.
Others recognized included coaches and umpires as well as members of Sebastian River High School.
“The high school has been very supportive,” Webster told the audience, adding that the league looks forward to working with the school during the season.
Webster went on to encourage parents and family members to get involved in the league, which is always in need of volunteers.
“Nobody is paid to work for Little League,” Webster said, explaining that the league operates six days a week.
She said that the league can sometimes appear disorganized – only because it is volunteer-run and most volunteers work full time. She added that the league could use help and people’s understanding.
Among the needs are more umpires. In the past, parents and other spectators have been called out of the stands to assist in keeping the games running smoothly.
Anyone interested in helping out with the Sebastian River Area Little League is encouraged to call (772) 388-9521 or visit the league’s Facebook page.
