SEBASTIAN — The 360 kids signed up with the Sebastian River Area Little League, their parents and their friends descended upon Field 4 at the Barber Street Sports Complex ready to get their baseball and softball seasons underway.
The 31 teams lined up along the edge between the infield and outfield, cheering as their teams were announced. Though the number of teams and players is down from last year, the season is expected to be exciting, according to the Little League’s president, Joann Webster.
Joining the Little Leaguers on the field to celebrate Opening Day of the season was former New York Yankees player Harvey Lee, who played in the Minors. He threw out the opening pitches for both baseball and softball.
Webster said Lee spent the summer working with the Sebastian players and served as inspiration.
On Saturday, he gave a little inspiration to the parents.
“Parents, you make the difference,” he said, addressing the hundreds-strong crowd. He pointed out that when he was in Little League, his mother didn’t come to watch him play. The one time she did, he’ll never forget.
“Let’s make this a fun season,” Lee said, adding that mistakes will happen – what comes after those mistakes will make the difference.
He recalled one game when he was 11 years old. He missed the ball – his team lost the championship game. A parent from the opposing team approached the young Lee and told him he had played a good game – to not let this missed ball deter him from playing.
It’s those words of encouragement, Lee said, that children need to hear.
As with every season, organizers seek more umpires to help on the field – previous experience not necessary.
“We have a really good time,” said Umpire Steve Bell, adding that they don’t hear the parents yelling from the sidelines – “You’re just yelling at each other!”
Bell said their first goal is safety, then fun.
Sebastian Mayor Bob McPartlan, a former Little Leaguer himself, was also on hand to usher in the new season.
“I’m a little jealous,” he said, recalling his youth in Brooklyn spent in the Little League. His ball field was known as the “dustbowl” – in Sebastian, the Little League has several well-maintained grassy fields.
When he was a kid, McPartlan had to return his uniform at the end of each season. He played with a four-fingered mitt and a wooden bat.
“What hasn’t changed is the team and sportsmanship,” he said.
“Play ball!” he called.