Hundreds Get Ready for LCJBSA Opening Day

The 2006 La Cañada Junior Baseball Softball Association season will begin this Sunday for 1,000 local boys and girls who will come together at the La Cañada High baseball fields to celebrate “Opening Day” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keebnan Cheung will coordinate the home run derby contests for the boys in all divisions throughout the day and one team from each division will win Domino’s pizza fro their team.

Andy Dick will coordinate Golden Arm contests, for the boys in all divisions and one team from each division will win Juice It Up drinks for their team. Scott Cox will also coordinate both home run derby and Golden Arm contests for the girls.

Throughout the day, teams will have their individual and team pictures taken. In-N-Out burgers will be served from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, there will be free games and an obstacle course for players to climb on.

Jeff Marderosian, president of the LCJBSA, will open the ceremonies at 1:15 p.m. at the La Cañada High varsity baseball field. Rod Banks, a former manager in LCJBSA, who has done radio and television announcing, will introduce the 90 teams, along with their sponsors, as they parade around the field.

Boy Scout Troup 507, under the direction of Assistant Scout Master Curt Doty, will present the colors. Amelia Acosta will sing the national anthem. The three league awards recognizing outstanding volunteerism to LCJBSA will be presented to Frank Gooch, Joe Orlandini and Foothill Athletic Club/Pat Kendall.

To officially open the season, LCF Mayor Anthony Portantino will throw out the ceremonial first softball pitch to his daughter, Sofia.

Scott Tracy, president of the La Cañada Unified School District, will toss the opening pitch of the baseball season to Cameron Monroe. The ceremonies will come to a close with the players and guests singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”