Opening Ceremonies Celebrate in the Sun

With baseball caps and uniforms, just like the pros, some La Cañada kids diligently practiced their batting and catching. Others enjoyed the social companionship that came from the carnival-like event that was the 52nd annual Opening Day ceremony for La Cañada Junior Baseball and Softball Association.

Over 1,000 La Cañada children and parents flocked to the La Cañada High School baseball field, filling the entire area with liveliness and kids ranging from ages 5 to 15.

A highlight for most of the young athletes was running the bases. As the 84 teams were announced, each team individually came through the left field gate and paraded across home plate, all while the music blasted and the crowd cheered.

“I really liked running around the field,” said Lindsay Hollowee, 6. “I can’t wait to do that again next year.”

For others, the opening ceremony was a gesture of good luck that warmed-up the 954 players for a new season.

“Baseball rocks!” yelled Jack Anderson.

Jodie Kendall and Jack Johnson were this year’s lead organizers of the LCJBSA event. Activities that entertained the crowd included a Homerun Derby and Golden Arm competitions. The team who scored the highest in either of the two contests won a pizza party.

“It was great,” said Johnson. “We finally had decent weather. It had rained in the past two years.”

The bad weather forced the previous two opening ceremonies to be cut short, canceling the opportunity for the teams to run the bases.

After the formal opening ceremony, kids and parents ate In-N-Out burgers, took team photos and enjoyed the afternoon sun.

“This is a great event,” said Marie Papac. “It’s a lot of fun for the kids. I bet the kids will remember this day for the rest or their lives.”

For more Opening Ceremony photos, see page 31 in Sports.