A plethora of color and athletic energy filled Ward’s Recreation complex’s blue baseball field on Monday as teams representing the entire league introduced themselves to the public. Families, friends and fans gathered around as Greenville Parks and Recreation Director Corey Holmes went team by team and coach by coach displaying the foundation of little league recreation in the city.
“We had originally scheduled the team intro day for the beginning of the season,” Holmes said. “It’s a way to show everyone that we appreciate what they do for youth sports in the city.”
Teams began lining up along the first base side of the diamond and moved to the left until the entire infield was covered with players ranging from the five and six-year-old coach pitch league to the eleven and twelve-year-old fast pitch players.
Kelby Horton, a third baseman and outfielder for the eleven and twelve-year-old Braves, was part of the first team intro day last year. Even though he got the game-winning hit in his team’s last game, seeing all the teams on display ranks right up there with his many experiences at the facility.
“I’ve been playing at Ward’s for about three years,” Horton said. “It’s good to see all of the players and teams along with their coaches. We have some good teams in all of our leagues.”
Between team introductions, the latest jams blared from the sound system of DJ Sugar Bear. Teams posed for photos and Sponge Bob was on hand adding the experience for the youngsters.
“Throughout all of our leagues, there are more than 30 teams,” Holmes said. “Our leagues are made up of players, volunteers and sponsors who show how well youth sports are thriving in Greenville. And we appreciate everyone who puts their heart and soul into recreation in the city.”
