Play ball! Wareham leagues celebrate opening day

Apr 24, 2016

It was a sure sign of spring in Wareham Sunday afternoon when Wareham Girls Softball League and Wareham Little League players celebrated opening day.

Wareham Little League players marched down Charge Pond Road to baseball diamonds that were prepped and ready for the first pitch of the year.

The parade, which featured cheering family and friends, ended with a full slate of games to kick off the season.

On Charlotte Furnace Road, the 120 players in the Girls Softball League took to their fields following a noon ceremony that honored long-time players and contributions from the board of directors, parents and coaches.

“There’s so much progress being made right now and there’s so much more to come,” said league spokeswoman Judy Delaney.

The softball league is comprised of 12 teams across three divisions: senior, junior and kindergarten through second grade.

Delaney noted that the youngest division has seen a spike in participation. Last year, it fielded nine players. This year, that number jumped to 20.

Many league players go on to join the high school’s softball team, she said. On Sunday, three varsity members, all former league members, spoke briefly about how playing in the league shaped their athletic careers.

In addition to the ceremony, the softball opening day featured a hitting derby, bounce house, food and team photographs.

“Have a great day and a great season,” Delaney said at the end of her remarks. “Let’s go girls! Play ball!”