March 4, 2010
By Karen McEnany-Phillips
Saturday morning was the Opening Day Ceremony for the Babe Ruth Baseball Youth Leagues in Seminole County held at the Historic Sanford Stadium. All five leagues were there from T-Ball thru Junior — about 400 uniformed players with their coaches, and they were a sight to behold. Although it was far from the lovely spring morning the participants and organizers hoped for, it didn't deter families and fans from packing the Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium.
I had never attended this ceremony and wasn't sure what to expect especially in light of the cold, wind and rain. As I drove toward the parking area I was surprised at the number of cars. That's great people came out, I thought. Once I settled in the stands and looked at the program and saw there were 30 teams, I began to get a sense of the scope of the program.
Looking around the stands there were moms, dads, grandparents and siblings, all shivering and huddled together but at the ready to cheer on their star players. Armed with caps and cameras, hoodies and umbrellas everyone was in a surprisingly good mood despite the many comments such as, "Isn't this Florida?"
We were welcomed by Gene Manning, the president of the Babe Ruth League, saluted the Color Guard presentation by the Sanford Fire Department and then enjoyed the National Anthem by Ms. Samantha Dale. Sanford Recreation Department Recreation Manager Lisa Jones introduced the dignitaries including Sanford Mayor Linda Kuhn.
To the inspiring strains of the "Rocky" theme each team was introduced, led by their coaches, and ran out in single file on the soggy field. I felt bad for the first few teams because they had to stand out in the weather the longest. If you picture the field like a big clock, the teams would appear at the 6 and then run either clockwise or counterclockwise up to the 3 or the 9 and then into the center lining up with the other teams. Although we could only see the organized end result I could only imagine the staging area where coaches and staff were lining up and sorting out 400 excited kids.
As you might expect the T-Ball Division was the cutest. Eight teams with names like the Rangers, Rockies, Pirates and Blue Jays were dressed in their little uniforms, some with extra jackets, a few flanked with umbrellas. They ran out on the field like little pros, a few uneven gaps between players. Some of the lines were less than straight and of course a few needed to hold tightly to a coach's hand. Some hammed it up and waved to the crowd who applauded and cheered even louder.
As the rainbow of team colors came together in the center of the field they were a sight to behold even with a few umbrellas poking up here and there. Colors included royal and navy blue, Oriole orange and black, gray, red, burgundy and more. I thought about all the moms and dads who washed and prepared those uniforms, socks, hats and shoes for the big day.
Finally as the Baseball Creed was read, coaches and sponsors were recognized, I was touched by the time, dedication and commitment of all the volunteers who work with these boys and girls. They are ministers, plumbers, construction workers, policemen, pilots and more. Many of them played the game in those same youth leagues decades before. They are role models, and they coach the kids in so much more than hitting, pitching and catching. The guidance, mentoring and encouragement make a mark on each of the young lives that will stay with them a lifetime.
Well done kids, coaches, families and sponsors — you continue an American tradition that warms the heart on the coldest of Florida days.
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