Owego Little League’s (OLL) season will open a week early this year, Saturday, April 25. The annual parade will line up by 8:15 a.m. on Temple Street by John’s Fine Foods. Players find their team banner on the road between the Owego Police Station and the First Presbyterian Union Church. That’s their lineup position in the parade.
Veteran Parade Chairman and past OLL President John Loftus organizes the parade, which will step off at 8:29 a.m.
Tioga County Sheriff Gary Howard leads the traditional parade by walking up North Avenue with Owego Police Chief and OLL Player Agent Emeritus Karen Vinti, saluted along the way. Community organizations like the Elks Lodge join the Color Guard from VFW Post 1371 and Vietnam Veterans of America in the parade.
There’s a fire siren salute from Owego firemen and Emergency Squad personnel. The parade proceeds down George Street, and past the new Owego Elementary School (OES). At Hyde Park, Home of Owego Little League, Parade Chairman Loftus directs teams and dignitaries to their positions around skin infield of Nick Raftis Memorial Field.
Master of Ceremonies Jim Raftis gives the welcome to Hyde Park, and players shout three times – “Happy Mother’s Day!” Pastoral Administrator of St. Patrick’s-Blessed Trinity, and former Chaplain to Columbia University Sports, the Rev. Thomas Valenti delivers the invocation.
Owego-Apalachin Elementary teacher Suzanne Peacock Newswanger leads OES student and athletes as they sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and the National Anthem at flag raising.
The VFW/Vietnam Veterans Color Guard moves to the Elks Flag Pole that remembers donor and eight time OLL President and 20-year District Seven Administrator George Cheresnowski.
An annual gift of the Owego Elks Lodge and presented by Exalted Ruler Tim Sayers, the new American Flag and POW/MIA flag are raised to fly 24/7.
During the singing of the National Anthem, players and spectators place their right hand over their hearts to salute the freedom won by those who served and those who made the supreme sacrifice including neighbor WWII Fallen Hero Army PFC Glenn A. Warner buried in the Netherlands. Then all in Hyde Park recite the Little League Pledge led by 12-year old players.
League President Ken Winters introduces his officers, staff, directors and umpires and thanks the OLL Volunteer Family. He’ll highlight changes including the reason for starting a week earlier, partnering with Major Leaguer Baseball for Pitch, Hit and Run, Teener League growing, four year olds playing Tee Ball for first time – two on each team, and the continuing need for volunteer help including post season tournament directors succeeding three year co-directors Mike and Elena Beyer.
The V-P’s of Baseball Chris Rieg, Softball Dave York, and Teener League Jim Lavo introduce their teams and asks players to thank Uniform Manager Brandy Mae Beach-Lunn and Equipment Manager Nichole Wayman.
Because OLL is an all-volunteer organization, the president recognizes those for their extraordinary contributions with the Dick Horton Memorial Awards and Special Appreciation Awards.
Community leaders and school officials are acknowledged for the important role they play in the student and athlete’s development. After updating on the status of the new school, Superintendent Dr. Bill Russell joins community leaders behind home plate to umpire as first pitches are thrown to open each league.
Guests at opening day can enjoy the outside grill where Chefs Dick Franz and John Loftus cook hamburgers and sausage.
Five games start at 10:30 a.m.: VFW-Northern Tioga 1, Rotary-Partners, Tri-Town-Tioga State Bank, Owego 1-Newark Valley1, and Moore Tire Sales-Vietnam Veterans.
Five more begin at 1 p.m.: Chemung Canal-Kiwanis. Scott Smith-NV1, Owego Taxi-Richards, Owego 2-Candor 1, and Owego Lions-Talcott Well Drilling.
Four games begin at 3:30 p.m.: Ben Weitsman and Son-WEBO, Owego 1-Newark Valley 1, Owego Moose-Mario’s, and Owego 2-Candor N 1.
For the next two months, the 200-plus kids belong to their managers and coaches.
Hopefully waves of parents, families and friends will descend on the fields throughout Opening Day as games continue until late afternoon. Spectators watch from the bleachers, along the fences, and others on folding chairs on the creek bank. Many will visit the Concession Stand and order a hot dog, cold drink or candy from new manager Kathie Rollison and her volunteer staff. Some will take a moment to look at the new Owego Elementary School to remember the education they received inside the old school before the floodwaters came.
Visit the OLL website at www.eteamz.com/owego for the 2015 season game schedules.
