Crowd Makes Little League Opening Day A Special One

UPPER POTTSGROVE PA – You could hear the crack of the bat, watch the arc of the ball, and join in the cheers Saturday (April 22, 2023) as 16 separate baseball games played out across seven different fields from 10:30 a.m. through about 9 p.m. during opening day of the Pottsgrove-Pottstown Little League.

A large crowd (above) turned out at the Kulp Pool Field on West Moyer Road in Upper Pottsgrove for a morning of official ceremonies, welcomes, introductions of guests, teams and players; and post-ceremonial activities for the players. Then, during the day’s remaining hours, the first-of-the-season games for youngsters ages 4-12 were decided, and hands high-fived in the long-standing concluding gesture of sportsmanship.

Lower Pottsgrove Police Ofc. Mara Smith threw out a first ball, representatives of the three Pottsgrove townships and the borough were on hand, and also marking the day with their appearances were former state Rep. Tim Hennessey, and current state Rep. Joe Ciresi.

After official duties ended, players and their families took time outside the ball field to enjoy treats and possibly win a prize or two. Mr. Stickey’s bakery offered sugary sticky buns and coffee, the Texas Roadhouse mascot (at top) showed up with a prize wheel and accompanying give-aways, and the Pottsgrove Falcon mascot posed for photos.

Actually, shutters snapped in every direction both on and off the ball field. Taking portraits and selfies (above and below) were top priorities of the day for family scrapbooks, and grandparents far and wide.

As they came to and went from the field, players and adults were greeted by a wind-waved American flag held aloft by ladder trucks from the Ringing Hill and Sanatoga fire companies, and an additional Upper Pottsgrove fire truck. Officers from the Upper, Lower, and West Pottsgrove police departments were in attendance, too.

Photos by The Post