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HARRISON, N.Y. Kids in Harrison are ready to play ball after they officially kicked off the season Friday night with the 61st Annual Harrison Little League Parade.
Baseball and softball players, dressed in full uniforms, marched with their teams from Veterans Park, down Crystal Street and Nelson Avenue and onto the baseball diamond at Feeley Field at Harrison Avenue School.
Mayor Ron Belmont took a different role this year as he came to the microphone to deliver an Opening Day speech. Belmont had served as the recreation supervisor for the past 30 years. When it came time to get on the diamond, he felt right at home.
The coaches, moms and dads have all done a great job. And for that I commend them, Belmont said. Its about the aunts, uncles and grandmas, too, who stay involved in our programs. If there is something that your kids enjoy, be there for them because its a good bonding experience.
State Assemblyman Robert Castelli was on hand to welcome all of the Little Leaguers. Castelli called baseball a great American sport and reminded the players that the game goes back further than any of their great-grandparents can remember.
This just shows the endurance that baseball has had in our great country, Castelli said.
Little League Director Rich Salerno said he was proud of Harrison legacy, which includes three District 20 Little League championships last year, as each team was honored at the ceremony.
Four college scholarships were also awarded. Michael Chiarella and Justin Dahlgren were given the John Hoffman Award. Rhiannon Gasparre and Jessica Magnotta received that John Selvaggio Memorial Scholarship.
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