Danville Area Little League's season opening celbration Saturday; 345 kids signed to play

DANVILLE — Saturday marks the official ceremonial start of the Danville Area Little League season, although a few games have already been played.

Some of the divisions have schedule requirements, so they have to play for a certain number of dates within a certain time, which accounts for the early start. The season lasts until about Memorial Day, the end of May, league officials said.

The traditional season-opening event will start at 10 a.m. this Saturday inside the Danville High School gymnasium, said Little League Board of Directors Kelly Beltz.

About 345 kids of all ages will be playing at different ages and levels of skill, Beltz said. Different divisions allow for players as they get older, as they get more coordinated, to move to and compete at different levels.

"The number of players has increased each year," she said. "Which is fantastic. Even the number of our T-Ball kids has increased. Our littlest kids, age 4, are excited to be outside playing. Hopefully, we can get them to fall in love with baseball and softball."

The oldest kids playing in the league are 16, Beltz said.

The games are played at two different complexes, Beltz said. "A shout out to our volunteers who keep our fields looking nice because it is a lot of work."

At the Washie complex, there are four fields, and at the Echo Field complex by the river, there are also softball fields.

"Both complexes are excellent facilities," Beltz said, with bullpens to warm up and batting cages. "The fields are maintained as best we can every year."

Melissa Lopez runs the concession stand at the Washies, and she is handling the new, upgraded stand.

There is new food available, Lopez said: new funnel cake fries, fried egg rolls, hot dogs, and chicken fries.

The big opening

There is a parade to start it off, Beltz said. "It's cute. The kids in the parade love being the center of attention. Past players are recognized; players from previous seasons. We give out awards from the previous season for players who have done an exceptional job."

The players show off their new uniforms.

The ceremony lasts about an hour, after which the games begin. "It's a full day of games," Beltz said.