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Youth Baseball, Softball Underway
MAYOR
Mayor Richard D. OBrien lets fly with the first hardball pitch of the 2016 season for Riverbank Youth Baseball Softball Association on Saturday, March 19, at Castleberg Park. Opening Day activities included a parade from downtown to the park in the morning, concluding with games in the afternoon. Ric McGinnis/The News

 

Team after team of baseball and softball players, coaches and families marched from the Riverbank Community Center downtown, along Eighth Street and on to Castleberg Park on Saturday morning. The occasion: Opening Day ceremonies for the 2016 season in Riverbank.

As part of the opening ceremonies, dignitaries threw out the first pitches and then teams played the first games of the Riverbank Youth Baseball Softball Association, RYBSA, season. Players, coaches and family members were happy there was no rainfall to hamper the parade through town on their way to the ceremonies. Festivities at the field also included a raffle and introductions of the teams, from the youngest T-Ball players to the older teen teams. The teams were lined up all around the infield for their introductions and to witness the first pitch of the 2016 season.

Members of Riverbank Boy Scout Troop 1100, with leader Jerry Van Houten, led the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the first pitch. The National Anthem was also presented.

Riverbank Recreation Department Supervisor Kerrie Webb threw out the ceremonial first pitch for softball. She’s responsible for scheduling and maintenance of the complex which includes the two ball fields, a restroom, snack bar, basketball courts, playground and lots and lots of grass.

Next up was Riverbank Mayor Richard D. O’Brien, with the first pitch of the baseball season.

Games were then played throughout the day.