Parading with banners from the Riverbank Community Center to Castleberg Park early on Saturday morning, children, parents and fans of the Riverbank Youth Baseball and Softball Association opened the 2008 season with the customary ceremonies and first games.
There are more than 450 children involved this year and 33 teams, which are 10 more than last year, said RYBSA president Chad Davis. Several teams at a time will be playing almost every day into midsummer at the league's own field on California Avenue and at Castleberg Park.
In full uniform and chanting as they marched, the ballplayers made a colorful sight as the procession wound its way behind a fire truck from the Community Center south on Eighth Street to the park.
Following a presentation of the colors by cadets of Riverbank High and a singing of the National Anthem led by Georgina Arnold, association officials read the names of team and coaches and handed out awards for fundraising before inviting the first teams to play ball.
There are more than 450 children involved this year and 33 teams, which are 10 more than last year, said RYBSA president Chad Davis. Several teams at a time will be playing almost every day into midsummer at the league's own field on California Avenue and at Castleberg Park.
In full uniform and chanting as they marched, the ballplayers made a colorful sight as the procession wound its way behind a fire truck from the Community Center south on Eighth Street to the park.
Following a presentation of the colors by cadets of Riverbank High and a singing of the National Anthem led by Georgina Arnold, association officials read the names of team and coaches and handed out awards for fundraising before inviting the first teams to play ball.
