Little League opens season

 

By DON PEASLEY
The Independent

 

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With rosters exceeding 400 players because of the addition of 13- and 14-year-olds this season, Woodstock Little League will open its 55th season Saturday, April 26. Opening day ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. will provide a special salute to the league’s volunteers, sponsors and field crews.
The increased number of participants occurred when the board approved adding four 13- and 14-year-old teams to the league. The April 26 date is the earliest start in WLL history.
The league has included expanded post-season All-Star activities in a change of emphasis on usual inter-league play.
The program will open with the VFW color guard commanded by Bill Lyford presenting the American flag.
Bob Stroh, president from 2002-2007 during a time of major improvements, will be honored during the opening day ceremony. In tribute to Stroh, his son Mark has been selected to throw the first ceremonial pitch, representing all Little Leaguers who played during Stroh’s years as president.
The board has conducted several additional training and informational sessions leading up to this 55th season. This includes the positive coaching clinic in early April to help managers and coaches improve organization of practices and develop sportsmanship.
Further steps to enhance safety of the players and spectators include installation of lightning detection systems at both Bates Park and Sullivan Field. The $20,000 investment includes a base system at Sullivan Field, a stand-alone system at Bates Park and a remote system at the Aquatic Center. The city is contributing $12,600 toward the cost, with contributions coming from Woodstock Little League, Woodstock Girls Softball, Woodstock Noon Rotary Club and Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.
The league made another safety investment by installing break-away bases at all fields used by Little League.

This article was published in the April 16, 2008 edition of The Woodstock Independent.