Learn more: http://goo.gl/NJ00Bh. Photos by Karen Dickinson, Robert Newkirk and Al Campbell.
Posted by Cape May County Herald Newspapers on Tuesday, April 21, 2015
See photos from Middle Township, Lower Cape May and Greater Wildwood Little League Opening Day Ceremonies above.
GOSHEN – April 18 was opening day in Cape May County for Little League baseball. Ceremonies filled with anxious youngsters in clean uniforms, eager coaches and elected officials who tossed out the first ball of the season all mixed patriotism with love of the sport.
It was time to play ball.
In keeping with that tradition, 340 Middle Township girls and boys of various ages raised their right hands and repeated after municipal baseball coordinator Frank Dougherty the Little League Pledge.
League President Ross Denham lauded the young players, their parents and the many volunteers who make it possible to have the season of games.
Middle Township Mayor Timothy Donohue performed admirably as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season. Joining after him to toss a ball from the mound was Bud Dunham, former owner of Just Sports, a sporting goods store in Court House, and longtime supporter of the league. Earlier he and his wife were honored with a plaque for their dedication to the league and sport.
Committeeman Michael Clark, a Sturdy Savings Bank employee, whose bank supported the day, also threw a pitch.
Singing the national anthem and “God Bless America” was Alyssa Sullivan, Miss South Shore escorted by Mia Dougherty, Little Miss South Shore.
Rev. Robert Stahler offered a prayer for a safe, meaningful season for the players, coaches and parents.
F. Nathan ” Nate” Doughty, former mayor and baseball advocate, performed his annual crooning of” “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” The crowd and players accompanied him.
With that, the day was filled with baseball and T-ball. Denham took the opportunity to note there were seven teams of those young T-ball players which, he said, bode well for the future of baseball in Middle Township.
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