By Rob Potter
FREMONT CENTER — May 11, 2007 — Under bright sunshine and blue skies on Saturday, dozens of youngsters from several local communities proudly wore their uniforms as the Sullivan County Cal Ripken League held its opening day ceremonies for the 2007 season at the adjoining fields on County Route 94 near the Hankins-Fremont Center Fire Department.
“We hit a home run with the weather,” said League President Alex Rau.
About 320 players are in the league this season. A total of 26 teams from Fremont Center, Jeffersonville, Livingston Manor and Roscoe will compete in four divisions. The divisions include T-Ball (for youngsters ages 4, 5 and 6), Rookie (ages 7, 8 and 9), Minor (ages 9 and 10) and Major (11 and 12).
Along with having their individual and team photos taken, the boys and girls competed in batting, pitching and base running contests. The day also featured games for the boys’ Major teams and girls’ Minor and Major teams.
Players and parents were also able to visit the concession stand behind Field 1 as well as several vendor booths which were set up near Field 2.
Midway through the day, the scores of players, coaches, parents and other family members gathered at Field 1 for the opening ceremony.
Rau introduced his fellow board members for this season – Vice President Charlie Reichenbaugh, Treasurer Carrie Rau and Secretary Victoria Trotti-Schutte.
Alex Rau thanked them and several people and organizations for all of their hard work to make the league, which is now in its third season, a success.
He especially noted the contributions and dedication of the coaches.
“Coaches, you make the league possible,” Rau stated.