On a cool and brisk Saturday morning the Avery County Little League officially opened its 2010 season with its traditional opening ceremony. The league introduced each of its players and teams from all baseball, softball, and tee ball divisions.“Today went much better than I expected. I was nervous but everything fell in place as it always does,” Avery Little League President Bill Daniels said following the ceremony. “We’re excited to get the season started.”
The ceremony was kicked off with the presentation of our nation’s and state’s colors from the 24th Judicial District Law Enforcement Honor Guard, with the National Anthem performed by Mrs Michelle Dearmin. Throughout the morning members of the Appalachian State University baseball team were on site handing out flyers for the team’s annual baseball camp.
Once the teams were assembled on the field, Captain Reo Griffith
made a special presentation to the league of a flag which was flown on “The honor guard graciously offered their services and we thought it would be fitting to have law enforcement here,” Daniels said. “What an honor to have the flag that was flown on September 11th of all days over a military base,” Daniels stated. “Dan did so much for Little League, and for him to send this to our league is such a great honor.”
The league was blessed to have Jim Greene of Glory 1130 WECR-AM on hand to announce each individual player as the teams were announced and took the field. The league also afforded Greene the opportunity to throw the ceremonial first pitch to begin the 2010 ACLL season.
“I was not expecting it at all,” Greene said about his surprise at being asked to throw out the first pitch. “Words can’t express how honored I am. Over the years I started out playing, I’ve coached and supported as a parent, and announced a lot of players. Seeing them grow up through the years means so much. I appreciate the fact that they chose to honor me. I was very touched by it.”The league continues to look for ways to raise funds to help with support and financing the many needs to operate the organization. Little League will be holding two separate raffles during this season. One raffle will be for a $600 gift certificate to The Personal Touch in Linville, and the other is for a $400 gift certificate to Mountain Jewelers in Newland.
Each coach has received tickets to sell, and tickets can also be purchased at the concession stand during games as well as from league board members. The raffle drawing will be held on June 15th.
