The sun finally peeked through the clouds as hundreds of Mountain Top Area Little League baseball and softball players and coaches paraded to the Little League fields for the league’s annual opening ceremony on April 20.
Little League president Justin Krommes welcomed the players, family and coaches. He recognized the many volunteers who come together annually to provide baseball and softball for the league’s 44 teams. Krommes also recognized the Mountain Top Little League 8-10-year-old All-Star team that won the Little League District 16 championship. The team carried the championship banner in the parade and around the field.
The national anthem was sung by Crestwood High School student Mia Costello. Invocation was offered by Rev. JP Bohanan, pastor, Christ United Methodist Church.
The first softball pitch was thrown out by Jess Stahlnecker, veteran softball coach, and Little League alumnus Avery Brace.
Stahlnecker, director of operations for Brave Softball and coach of the organization’s 14U team, urged the players to be coachable, have a positive attitude, have fun and be the best teammates.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders Mascot Champ mingled with the crowd and posed for photos.
