Batter Up!
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
CROCKETT – The skies overhead were overcast and gloomy early in the morning, but as the morning progressed, the clouds gave way to sunshine as Opening Day ceremonies were held on the Crockett Little League baseball dia
monds, on April 15.
Saturday marked the 64th Opening Day for the Crockett Merchants’ Little League (CMLL) and continued a streak of bein
g the longest continuously operating Little League in the State of Texas.
A parade through downtown Crockett, replete with fire trucks and police cars, escorted all the Little League tea
ms to Davy Crockett Park for the opening ceremonies.
As the ceremonies got underway, a helicopter from the Houston County Air Rescue landed behind the left field fence. Flight Paramedic Darrell Robinson, Flight Nurse Kelsey Dizmond and P
ilot Steve Carpenter emerged from the bird and made their way to the mound where they threw out the ceremonial first pitches.
Continuing with the festivities, CMLL President Blue Choate requested the players to stand and recite the Little League
Pledge. In unison, the young ball players said, “I trust in God, I love my country, and will respect its laws. I will play fair and
strive to win. But, win or lose, I will always do my best.”
The parents were also asked to recite the parent and volunteer pledge which states, “I will teach all children to play fair and do their best. I will positively support all managers, coaches and players. I will respect the decisions of the umpires. I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.”
Following the formalities, the various teams displayed cakes that had been prepared for Opening Day and a cake auction was held to help raise money for the erstwhile Little League organization.
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
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