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“Today we begin a journey that will ultimately crown a champion. But as I look out on this field, I see 180 special faces and while only one team will be the champions all of the 14 other teams are and always will be winners.
Nearly 50 years ago I played on this field. Baseball and Little League sure have changed in that time. Yet in many ways nothing has changed. We wore baggy gray wool uniforms and put baseball cards in our hats to make them stand up. Your uniforms are made from the latest materials and are multicolored and look great. Bats were wood and often taped up over cracks, you now play with composite and metal bats. Our gloves were small and looked like pillows, yours are form fitted and specialized for infield or outfield. Little girls could only watch us play now they compete with the best of us.
It seems like a lot has changed, yet in truth nothing has changed.
The game is ours and is truly an American game and Little League is truly an American institution.
The faces still have freckles and smiles, and the uniforms still have grass stains and slide marks. Your mom still holds her breath when you are up to bat. Dad’s chest still swells with pride when you get that hit or make the play.
We all ooh and ah when the umpire makes the call. And at the end of the game we all shake hands, smile and get our hot dog and pop.
Take time to smell the grass and feel the excitement, enjoy your teammates and make new friends. Play the game we all love for the pure joy of the game.
Have fun.
And as it says in the pledge “I will strive to win, but win or lose, I will always do my best.”
On Saturday we will crown a championship team, but today every one of you is already a champion.
God Bless You All.
Now let’s play ball."
Ron DeCoopman
District Administrator
Michigan District 6 |
