A lineup of ballplayers give Somerset Patriots mascot Sparkee a high five.
Hillsborough Baseball League opened its 61st season on Saturday, April 16. League president Joe McCarthy welcomed families to the Opening Day ceremonies, giving a special thanks to Mother Nature for cooperation.
“Baseball is a game that builds character in our kids. They learn about triumph and defeat. It teaches our kids the importance of teamwork and dedication. It’s also a game that instills a sense of community and being part of something that is bigger than ourselves,” said McCarthy.
McCarthy thanked all of the league’s parents and volunteers, including the members of HBL’s Board of Directors – the “heroes behind the scenes who work around the clock, 365 days a year, to bring baseball to life in Hillsborough,” he said.
Finally, he thanked Mayor Frank DelCore and the Township Committee for their continued commitment to youth sports in this town, and HBL in particular, throughout the years.
Mayor DelCore threw out the first pitch of the season. Also throwing out pitches were representatives from the following sponsors of HBL – Modell’s Sporting Goods, Hillsborough Rotary Club, CKO Kickboxing Hillsborough, Dr. Dan Marulli, MulchSupply.com, and Cooper Pest Solutions. Each representative pitched to a player from the team for whom they are a sponsor.
The ceremony was concluded with a visit from the Somerset Patriots mascot Sparkee, who tossed a few pitches as well.
Mayor Frank DelCore fires the first pitch.
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