Little League opens under sunny skies

Sisters kids are swinging into Little League season. Opening day ceremonies on Saturday, April 24, were held under blue skies. Most teams played their first games of the new season. photo by Peggy Chesser

Dazzling sunshine greeted 180 baseball players Saturday morning, April 24, at the annual Sisters Little League opening day ceremonies held at the Sisters Community Church south ballfield.

The church has made the fields available to Little League for many years and, thanks to the grounds keeping efforts of Elton Wilmot, the fields were in perfect condition for opening day.

This year's players are split into a total of 14 teams from T-ball to Juniors baseball (13 and 14 year olds).

Young Orioles, Giants, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Braves and more, decked out in team hats and uniforms, were introduced. Most then played their first games of the 2004 season following the formal ceremony.

Little League president Tim Hernandez thanked the many volunteers and sponsors who make Little League happen every year and pointed out that because of the efforts of these people Sisters Little League sports the lowest pay-to-play fee of any league in Central Oregon.

"What a day for baseball," said Hernandez. "This is what it's all about."

It was, indeed, a perfect day for the traditional American pastime, with clear skies instead of rain and warm temperatures instead of traditionally windy, chilly conditions.

Hernandez acknowledged his board of directors and their commitment to the youth of the Sisters area. The board includes vice president Brian Witt, treasurer Cynthia Fought, secretary Angela Lund, player agent Rod Hjelmstad and directors Marcia Hix and Ron Ketchum.

The regular season runs through mid-June and the league hopes to send three teams (Minor A, Majors, and Juniors) on to post-season play in the all-star series that continues into the summer.