03-14-03sports4

P.O.N.Y. Baseball opens season at Sarzotti Park

Another beautiful day in the Ojai Valley brought together excited children and proud parents for the Ojai P.O.N.Y. Baseball opening ceremonies and preseason games held Saturday at Sarzotti Park.
The day included an opening ceremony hosted by Lance Wiggins, Ojai P.O.N.Y. Baseball president, and Tony Leckie, Ojai P.O.N.Y. Baseball vice president.

A rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" was performed by Jenna Halverson, daughter of Dr. James Halverson, a 10-year veteran contributor to Ojai P.O.N.Y. Baseball.

Following the introduction of the four Shetland teams (5- and 6-year-olds), five Pinto teams (7- and 8-year-olds), four Mustang teams (9- and 10-year-olds), four Bronco teams (11- and 12-year-olds), and Ojai Pony's first Pony team (13- and 14-year-olds), the first pitch of the season was thrown by 6-year-old Jordan Boehm to 13-year-old catcher William Fulton.

Following the ceremony, team pictures were taken and games began. Eager children and coaches took position and the long-awaited pre-season baseball season began.

"The look of joy on their faces and the glow from the proud parents in the stands made all the hard work and planning worthwhile," said Wiggins.

The first home run was hit by Will Greenway in the Bronco Division.
"(I loved) the ear-to-ear grins of the Shetland Division players hitting the ball for the fist time," Wiggins added. "Watching the coming together of a community that supports youth, is a rewarding experience."

The P.O.N.Y. Baseball committee gives a special thanks to Jayden Morrison and Sarzotti Park for its support of the league.

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