With warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, the weather cooperated with ideal baseball conditions for Arlington Little League’s big anniversary event.
At the traditional Barcroft Park multi-field venue, the league held its opening-day ceremonies to mark its 40th anniversary the afternoon of Sunday, April 12.
Festivities included the traditional parade of dozens of teams from the Majors to Challengers levels. The parade started on an adjacent field and finished as the teams walked through a tunnel of varsity high-school baseball players from Washington-Liberty and Wakefield onto field No. 1 at Barcroft Park.
Players from the Arlington Girls Softball Association also paraded and were included in the ceremony.
During the ceremony, the local VFW Post 3150 color guard was on hand for the National Anthem and free blue and gray 40th anniversary T-shirts were distributed. The insignia printed on the T-shirts read: “Where ALL kids are stars.”
Washington Nationals mascot presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were on hand high-fiving players as they paraded onto the field, then later the mascots participated in the on-field events.
When all teams were assembled on that main diamond, with Little Leaguers participating, the customary Hula Hoop contest and three-wheel tricycle race around the bases were held. The Rangers won the race and two players tied as the Hula champs.
Also, some of the players tossed rolled up batting gloves into the crowd of Little Leaguers on the field and into the stands of spectators.
Various booths with different baseball paraphernalia were located throughout the ceremony near field No. 1. An outdoor fun zone with moon bounces was set up on a different field and food truck were on hand.
Longtime league president Adam Balutis led the ceremonies. He introduced various guests and thanked sponsors and dignitaries, including Del. Alfonso Lopez.
“We want to keep growing this league and making it better and better for all of the players,” said Balutis, who has served as president since 2005.
A variety of opening-day pitches were thrown, then the activities ended when one T-ball player from each of the teams on hand raced around the bases in the opposite direction.
Arlington Little League, which has some 1,200 players, was founded in 1986 by longtime former coach Scott Ginsberg. Balutis praised Ginsberg and others for their long involvement in the league.
“They did what they had to do back then to get Arlington Little League started and teams on the field,” Balutis said.
After the opening-day events, Little League games were scheduled that day at Barcroft. There was a Challengers game on Field 4, the Cardinals vs. the Nationals in a 50/70 contest met on Field 1 and a Majors clash between the Blue Jays and Tigers was on Field 2.
Youth baseball players in the community also can participate in the separate Arlington Babe Ruth organization, which has comparable age groups.
