Neighborhood News
Youth Baseball, Softball League Celebrates Opening Day
The Omega Delta Youth Baseball & Softball League, an all-volunteer community league headquartered at Hoyne Park in Chicago's McKinley Park neighborhood, opened its season on Saturday, April 29, 2023, with a parade, ceremony and series of opening games.
"I love this game," Cook County 7th District Commissioner Alma Anaya said during the opening ceremony. "Let's play ball!"
Hundreds of players, coaches and family members marched from the Target store parking lot near West 33rd Street and South Damen Avenue through the McKinley Park neighborhood streets, ending at Hoyne Park, 3417 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago.
Several local elected officials participated in the parade and opening day ceremony, including Anaya, Illinois 24th District State Representative Theresa Mah, Illinois 1st District State Senator Javier Cervantes and 12th Ward Alderwoman-elect Julia Ramirez. Cervantes and Ramirez threw out the first softball and baseball of the season.
Ramirez, a former girls softball player at the nearby Thomas Kelly College Prepratory High School, thanked the community for supporting the league. "Best of luck to all the players," she said.
League Umpire Jessie Calderon led all players, coaches and parents in the Omega Delta Youth League Pledge, an annual tradition for the league, which is now playing its 18th season at Hoyne Park:
Omega Delta Players Pledge
I promise to try my hardest and always play fair. I will respect the rules of the game, the judgment of the umpires and the decisions of coaches. I understand that sportsmanship and player development is the most important goal this summer.
Omega Delta Parents Pledge
I promise to encourage and support my child, assist the coaches and respect the rules of the league. I will never argue a call or question the decision of the coach or umpire. I understand that sportsmanship and player development is the most important goal this summer.
Omega Delta Coaches Pledge
I promise to instruct the fundamentals of baseball and softball to each and every player on our team. I vow to ensure that player safety will always come before winning. I will never argue a call or question the decision of the umpire. I understand that sportsmanship and player development is the most important goal this summer.
In announcements shared on opening day, league President Danny Gaichas noted how a continuing partnership with Chicago Cubs Charities this year brought a new batting cage to Hoyne Park's left field.
Science Academy Plays
Gaichas also noted the teams and players participating in the league from Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park, which fields again its Horizon Lady Hawks in the 13U division and for the first time a team in the league's Major baseball division.
The Omega Delta Youth Baseball & Softball league's season runs into the summer, culminating in playoffs in early August. The league also supports a fall series of play, and youth baseball and softball training clinics through the winter.
The McKinley Park News is a Platinum Sponsor of Omega Delta Youth Baseball & Softball League.
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