The Omega Delta Youth Baseball & Softball League celebrated its 19th consecutive season of youth play with a parade, opening ceremonies and games on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Centered around Hoyne Park in Chicago's McKinley Park neighborhood, the event attracted hundreds of players, coaches, parents, fans and elected officials who paraded through the community, ending with dedications, a volunteer-run BBQ and the league's annual pledges of good sportsmanship.
"Parents, coaches and players make this the best youth baseball league in the entire city," said Illinois 24th District State Representative Theresa Mah, who threw the first softball pitch of the season.
League founder and head Danny Gaichas estimated up to 500 local kids will play this season, ranging from 4-year-old T-ballers to 16-and-up girls softball players.
The league is an entirely volunteer-run organization based out of the McKinley Park neighborhood with a focus on learning baseball and softball. It also supports competition-focused teams that travel locally and regionally to face players in other leagues.
"This is a great activity," said Cook County 7th District Commissioner Alma Anaya, who threw out the first baseball of the season. "Congratulations on another year."
Ed. Note: The McKinley Park News is a proud sponsor of the Omega Delta Youth Baseball & Softball League.
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