The Omega Delta Youth Baseball & Softball League, headquartered from Hoyne Park in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood, again opened its season with a parade and ceremony, plus the first youth ball games of the year.
"We've got a lot of great growth in the league," said Danny Gaichas, the league's founder. Many new players and volunteer coaches continue to join, he said.
As in years past, Omega Delta Youth Baseball & Softball League's opening day began with a parade winding through the north end of the McKinley Park neighborhood and ending at Hoyne Park, 3417 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago.
Learning League
The ceremony on Hoyne Park's baseball diamond included welcomes and remarks from Gaichas, Suzanne Lucio singing the National Anthem, and rallying speeches from local elected officials.
Gaichas also led players, coaches and parents in voicing their respective codes of conduct for the league: a "learning league," Gaichas said.
Best in City
"This is the best league in the city," said Illinois 24th District State Representative Theresa Mah.
Illinois 1st District State Senator Javier Cervantes, whose daughter is an alumni of the league, said "we can't put enough value on this."
Beautiful Community
"Thank you to all the coaches," said Illinois 1st District State Representative Aarón Ortíz. "To the players: good luck!"
Cook County 7th District Commissioner Alma Anaya, who threw out the first softball pitch of the season, thanked "the beautiful community of Omega Delta."
Block Party
Immediately following the ceremony, the league continued celebrations with food, a block party with bounce house on South Hamilton Avenue and the first games of the season.
"Let's go play ball!" Anaya said.
Log In to comment on this item.
Subscribe
Report
My comments