Clarion Little League Celebrates Opening Day: Recap Of Ceremonies And Games (05/04/2018)
(By CSZ Sports Writer Kenn Staub) Sunny and warm is what you hope for on Opening Day. Unfortunately that isn’t what Clarion Little League (CLL) got. Rather, Saturday, April 28 dawned overcast and cold, with rain thrown in for good measure. Despite the gloom, spirits were high and the outlook optimistic as CLL celebrated the start of the 2018 season with its official Opening Day ceremonies.
The six Clarion Little League baseball teams and three softball teams gathered on the field as part of the Opening Ceremonies.
For one of the few times in recent memory the on-field Opening Day ceremonies included both baseball and softball. Brian Smail, CLL president, was pleased to have all teams, six baseball and three softball, on the field together. When asked about including softball in the ceremonies Smail said, “I am very optimistic with softball. I know that by working with managers and families softball is growing and will continue to grow. We have a group of managers that are very involved and the board appreciates their efforts and is happy to do our part with support and promotion.”
Following opening remarks by Little League baseball player agent Jason Brinkley, all managers, coaches, and players on the field were introduced.
Attention then turned to celebrating the accomplishments of last season’s all-star teams. As Smail noted, “What a year of accomplishment 2017 was. All three baseball all-star teams (10u, 11u, 12u) won districts. District 25 administrator Bob Wilson is quite positive no league in our district has ever accomplished that feat. Managers Ben Aaron, Bill Smith, and Lee Weber get so much credit for the fact that something amazing happened. I’m so very proud of the players, parents, and coaches.”
The all-star celebration culminated with the unveiling of the championship banners earned by each of the three teams. A special banner commemorating the collective accomplishment of the three teams, as well as another to mark the fourth place finish in the state tournament by the 11u all-stars were also revealed.
Championship banners for the 2017 10u, 11u, and 12u Little League baseball teams were unveiled.
After recognition of the 2017 all-star teams the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Color Guard took the field for the playing of the national anthem and recitation of the Little League player and volunteer pledges.
Of course the highlight of any Opening Day is the ceremonial first pitch, which this year was thrown by Trenton Hooks.
Trenton, the son of Shippenville’s Jamie and Cory Hooks, is a twelve year student at Clarion Area Elementary School. According to his mother, Trenton loved playing baseball at the t-ball and minor league levels but is no longer able to do so owing to multiple disabilities, including autism and a degenerative brain disease. Mrs. Hooks said, “Our family feels very honored to have the support of our community and the recognition of Trenton’s love of the game by still being included in the league.”
Trenton was accompanied on the field by his brother Trey, who plays for Lions, and Bryce Brinkley, a member of the Rotary team.
Trenton Hooks prepares to throw the ceremonial first pitch to officially start the 2018 Little League season.
Smail used the time between the closing of the ceremonies and start of the first game to thank the borough, area school districts, and local business community.
“I want to acknowledge the Clarion Borough board for all of the help and support that they continue to give the league. We are lucky to work with them to keep Weaver Park one of the best in western Pennsylvania,” said Smail.
Smail continued, “I also want to acknowledge the schools, Clarion Area and Clarion-Limestone, and thank them for the continued support they give their students playing in our league.”
“League sponsorship is strong. We have a very generous business community that continues to fiscally make it possible for these children to make memories that will last a life time,” added Smail.
Smail concluded by noting, “The state of our league is strong due to the continued support of the community, from families to business partners. 2018 will be a very exciting year.”
As if to prove Smail’s last statement correct, several of that day’s softball and baseball games proved to be high scoring affairs and/or close games.
Softball Recap
The Goble Funeral Home team played a doubleheader, downing Janney Financial 27-14 in the first game and falling to C & A Trees 15-14 in the second.
Little League Game 1: Delta Contractors vs. SMI
Delta Contractors defeated SMI 20-9 in the first game of the afternoon’s baseball triple header.
Jimmy Kerr and Jesse Siewicki both had three hits for Delta; Kerr with two singles, a double, and two RBI, while Siewicki had three singles and an RBI. Jase Ferguson (single, double, three RBI), Logan Lutz (two doubles, RBI), Jayden Siewicki (two singles, RBI), and Kaden Ferguson (two singles) also enjoyed multi-hit games for Delta. Hunter Lechner and Alex Love also singled in Delta’s victory.
Pacing the SMI offense were Jack Craig (three singles, three RBI), Dauntae Girvan (two doubles, single), Brayden Murray (two doubles, RBI), and Paul Craig (two singles). Wyatt Watterson and Drew Martz each contributed singles, with Martz also being credited with an RBI.
Little League Game 2: Lions vs. Burns & Burns
Burns and Burns downed Lions 18-13 in the second game.
Derek Smail had the big bat for Burns, connecting for two doubles and a triple. He was credited with five RBI. Kothan Smith (two singles, three RBI), Ty Rankin (double, three RBI), Dawson Smail (three singles, RBI), and Devon Lauer (two singles, RBI), and Dylan Smith (single, RBI) were also part of the Burns and Burns attack.
The Lions offense was led by Braylon Beckwith (two singles, four RBI), with Lucas Mitrosky singling and collecting two RBI. Also with a single and RBI were Gabe Simko, Mason Gourley, and Hayden Weber.
Little League Game 3: Pizza Pub vs. Rotary
In the final game, Rotary defeated Pizza Pub 9-8 in extra innings.
Bryce Brinkley had two singles, with Tommy Smith knocking a single and double for Rotary. Owen Krieble smacked a single.
Kohen Kemmer and Matt Alston each had two doubles for Pub, with Tanner Miller and Nick Aaron knocking two singles apiece.
(thanks to Brian Smail for the photographs and information)
(* not for republication without author’s permission)