Coach Jared Coon praises Lila Delgadillo, the youngest player in Cosumnes River Little League, after she tosses the first pitch to catcher Cooper White, not pictured, who is the oldest registered player in the league.

RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Despite rain earlier in the morning, a patch of blue sky opened momentarily when the Cosumnes River Little League (CRLL) held Opening Ceremonies 2024 on March 23.

The event began with a parade of 26 teams caravanning to Stonehouse Park where they assembled on the main baseball field for the opening day ceremony.

Highlights included the introduction of the teams, the recognition of volunteers and sponsors, the ceremonial first pitch, a recognition of girls playing softball, and the presentation of the colors. An exuberant Dinger, the official River Cats mascot, also took part in the festivities. Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta served a hot dog lunch afterward.

Led by a Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District engine, the parade began on Murieta Parkway and went up Escuela Drive, which was lined with spectators. Each team rode in its own version of a decorated chariot and the high-spirited players tossed candy to the onlookers.

Dinger was waiting when teams reached the park. He high-fived the most of the players before  their teams ran into the main baseball field as disc jockey Chris Perris introduced them and played inspiring music.  

Once all the teams were lined up in the outfield Perris introduced Cosumnes River Little League President Chris Kassel.

“Welcome to this year’s Little League season,” Kassel said. “We are looking forward to a great season.”

Kassel thanked the Cosumnes River Little League sponsors, particularly Zeta Broadband for the field sponsorships. He also pointed out how it takes considerable effort, coordination and helping hands to make the Little League happen.

“I want to say thank you to all the parents, managers, coaches, volunteers, board  members and everyone for their dedication and support to our community,” he said. “We live in a great place.”

Kassel turned the microphone over to board member Elizabeth Meyers, who introduced each team and their manager to the crowd. She also recognized the two All Star teams from last year and asked the players, coaches and managers to tip their hats so they could be recognized.

 “Both teams played hard. They played fair, and they represented out community with such great strength and class,” she said.

Meyers announced the first pitch with two “special players.” Clint Pritchard, who is the oldest registered Cosumnes River Little League player in his last year, was the catcher. The pitcher was Lilah Delgadillo. At not quite 4 years old, she is the youngest player in the league. Although she couldn’t throw the ball far, Lilah threw it straight to much applause.

Meyers then announced a surprise first pitch with a daughter and mother to celebrate “Girls with Games,” the 50th anniversary of girls in Little League.”

“I just sprang it on them,” she said. “So April (Kershaw), you will be the catcher and your daughter, Ariel, will be the pitcher.”

Both pulled it off with aplomb, although they had to use a baseball and April Kershaw had to catch with her bare hands.

The final event on the program was a presentation of the colors by the Mule Creek Prison Honor Guard as the National Anthem played over the loudspeakers.

The teams and the audience on and around the bleachers were dismissing to a rousing version of “Take Me Out to The Ball Game.”

Waiting for them under three nearby canopies were Kiwanis Club members, who barbecued 1,200 hot dogs, slapped them in buns, wrapped them in foil and served the delicious result with chips and water. Five games were also scheduled at noon and later in the day.

 The Cosumnes River Little League players and their families all get a hot dog lunch that is served by the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta under the canopy.