Meteorologically, spring began this year on March 19, but there are so many other signals people use to mark the start of the season. It may be the blooming of the first daffodil or cherry blossoms, the croaking of frogs or the call of red-winged blackbirds in a nearby pond. It might be the start of Major League Baseball’s spring training, NCAA’s March Madness or golf’s Masters Tournament at Augusta (if so, happy spring!). In my older daughter’s household, though, spring hasn’t truly sprung until Opening Day of Little League play.

Our two grandsons both play — one with more fervor than the other — and we enjoy attending the games of both … for different reasons. Sean, at almost 10, picked up a bat when he was about 2 and seemed to have a natural affinity for and joy in playing from the get-go. We noticed early on that he was a lefty, so that made things interesting! He could be entertained for hours playing catch or hitting the ball off a tee. Younger brother James, nearly 7, takes a much more laid-back approach to baseball, but he also enjoys a little batting practice in the backyard, if only to hang out with his brother.

Both boys started with T-ball (with Sean’s “career” interrupted by COVID), and James is now playing coach-pitched ball while Sean is in his second year of Minors (8-, 9- and 10-year-olds). Opening Day of 2024 was last Saturday, and our local Little League complex was aswarm with players in their brand-new team shirts; parents, grandparents and siblings hauling camp chairs, blankets and snacks; and volunteer coaches, board members and umpires controlling the chaos. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a DJ played tunes and a few food trucks offered sustenance for hungry athletes and fans. The shave ice truck proved especially popular as the day warmed up.

Each game started off with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Little League Pledge, fans and players all rising and removing their hats, hands across hearts. Then it was time to “Play ball!” and the season was officially launched. Now, James’s first game wouldn’t be ’til Wednesday, but we settled in to watch Sean’s team, the Mariners, take the field. For some, this was their very first game, while others like Sean had played all the way up from T-ball. In addition to a range of skills, there was quite a range in the height of the players, but everyone was clearly excited to play.

I love to see how the boys encourage each other as they struggle to field the ball or make a clean throw to a teammate. I also enjoy the camaraderie among the spectators, and through the course of the season we’ll all come to know each other’s kids and grandkids and the younger siblings, too. It’s also heartwarming to see all the effort and time put forth by the volunteers throughout the season: the coaches, the umpires, the parents manning the Snack Shack, the board members who keep things running smoothly.

On this day we cheered Sean on as he started at shortstop, making some nice plays and backing up his teammates. Towards the end of the game he played part of an inning at catcher, a role he enjoys because he’s got plenty to do and is at the center of the action.   What he really loves, though, is pitching, and he got a brief stint in this game, as well, with a close call at the plate. Later in the week during his second game, he pitched nearly four innings and also scored a run, so his season is off to a nice start.

James’s games, while much more low-key, are also fun to watch.  These little boys find it challenging to maintain their focus on playing a position, often being distracted by a bug in the grass, a plane flying overhead or some dirt that needs rearranging. But, boy, do they get excited when they smack that ball, and the varied gaits they use to move from base to base are very entertaining. Through the course of the season they’ll improve their throwing and batting and also (maybe) start to get a grasp of the rules and a little strategy, but most importantly, they learn to play with others and just have fun. At this point my sense is that, based on his antics on the field, James has more potential as a stand-up comic than a ballplayer. No matter, right now it’s spring, and time to play ball!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor