By Darrel Wheeler
Contributing Writer
Southeastern Little League celebrated the beginning of their new season with a full agenda of ceremonies for opening day last Saturday at South Crest Park. Young Angels, Yankees, White Sox, Braves, Padres and Phillies are some of the teams that will play ball in 2014.
Mr. Edgar Hodge handled the master of ceremonies duties; League President James Trowsdell introduced the teams, presentation of colors by Lincoln High School’s JROTC color guard. Ayana Riley of Lincoln High school did a great job singing the National Anthem; the special occasion was blessed by Reverend Walter G Wells of Mt Erie Baptist church.
The players recited the little league pledge, “I trust in God, I love my country and I will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose I will always do my best.”
Steve South President & CEO of ED-CO, Brian Overstreet (New P. B. Church) and Dr. Mathews, chairman of MLK Jr Parade, took turns on the microphone encouraging the kids to play hard but have fun. Lieutenant Sergeant Chris Knighten of the San Diego police department and 9th district Councilmember Marty Emerald had the honors of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
“This is awesome. It is very important to come here and support these kids. This is my second time doing opening day ceremonies for southeastern and I love it. And I would definitely do it again,” Marty Emerald said. Experienced Major Division Managers David Lamar, Reggie Harman, Alex Lopez and James Trowsdell will try and teach the boys and girls of Southeastern LL, starting with the fundamentals of the game sportsmanship and behavior.
“I love playing baseball and it gives me something to do besides staying around the house,” said Major League Yankee Tae Smith. Tae is a three sport star (baseball-soccer-football) he is also a role model to his three younger sisters, Tae hit six home runs last season and he is eager to repeat last year’s success.
He added, “My sisters look up to me and I look up to my coaches, coach Ted Womack and coach David Lamar encourage me to pay attention, do my best but have some fun.”
Once again Southeastern will join forces with Encanto and Memorial little leagues to compete in season 2014.
A special thanks to San Diego Padres, Madres, Humberto’s taco shop, The Floyd Robinson Foundation and Vincent Brown for their much needed support. After all the speeches and ceremonial procedures it was time to play ball, and the Southeastern Little League is now ready for another season of baseball action at legendary South Crest Park.
Photos by Darrel Wheeler:
