Play ball

Opening Day Jamboree draws crowds

 

Thousands of players and spectators descended on the Hal Brady Recreation Complex for the Babe Ruth Softball/Baseball Opening Day Jamboree this past Saturday. Perfect weather and a full schedule of baseball and softball drew a crowd of more than 5,200 people to Alachua's Hal Brady Recreation Complex on Saturday for the Babe Ruth Softball/Baseball Opening Day Jamboree. The aroma of burgers grilling, the crack of bat on ball and clouds of spring pollen were all in the air as parents, fans and children gathered to celebrate America's favorite pastime.

Mayor Gib Coerper, Police Chief Joel DeCoursey and City Manager Traci Cain were present for the opening ceremony and shook hands with each player as the teams were introduced. Coerper accepted a trophy on behalf of the Santa Fe 12U softball team, which won the Babe Ruth World Series title in August. Santa Fe pitcher Lauren Riley threw the day's opening pitch.

Pilots Joe Vangorder and Richard Bray of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office were also present, displaying a police helicopter for the children.

Twenty games were played, with teams traveling from all over Florida to participate. Games started at 9 a.m. and continued well into the evening. Players present ranged from four year olds to the Santa Fe High School baseball team.

Keri Griffis, a parent from Lawtey, Fla., said that her daughter enjoys traveling and playing in Babe Ruth tournaments because they give her an opportunity to play softball in new places and socialize with other children her age. Griffis, who said she has traveled to Starke, Keystone Heights and Citra for softball, praised the energy and atmosphere at the event.

“It couldn't be more of a perfect day,” said Michelle Williams, whose son Blake plays for the Santa Fe Ford team.

Opening day was even sweeter this year with the improvements made to the recreation last year in preparation for the Babe Ruth World Series 12U softball tournament held in August.  Improvements were funded by the City of Alachua, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the Gainesville Sports Commission, Walmart, Sysco, Dollar General and Santa Fe Ford.