Saturday kicked off the Frankfort Little League 2022 spring baseball season.
Rain and storms held off allowing all 140 kids to line up for a parade through TPA park, led by the Frankfort Police Department and the Frankfort Fire Department.
Cub Scout Pack 338 provided the flag detail on the field for the National Anthem and Mayor Judy Sheets threw out the first pitch.
Every child in attendance was announced over the loudspeaker, getting their own time to shine before batting.
Last year’s All-Star teams were announced and the winners of the Jeff Emery Mental Attitude Award for each age group were recognized as well. Though some of them have moved to a higher age bracket, last year’s 12U team also received recognition for winning the 2021 Town and Country State Championship.
Each team was given the opportunity to bat and field resulting in short games so that all teams could play today in front of big crowd.
Players also had the opportunity to take individual and team pictures with local photographer Natalie Day from Natalie Michelle Photography.
The concession stand was up and running with Roscommon’s popular tacos as a featured item for opening day. As always, hot dogs, nachos, and soft pretzels were a fan favorite for game day. Other featured items included Shoup’s porkburgers, and the Kona Ice truck even made a stop at the event.
League President John Eason said “We really just wanted to make Opening Day a big deal again. We wanted to make this a special event that the kids will enjoy and something that they will remember. I’m so grateful to all of the volunteers, coaches, board members, and sponsors who showed up to make this day special for the kids.”
This year, the League decided to name all the t-ball teams after Frankfort elementary schools that have closed. When the jerseys were finished, Eason posted a photo to the Frankfort Little League Facebook page where the comments exploded with nostalgia, and several people wanted the opportunity to order their own shirt featuring their former elementary school. The jerseys were designed and printed by Whitney Sheets from SGR Designs in Michigantown. Eason contacted her and asked if it was possible to use the shirts as a fundraiser for the Little League, and she happily agreed. So far over 300 of the elementary school shirts have been sold, with $5 from the sale of each shirt going back to the Frankfort Little League. Shirts can be ordered from https://www.sgrdesigns.org/Frankfort-little-league and include the Riley Poets, Southside Archers, Woodside Woodchucks, Kyger Kats, and the Lincoln Abes.
The community can also order a Frankfort Youth Baseball shirt with a red, white and blue design featuring a baseball player blowing a bubble and holding a bat. Shirts can be shipped or arrangements can be made to pick up at the concession stand during one of the games.
Eason said he is excited about the future of the Frankfort Little League and hopes the kids just have fun. He said “I remember all the time I spent playing baseball as a kid, and I want to make sure every kid has the opportunity to play. We have so many sponsors who make sure that we not only have all the equipment and field maintenance we need, but also provide financial assistance for families who might be struggling.” While it’s too late to sign up for the spring season, Eason said he hopes there will be another great turnout for the fall season. Follow the Frankfort Little League Facebook page for more information on game times, tournaments, and signups for the fall.
Story contributor John Eason
Erick Dircks was on hand for photos, drone, and video coverage and can be seen in links below