Milford Little League’s 2023 season opened this weekend
Milford Little League opened their 2023 season with a parade and opening ceremonies on Friday, April 21. The parade began at the Milford Church of God on North Walnut Street with players, coaches and parents walking to the ballpark, escorted by Milford Police Department and the Carlisle Fire Company.
“The parade winds up at our senior league field for our ceremony where teams line up along the base paths,” Kelly Greenly, President of Milford Little League, said. “This year, we had the Milford High School Chamber Choir sing the National Anthem and recognized the 2013 Senior League softball team that one the East Regional tournament. They were the first team from Milford Little League to do so and they went on to win the Little League Softball World Series in 2014.”
After recognizing the 2013 team, Aneurys Felix-Abad and Sylvia Wolfenden read the Little League International Pledge. Awards were given for baseball and softball volunteers.
“This year’s recipient of the William E. Morris Award for dedication to our baseball program was Michelle Eisenbrey,” Greenly said. “The recipient of the Jack Allen Award for dedication to our softball program is Nancy West who passed away this past December, so her family accepted the award on her behalf. Mayor Archie Campbell and former Representative Harvey Kenton recognized Ed Huey for his dedication to the town of Milford and the Milford Little League.”
The Huey Family after Ed was recognized for his service to the city and the league. Ed also threw out the first pitch at the Friday baseball game.
Huey also threw out the first pitch for baseball while Haylee Scruggs, who was on the 2013 senior league team, threw out the first pitch for softball. A major league baseball and softball game was held Friday night while Tee-ball, pitching machine, minor league and softball games were held on Saturday. The league also held their annual chicken barbecue on Saturday to raise money.
“Children can start our tee-ball program at age four and can play up to age 16 in senior league baseball and softball,” Greenly said. “Unfortunately, sign-ups ended on March 1 but sign-ups for next season begin in January 2024.”
Greenly explained that the league has the managers and coaches they need but are still looking for volunteers to umpire and help throughout the ballpark with maintenance and the concession stand. There is a volunteer form on the league website at www.milfordball.com. The form can be filled out online and emailed to the league at milfordlittleleague.com or print it and bring it to the concession stand.
Kids are ready for the 2023 Milford Little League Season
“The regular season will last until mid-June,” Greenly said. “All-Star and Special League games will start in mid-July. Milford Little League is hosting the District 1 Major League All-Star Tournament from July 12 through 18. We are also hosting the District 1 Senior League Softball Tournament from July 5 through 11 and the State Senior League Softball Tournament on July 15 and 16.”
Little League is a great program for children, Greenly stated, but the league does face challenges.
“It teaches socialization, teamwork and sportsmanship,” Greenly said. “Kids also learn athletic skills like running, throwing, catching and hitting a ball. Each year we struggle with finding umpires and coaches. You don’t need to know all the rules to fill those positions. You just must have a love for kids and teaching them to learn new skills.”
Share this Post