RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Beneath clear blue skies and warming sunshine, the Cosumnes River Little League (CRLL) kicked off its 34th season in Rancho Murieta on March 8.

The celebration began with a parade of 31 teams caravanning to Stonehouse Park, where they gathered on the main baseball field for the opening day ceremony.

Event highlights included introducing the teams and Cosumnes River Little League Board members, presenting the colors, a short program recognizing the volunteers and sponsors, and the ceremonial first pitch of the season.

The parade, led by a Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District engine and ambulance, kicked off on Murieta Parkway and concluded at Escuela Drive, where enthusiastic spectators lined the route. Each team rode in its creatively decorated chariot and high-spirited players tossed candy to the crowd.

After the teams arrived at the park, Dan Stephens, who has two players in the league, introduced each team as they ran onto the field to loud applause from hundreds of spectators.

The ceremony began on a patriotic note. Stephens asked the teams and spectators to turn their eyes to the flagpole, where Scout Troop 633 presented the colors. He then asked the audience to join in the National Anthem.

After introducing all the Cosumnes River Little League Board members, Stephens welcomed Dan Reid, this year’s president. Reid expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to the Rancho Murieta community, for the parents, for the volunteers, and especially our board for making this day possible, this season possible.”

The board’s efforts, which began early in September, involved organizing teams, preparing uniforms and readying the fields.

“They put in countless hours, so thank you to the CRLL Board,” Stephens said.

Reid also commended the Rancho Murieta Association Maintenance Department staff for their dedication to the ball fields.

“Our fields are incredible,” Reid said. “They are some of the nicest in the district.”

Reid reported that 300 young people are participating this year across 31 teams, the highest number of teams to date.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have our programs continue to develop, especially our softball program that now has 10 teams this year,” Reid said. “CRLL is one of the few Little League programs around that has softball.”

Reid emphasized the importance of partnerships with other leagues, especially given the community’s remote and rural location. These partnerships allow older teams to play at different facilities, with Cosumnes River Little League offering the same in return.

“So be good hosts. Enjoy them and let them see how CRLL and Rancho Murieta do it because this is an incredible field with incredible volunteers, parents and an association that backs us,” Reid said.

Reid also asked for a round of applause for the team managers and coaches.

“They are volunteers who are out here,” Reid said. “They put in the time and effort to make it happen, and a lot of them are out in the field to make them look beautiful.”

Reid also offered advice to the parents: “Don’t forget to let them manage and coach during the games, and be a spectator.”

He emphasized that Little League is about fun and creating lasting memories for the youth.

“So let them enjoy this experience and be supportive of all the CRLL teams,” Reid told the parents.

Reid also highlighted several improvements this year. He noted that the new website offers excellent features, including the ability for parents to livestream games and enhanced texting capabilities for announcements, such as field closures.

Reid encouraged the crowd to check out the snack bar upgrades, thanks to a committee led by Mike Martell and Shawn Kassell.

The fields have also seen updates, including a new batting cage, sock nets, batting mats and more improvements that are still coming.  

“So we’re really happy about that,” Reid said.

Reid also recognized the league’s sponsors, whose banners were displayed along the outfield wall, and thanked Realtor Patty Jenco for sponsoring the opening day ceremony.

He concluded his acknowledgments by expressing gratitude to the parents.

“You guys make this happen. You guys bring the kids out here. You guys are supportive in so many ways,” Reid said. “So, kids, how about a round of applause for your parents.”

The ceremony concluded with the Cosumnes River Little League’s traditional Opening Day pitch, featuring the youngest and oldest registered participants. Mackenzie Lyons, 3½, took the mound as the pitcher, while John Firenza, 14, served as the catcher. Although her throw didn’t travel far, it was straight and received applause. John then gave Mackenzie a big high five, marking a heartwarming moment to kick off the season.

“Great job, Mackenzie and John,” Reid said. “So, with that, we are going to get excited.”

Reid then invited everyone to enjoy the nearby barbecue lunch, giving priority in the hot dog line to the teams scheduled to play first.

“Thank you again for supporting CRLL,” Reid concluded. “Let’s play ball!”

Cosumnes River Little League provided the food for the free lunch, while the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta handled the barbecue. The club members grilled high-quality hot dogs, packaged them in foil with buns and served several hundred diners.