RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Beneath clear blue skies and warm spring sunshine, Cosumnes River Little League kicked off its 35th season March 7 with a spirited opening day celebration at Stonehouse Park.

The annual tradition began with a parade of 31 teams traveling along Murieta Parkway to the park, led by a Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District engine. Players rode in creatively decorated chariots, tossing candy to spectators who lined the route, before arriving to cheering crowds and a festive balloon tunnel entrance onto the main field.

League President Dan Reid said afterward that the near-perfect weather made for an ideal start to a milestone season.

“The weather for opening day was perfect,” Reid said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the 35th anniversary season.”

This year, the league includes 305 players across 31 teams, with returning athletes and many new participants taking the field.

Once assembled, teams were introduced one by one by announcer Dan Stephens as they ran through the balloon archway to loud applause. Reid credited volunteers and organizers for adding new touches to the ceremony, including the tunnel, which was coordinated by Lizeth Delgadillo with support from the Cosumnes River Elementary PTA.

The ceremony opened on a patriotic note as Scout Troop 633 presented the colors. Seven-year-old McKenny Cajucom then delivered a live performance of the national anthem: a special addition for the anniversary year.

Reid said the league chose a live performance after reviewing a video of McKenny, who has been taking singing lessons. Her family has become deeply involved in the league, with both parents serving on the board, and her father, Xavier, a Marine Corps veteran.

Moments later, spectators were asked to look skyward as a yellow plane flew overhead in a crowd-pleasing flyover arranged by On the Ball Aviation, with coordination led by board member Rob Winter.

Board member Ashley Fields then led players and parents in the Little League pledge, emphasizing sportsmanship, respect for umpires and doing one’s best.

Taking the microphone, Reid welcomed families to opening day and reflected on the league’s growth over the past three and a half decades.

“This is a beautiful day for baseball and softball,” he said, noting that past opening days have included wind, rain and even sleet.

Reid thanked volunteers, parents, coaches and managers for the countless hours that make the season possible.

He also underscored the role of sponsors, whose support helps to keep fees affordable while funding field upgrades and equipment. Opening day sponsors Randy and Patty Jenco of Town and Country Real Estate were recognized for backing this year’s ceremony and their long-standing support of the league.

Sponsor funding has helped to deliver improvements, including new batting cage turf, a mound on Field 2 and upgraded sound systems.

Reid also recognized District 54 for organizing tournaments and All-Stars, and praised the league’s youth umpires, urging families to support and respect them.

Reflecting on the league’s history, Reid said the organization has come a long way from its early days on a small field near the gas station.

“Now we have coaches and managers who played here, and grandparents who helped start the league,” he said, describing the current complex as “the nicest fields around.”

He also highlighted recent achievements, including the 2025 Minors Bulldogs’ Tournament of Champions victory and a milestone season for the 10U softball All-Stars, who captured a district title and advanced to sections.

Reid encouraged families to focus on what matters most.

“This is about making core memories,” he said, pointing to a full slate of games scheduled for opening day and throughout the season.

Continuing a league tradition, the ceremonial first pitch was thrown by the youngest player, Rocco Vellutini, and the oldest player, Billy Baiz, symbolizing the full span of the league’s players.

The celebration concluded with a community hot-dog lunch sponsored by the league and served by the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta, before players and families headed off to the day’s games.

“With that, let’s have a great season of baseball,” Reid said. “Thank you all for all that you do … and let’s play ball.”