Sequim Little League hosts opening ceremony, player parade

By Matthew Nash • April 17, 2019 1:30 am
Olympic Game Farm Minor League players, from left, Kaleb Delph, 10, Domink Johnson, 9, Cooper Sharpe, 11, and Brody Lewis, 10, race their coach Quentin Delph during the Sequim Little League’s Players Procession. Each team was introduced in front of hundreds of spectators at Dr. James Standard Memorial Little League Park.
Olympic Game Farm Minor League players, from left, Kaleb Delph, 10, Domink Johnson, 9, Cooper Sharpe, 11, and Brody Lewis, 10, race their coach Quentin Delph during the Sequim Little League’s Players Procession. Each team was introduced in front of hundreds of spectators at Dr. James Standard Memorial Little League Park.

Sequim’s Little Leaguers held a parade, chomped some hot dogs and adorned snazzy new hats before the rain hit hard on Saturday.

Volunteers for Sequim Little League said opening day on April 13 brought out 210 players for 18 teams in T-ball, Prep Co-ed, Minor Boys, Minor Girls, Major Boys, Major Girls and Junior Girls divisions.

See more photos here.

Their bright uniforms shined under dark skies as players and coaches ran in the annual Player Parade as Master of Ceremonies Stephen Rosales announced teams, coaches and sponsors.

Ava Bower led the large crowd surrounding Knapp Field in “The Star-Spangled Banner” before players said “The Little League Pledge” and coaches and parents/guardians said a pledge as well.

Jamison Gray and Michaela and Noah Green threw out the first pitch in honor of their grandfathers who helped continue the legacy of Little League in Sequim.

Volunteers also held raffles and hosted sponsors on site while Sequim Applebee’s offered a Dine to Donate throughout the day for the league.

Despite ceremonies going forward, all games were canceled due to the weather, but coaches rescheduled T-ball games for later this week.

The fields at Dr. James Standard Little League Park were in great shape thanks to volunteers, said Little League board president Nick Simpson.

“We had an unbelievable showing for field cleanup days,” he said. “It’s amazing how many people came and helped.”

Simpson said as the season continues, volunteers are needed in various capacities, including service for the board, field maintenance and much more.

For more information, visit www.sequimlittleleague.com.

Tucker Stephens, 3, shows his smile for the crowd during the Player Procession on April 13 for Sequim Little League’s opening day. Stephens is one of 210 players on 18 Sequim teams including five T-ball teams like Sequim View Cemetery coached by Mary Laboy.

Tucker Stephens, 3, shows his smile for the crowd during the Player Procession on April 13 for Sequim Little League’s opening day. Stephens is one of 210 players on 18 Sequim teams including five T-ball teams like Sequim View Cemetery coached by Mary Laboy.

Olympic Game Farm Minor League players, from left, Kaleb Delph, 10, Domink Johnson, 9, Cooper Sharpe, 11, and Brody Lewis, 10, race their coach Quentin Delph during the Sequim Little League’s Players Procession. Each team was introduced in front of hundreds of spectators at Dr. James Standard Memorial Little League Park.

Olympic Game Farm Minor League players, from left, Kaleb Delph, 10, Domink Johnson, 9, Cooper Sharpe, 11, and Brody Lewis, 10, race their coach Quentin Delph during the Sequim Little League’s Players Procession. Each team was introduced in front of hundreds of spectators at Dr. James Standard Memorial Little League Park.

Players and coaches stand at attention in respect during the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Ava Bower at Sequim Little League’s opening day ceremony. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Players and coaches stand at attention in respect during the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Ava Bower at Sequim Little League’s opening day ceremony. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Parent volunteer Jackie Lake helps Charlie Grider, 12, with Evergreen Collision’s Boys’ Majors team, grab a snack from the concession stand after the opening ceremony of the Sequim Little League’s season. Despite a rainout for games, players received a hot dog, drink and chips courtesy of Molina Healthcare.

Parent volunteer Jackie Lake helps Charlie Grider, 12, with Evergreen Collision’s Boys’ Majors team, grab a snack from the concession stand after the opening ceremony of the Sequim Little League’s season. Despite a rainout for games, players received a hot dog, drink and chips courtesy of Molina Healthcare.

Ava Bower sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” for opening day of the Sequim Little League season on April 13.

Ava Bower sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” for opening day of the Sequim Little League season on April 13.

Players and coaches for the co-ed team of The Law Office of Alan Millet storm the field during the Player Procession. They’re coached by Gary White and Jack Hueter.

Players and coaches for the co-ed team of The Law Office of Alan Millet storm the field during the Player Procession. They’re coached by Gary White and Jack Hueter.

The Minor Girls’ team of The Law Office of Alan Millet coached by Derek Sanderson run hard for their season debut during the Player Procession for Sequim Little League’s Opening Day Ceremony on April 13.

The Minor Girls’ team of The Law Office of Alan Millet coached by Derek Sanderson run hard for their season debut during the Player Procession for Sequim Little League’s Opening Day Ceremony on April 13.