submitted by Sherry Bowman-Kluck
Rain, rain, go away! Rain forced the Hoosick Youth Baseball and Softball League to reschedule its original Opening Day from Saturday, April 26, to Sunday, April 27 – no small feat considering there are 221 league players this year. It was unavoidable, however. The field was under several inches of water following the previous evening’s heavy rainstorm. Many people from within the League helped dry fields and made phone calls to alert families to the existing conditions and change in schedule.
[private]Arriving at the Hoosick Falls Memorial Park for the parade line up on that Sunday, one would never know of any schedule change. The excited players, along with their families, were ready to ‘play ball’! The impressive parade involved help from the Hoosick Falls Fire, Police and Rescue Squads leading the way and ensuring the safety of the route. Traffic was stopped and the large assembly walked through Town to the baseball park on Waterworks Road.
Once all participants were situated, Tony Thayne, President of the League, took center field. He started out by recognizing and thanking the fire, police and rescue departments for all that they do every day and for helping with the opening day. Thayne also thanked Mayor Dave Borge for his continual support and the signing of the 2014 lease, Niel Stowell and the Village Highway Crew, Bill Shiland and the Town Highway Crew, Kathi Carknard, and the many parents and volunteers for committing the time to make the Hoosick League what it is today. He thanked the impressive list of team sponsors and coaches including D.A. Lajuenesse – Jena Case, Redeemed Repair – Nick Pello, Thorpe’s Pharmacy – Sabrina Bornt, Denim and Deeds – Niki Noto, Tomasi’s – Jeff Estes, Stewart’s – Rob Cottrell, McDonald’s – Jenn Mattison, Nickelback – Zach Taber, Dewey Auto – Philip McMahon, Martinez Family Realty – Keith Hathaway, Pizza Bella – Neal Turner, Interface Solutions – Bill Sparks, Falls Diner – Gary Funck, Brundige Insurance – Ted Senecal, Delurey’s – Shawn Jones, St. Stanislaw – Pete Gregory, Hathaway Electric – Steve Hathaway, VPS Controls – Chuck Phippen, Brown’s Brewery – Dave Kipp and The Sand Bar – Rob Richard.
Board members were introduced, guest speakers Stan Brownell and Mayor Dave Borge gave their “pep” talks to the aspiring players, and Rebecca Humphrey did the opening prayer. Most inspiring, however, were the five individuals recognized for their invaluable and longstanding contributions to the League. Thayne introduced and provided career highlights for Linda McClellan, Dallas Chapones, Irv Stevens, Ed Carknard and George Villarini. They were inaugurated as the first official Hall of Fame inductees and a standing ovation was subsequently given by an energetic crowd.
Players graduating from the League were recognized as well. They included Brianna Jones, Logan Thayne, Emily Brownell and Mattison Taylor who received first pitches from the Hall of Fame inductees. Other graduating players were Nicolas Houghton, Daniel Steadman, Sam Wickenden, Conner Zedalis, Owen Arnold, Ryan Bloomer, Ethan Mattison, Nate Miller, Sam Richard, Hunter Thompson, Nolan Atherton, Colin Cipperly, Issac Humphrey, James Hynd, Blaine Michaels and Jeffrey Vincent.
Concluding Opening Day, Courtney LaFlamme sang the National Anthem with reverence. The free registration winners were announced. They were Peyton Labonte and Kai Jones. Hurrahs were heard and hats were then thrown to Tony Thayne’s commanding cheer 1…2…3…Play Ball!!!
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