Gridley Little Leaguers Enjoy the Sunshine and Games

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - It couldn’t have been a more perfect day for Little Leaguers to be back out on the ball fields for some baseball and softball. Family and friends packed the stands, brought their lawn chairs and posted up to watch some much needed competition and feel a sense of normalcy back into their lives. One spectator, in all smiles, said, “Look around us. The sun is shining. There are ball players everywhere. There are fans everywhere. This feels amazing!” From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Little Leaguers in T-Ball, Farm, Minors, and Majors flooded Manuel Vierra Park in full uniform with their baseball and softball equipment ready to take on the day. For the first time in over a year, ball players got to show their skills in pitching, fielding, hitting, and base running. And what a spectacular showing it was!

The Minors Rangers baseball team took the field against the Minors Braves baseball team to get the competition started. In a close back and forth battle, the Braves won the game in walk-off fashion when Jaden Solis stole home for the 8-7 victory. The Minors softball Lady Giants walked away victorious in a 15-9 game. The Majors softball Lady Rangers won 8-5. The Majors baseball Giants won 17-7.

Every year on opening day for Gridley Little League, the board invites a special guest to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. This year, opening day ceremonies were canceled, but that didn’t stop a special guest from being invited out to be honored. Mr. Dick Jones was this year’s special guest at the ball field dedicated to him, where the Majors and Minors baseball players play their games.