The adorable players that comprised the T-Ball and Farm teams were the first on the field opening day.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A huge crowd of excited youth, parents and coaches packed Manuel Vierra Park Saturday, March 16, as Gridley Little League’s Opening Day Ceremonies got underway.

A freshly groomed diamond complete with pristine white strips and dew-drenched outfield awaited the arrival of 43 teams and a GLL roster boasting 445 players, all of whose names would be called over the loudspeaker.

At 9:00, Little League President Jose Villalobos, welcomed all who turned out for the annual opening day festivities and quickly began reading off the names of teams and their players. Beginning with T-Ball and ending with Challenger Teams, each player ran onto the field and took their place on the outfield.

 As their team and individual names were announced over the loudspeaker, players dashed across the field to take their place on the diamond.

GLL T-Ball is: Green Jackets, Schukers, Flying Tigers, Curve, Threshers, Lumber Kings, Dragons, Pelicans, and Fisher Cats.

GLL Farm is: Beach Dogs, Renegades, Loons, Tin Caps, Isotopes, Shorebirds, Sky Carp and Hooks.

GLL Minor Baseball is: Pirates, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Mets, Padres, Reds and Giants.

GLL Minor Softball is: Heartbreakers, Gators, Expos, Dodgers and Giants.

GLL Major Baseball is: Phillies, Rebels, Braves, and G.O.A.T.S.

GLL Softball is: Padres and Giants. GLL Junior Baseball is: Grizzlies and Stripers.

GLL Junior Softball is: Marlins and Reds.

GLL Challenger teams are: Hornets, Bandits, Flames and Ninja Turtles.

After each team settled on the diamond, hats were removed as players and the crowd turned to their attention to center field where Old Glory proudly flew. Holly Sisk would sing the National Anthem beautifully.

Special guest Butte County Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue would lead the players and coaches’ pledges. He would also have the honor of throwing the first pitch of the game with Gavin Rosser behind the plate.

 Butte County Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue (left) threw the season opening pitch to Gavin Rosser (right).

And with that, the 2024 season of Little League began. Teams would then split up, finding their families, or heading straight into their first game.  Action packed the various fields for the remainder of the day and into the evening, as each of the teams had their first game.

Thanks to this year’s Gridley Little League Board of Directors: Jose Villalobos, Amanda Schohr, Gladys Diaz, Kendall Brunet, Kristi Sherer, Tyson Heusser, Lisa Shaw, Levi Rosser, Matt McVicker, Daniel Rivas, Blain Moffit and Martha Moreno Lasker. An additional “Thank You” to all the coaches!