Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Downtown Little League Opens Spring Season

By Julie Shapiro | April 11, 2011 4:22pm | Updated on April 11, 2011 4:21pm

By Julie Shapiro

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

LOWER MANHATTAN — The weather was still brisk Saturday morning, but that didn't stop the Downtown Little League from kicking off its spring season in style.

Several hundred players, coaches, parents and local officials marched from City Hall Park to the Battery Park City ball fields on Saturday to inaugurate the league's 19th season.

In between the speeches, the Tri-Battery Pops, downtown's community band, led rousing renditions of "76 Trombones" and the national anthem, along with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Kids then rushed to try an inflatable obstacle course, munch free popcorn and get their picture taken with Mets mascot Mr. Met.

The little league players also lined up to meet a real Met: former pitcher Ron Darling, who signed autographs.

Speakers at the opening ceremony included Borough President Scott Stringer, Battery Park City Authority Chairman Bill Thompson, BPCA President Gayle Horwitz, City Councilwoman Margaret Chin, Community Board 1 Chairwoman Julie Menin and Downtown Alliance President Liz Berger.