NY Mets Legend Howard Johnson Helps Open Darien Little League Season

DARIEN, CT — Darien Little League officially opened its baseball and softball season on Sunday with a little help from New York Mets legend Howard "HoJo" Johnson.

Johnson delivered opening remarks at McGuane Field, and then ran clinics with his son, Glen, for ages 5-12 throughout the afternoon. Funds from the clinics will go toward the Darien Depot.

"We are truly privileged to have HoJo mentoring our Little Leaguers and engaging with children from our community, reinforcing the fundamentals of baseball once more," said Katherine MacLane, a member of the Darien Little League Board, in a news release. "This collaboration with Darien Depot for our fundraising event exemplifies a seamless partnership, dedicated to raising funds and bolstering the invaluable support they provide to our youth every day."

Johnson was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame last year. He played for the Mets from 1985 through 1993, and ranks in the top 10 in franchise history in various offensive categories. Over his 14-year career, Johnson also played with the Tigers, Cubs and Rockies, and has also served as a coach.

Celebrating its 71st year, Darien Little League is one of the oldest Little Leagues in existence, and it's one of the largest in the country.

The league has more than 1,000 kids on more than 100 teams, playing more than 1,200 games in less than 10 weeks in the spring alone. DLL also has programs that run in the summer and fall, and it is 100 percent volunteer-led.

The Darien Depot has provided middle and high schoolers in Darien with a welcoming, fun, and social environment away from outside pressures for more than 30 years. The Depot fulfills its mission through various programs, events, and activities throughout the school year for 4th-12th grade youth in a judgment-free and safe setting.