Play Ball! Coginchaug Little League Kicks Off 24th Season with Opening Day Ceremony

Hundreds of little leaguers gathered at George Atwell Field in Durham on Saturday to mark opening day of Coginchaug Little League.

"There's no other sport that does opening day. It's gotta be an event," said league vice president Scott Strang.

The ceremony officially kicked off the start of the 2013 season for baseball and softball players from Durham and Middlefield and served as a reunion for three of the leagues most successful teams.

Following the annual parade of teams, members the 2012 juniors softball team and 11-year-old all-star team were introduced to the crowd of parents and players as their team's championship banners were unveiled at center field.

Several members of the 1993 championship winning Coginchaug Little League softball all-star team were also in attendance, invited to opening day to celebrate the team's 20th anniversary.

"In 1993, 20 years ago, this group of girls, then 11 ad 12 years old, went on an unprecedented run in post-season play," Strang announced.

The team, coached by Ray Arrigoni, won the District 9 title, Connecticut state title and the New England championship before falling one game short of making it to the little league world series.

The team ended the season ranked as the 8th best 12 year old softball team in the country, Strang said.

Saturday's ceremony also included a performance of the Star Spangled Banner by the Memorial Middle School choir, as well as remarks by Durham First Selectman Laura Francis and Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw.

League president Tom Wenchell presented the 2013 Coginchaug Little League scholarships to Coginchaug softball player Jackie Benson baseball player Will Neri.

Wenchell said changes this year include an all-dirt infield at Atwell field, a decision that was made to improve player safety. A removable pitcher's mound will also allow the field to be used by softball teams, he said.

"This is great," Wenchell said of opening day. "Progress. Every year it's a little progress."

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the Coginchaug Little League. For more information visit www.coginchaugll.org.