Opening Day on Sunday, April 27, 2025, marked a vibrant and community-centered celebration as Stonington Little League kicked off its 72nd season. The event brought together players, families, and supporters to honor youth sports and the spirit of teamwork that defines the league’s spring season.
The festivities began with the Stonington Police Color Guard and the Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps leading a lively parade of teams from center field to the baseball diamond. The ceremonial procession set an energetic tone for the day, highlighting the league’s deep roots in the community.
Local leaders, including Stonington First Selectwoman Danielle Chesebrough, North Stonington Selectmen Brett Mastroianni and Nicole Porter, and State Representative Greg Howard, addressed the crowd. They commended the players, coaches, volunteers, and parents for their dedication and encouraged everyone to embrace a season filled with sportsmanship, teamwork, and community pride.
During the ceremony, Adam Linicus, immediate past president and current League Secretary, presented his brother and sister-in-law, David and Jessica Linicus, with the Vern Gibson Volunteer Award for their exceptional contributions to the league. Bridget Morrissey, mother of Adam and David Linicus and their first baseball coach, Jessica's parents, Bob and Kathy Main, alongside many family members and friends, were proudly in attendance cheering on the honorees. David also threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his nephew, Jo Linicus. League President Tim Lebling also recognized Julian Rodriguez with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his ongoing commitment to team spirit and community involvement. Author Jim Grills, known for his book Coaching Kids and Their Parents, Too, joined the event to meet families and coaches, offering insights and celebrating the start of the season together. Entertainment was provided by Tim Naughton, aka DJ Face, who played music before and after the ceremony, keeping the atmosphere lively. Younger attendees enjoyed a bounce house, and the concession stand was open to the public. This year, the league introduced a new mascot, STIX, who made her debut at the concession stand, adding a fun new element for players and fans alike.
For those eager to follow the season, the full schedule of games is available on the Stonington Little League website at www.stoningtonlittleleague.info.
The Opening Day event not only celebrated the beginning of another baseball season but also reinforced the strong community bonds that have supported Stonington Little League for more than seven decades.
