Harrison Little League Opens 61st Season

Hundreds of Harrison Little Leaguers celebrated the start of the 61st season of Harrison Little League baseball Friday afternoon with a parade downtown and a ceremony at Feeley Field.

Led by the Harrison High School Band, ballplayers marched from Veterans Park to the field. Rich Salerno, director of the local little league, recognized Harrison's three District 20 championship teams from last year.

"We are very proud of our program, we play excellent softball and excellent baseball," Salerno said. "We are very proud of the accomplishments of all three teams."

Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont, Councilman Joseph Cannella and Assemblyman Robert Castelli tossed ceremonial first pitches, waving first to a large crowd of players, coaches and parents who lined the outfield.

This year's opening day coincides with the 100th anniversary of the first game ever at historic Fenway Park, noted Castelli.

"It just goes to show the enduring legacy baseball has had for all of us," Castelli said before presenting a proclamation from the State Assembly recognizing the little league.

Youth baseball scholarship award winners from 2011 received special recognition. Michael Chiarella and Justin Dahlgren won the John Hoffman Award a year ago, Rhiannon Gasparre and Jessica Magnotta won the John Selvaggio scholarship.

Belmont took the podium as a guest speaker before the ceremony came to a close.

"Coaches, players and parents, you all do a great job," said Belmont. "I commend you for that."