Arlington Little League To Host First Opening Day Ceremony Since 2019

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington Little League will celebrate opening day on Sunday, April 3 at Barcroft Park, the league’s first opening day since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former Major League Baseball outfielder and Northern Virginia native Brandon Guyer will be the special guest at the festivities, which will take place from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Guyer, who played for the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Indians, grew up in Herndon and played high school baseball at Herndon High School and the University of Virginia.

“Holding an Opening Ceremony in spring 2022 is another sign that we are inching back — ever so slightly and ever so carefully — towards easier times,” Arlington Little League President Adam Balutis said.

The opening day ceremonies will include a Fun Zone with moon bounces, face painting, popcorn and food trucks.

Arlington Little League is teaming up with Arlington Food Assistance Center and Wakefield Baseball to “Take a Swing at Hunger.”

Little league families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food to the ceremony. The team that brings the most items will win a team party courtesy of Arlington Little League.

Here’s a list of opening day events at Barcroft Park:

• 1 p.m. - Teams gather (Field 4)
• 1:20 p.m. - Parade of ALL Stars (Field 4 to Field 1)
• 1:40 p.m. - Presentation of the Colors (VFW Post 3150) National Anthem Little League and Parent/Volunteer Pledges
• 1:50 p.m. - Welcome, introductions, opening remarks
• 2 p.m. - On-field action (Contests and entertainment, Hall of Fame inductions, special guest, ceremonial first pitches)

Here are the scheduled games on Sunday:

• 2:30 p.m. - Challengers – Brewers vs White Sox (Field 4)
• 2:45 p.m. - 50/70 – Brewers vs Cubs (Field 1)
• 3 p.m. - Majors – Giants vs Yankees (Field 2)