Mayor Says, ‘Play Ball!’

For the first time in the grand history of the Bayside Little League, the mayor of New York City joined them in their opening day parade.
On Saturday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg arrived in Bayside for opening day festivities. The parade, one of the largest in recent memory, began on 43rd Avenue and Bell Boulevard, and finished up at Crocheron Park, at 35th Avenue and 216th Street.
From there, the procession made its way to the Little League baseball diamond for opening ceremonies, and the traditional throwing out of the first pitch, which were tossed to a player from each division by a different dignitary.
Taking part in the tradition along with Mayor Bloomberg were Congressman Anthony Weiner and Father Peter Desanctis from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, who also gave a blessing to the field, among others.
The Bayside Little League estimated there were between 1,000 and 1,500 spectators and participants combined. Although Mayor Bloomberg made a trip to the Bayside Little League last year, only a week after their opening day parade, this visit was truly more memorable.
The end of the ceremony included the singing of the national anthem by Kerin Daly, 13, and the recitation of the Little League Pledge by Matthew Santagato. Further enhanced by a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the festivities made for a grand event to witness.
“It’s a personal pleasure to see all the children that come out and participate in the parade and march down Bell Boulevard proudly wearing their Little League uniform,” said Bob Reid, Director of the Bayside Little League.
zbraziller@queenscourier.com