Major League Baseball’s pros on the ball field got their season started last week and now it’s the kids’ turn as the boys and girls of spring swung into the 2011 season of the Ozone Howard Little League at Aqueduct Field in Ozone Park on Monday, April 11.
In the league where everyone gets to play, children of all ages pitched in and batted around in front of family and friends on Aqueduct’s four fields; springtime euphoria was evident and in the air.
Joe Bode, league president and coach, said that the Ozone Howard League strives to create a family atmosphere with plenty of space for families to watch the action, batting cages to keep them active and concession stands to keep them refreshed.
“It’s beyond baseball,” said Bode. “It’s about the community.”
That sense of community surrounding Aqueduct Field made its way into the dugouts, as coaches like Bode encourage kids to get behind each other and cheer, no matter what.
“I tell the team that these are your brothers for the next three months,” said Bode. “We cheer each other on; it’s not one guy who hit a home run, it’s the team that hit a home run.”
Bode has been coaching for about 20 years and remembers fondly his years swinging for the fences as a kid. He said that the routine of coaching will never get old because of his love for the game and his belief in the League’s positive influence.
“It [Little League] had a great influence on me as a kid,” said Bode. “My little league coach was my hero, and I want to reach out and teach these kids to be proud of their team and their community.”
Much like last season, The Queens Courier will give little leaguers the chance to see their names, pictures and achievements in our sports section.
Coaches, parents and Little League administrators who would like to see their kids’ names, pictures and stats in The Courier are encouraged to email the sports editor at smosco@queenscourier.com or call him at 718-2245863, Ext. 225.
