The boys and girls of summer signaled the start of a much anticipated spring with a parade to open the 2011 season for Queens Little Leaguers.
Junior sluggers took to the streets as the Ridgewood-Glendale-Middle Village-Maspeth (RGMVM) Little League season kicked off with a march down Myrtle Avenue on Saturday, April 2.
Now entering its 60th year as a Little League in Queens, RGMVM emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship while keeping children engaged in physical activities and away from the bad influences of idle afternoons.
Assemblymember Mike Miller, who played in the league as a child, remembers the positives experiences and long time friendships gained from his summers on the field of play.
“I had a great time playing in this league,” said Miller. “Not only was it a good time playing, but it also gave me a sense of purpose and that is very important to our young people.”
The young people love the sport because it allows them more time outdoors with their friends, according to league president Pat Piteo. He said that each year, the kids can’t wait to get back onto the field – that the camaraderie of a baseball team is second to none.
“It is so great to see that enthusiasm of theirs when they get onto the field,” said Piteo. “Baseball is a lot of kids’ first love. And everybody just seems happier this time of year – it must be the weather.”
Piteo said that while Little League is a social thing for the kids, it actually serves a much greater purpose – and that is something the kids will understand when they look back on it as adults.
“Little League instills something good in each and every one of these kids,” said Piteo, who added that there are more than 800 kids in the league. “The biggest joy I get is when older guys come back and say that I coached them. You can see they grew up the right way.”
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.
