This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

North Canton Little League Opens Its 64th Season

400 ballplayers and their friends and families showed for the festivities Saturday

The baseball gods blessed the opening-day ceremonies Saturday for the North Canton Little League with ideal weather and a great crowd of well-wishers.

Festivities included the Select Choir singing the national anthem, North Canton Mayor David Held and Superintendent of North Canton City Schools Mike Gallina throwing out ceremonial first pitches, scholarship presentations and a special visit from Slider, the mascot of the Cleveland Indians.

NCLL President Gary Giammarco has presided over things at the complex on East Maple Street since 1987. Opening day and his involvement in the league never get old for Giammarco.

Find out what's happening in North Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It is the excitement and anticipation that makes it special," Giammarco said. "It is like a rebirth coming out of winter and everyone feeling like a winner."

"I do this to give back to the community that I live and work in," Giammarco added.

Find out what's happening in North Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

has been on the NCLL scene since 1995 and echoed Giammarco's sentiment about his involvement in the league.

"This is the place to be in North Canton," Meder said. "I am proud of our facility and want it to be the best in the entire state."

Four new $250 NCLL scholarships were awarded to Hoover seniors who were past participants in the little league: Austin Wern, A.J. Crofford, Zach Taneyhill and Stephen Barbush.

Teams played their first games following the opening ceremonies.

The season continues through late July. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from North Canton