North Canton Little League Prepares for 63rd Season of Play

Nearly 350 kids are preparing for the upcoming North Canton Little League's 2011 season, which begins April 30. The season kicks off after the 11 a.m. opening ceremonies at the NCLL complex, 1455 Easton NE.

Cleveland Indians' mascot Slider will make an appearance, as will local city leaders and former baseball . The two state champions from last year will be recognized — the 11-year-olds and the 14-year-old junior team. They'll also announce scholarship winners.

The little league has been at its present location since 1999. Prior to that, games were played at the end of 6th Street adjacent to the Hoover Company. The organization is self-sufficient and needs to cover roughly $72,000 in expenses to operate this season.

North Canton was the first little league charter granted west of the Allegheny Mountains, and the first little league game ever played in Ohio featured a North Canton team.

Later this summer, North Canton will host the Junior State Tournament, which attracts teams from all over Ohio. Our 12-year-old all-star team will compete and they hope to advance all the way to Williamsport, PA, for the Little League World Series.

Extra Innings:

NCLL players will be in full uniform Saturday morning for the annual Tag Day event. They will occupy entrances to local businesses in hopes of collecting donations.

Kids ages 7 to 14 can participate Sunday in the Aquafina Pitch, Hit and Run Skill Competition. Registration is free and participants will be tested on pitching, hitting and running. The event will be at the NCLL complex starting at 1 p.m.

TJK Concessions will debut as the concession stand operator this summer at the complex. An exciting new menu will feature burgers, chicken tenders, Italian sausage, corn dogs, french fries, root beer floats and ice cream.