JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Jasper’s softball, tee ball, and baseball seasons have once more kicked-off with this year’s annual Opening Day Ceremonies and Team Parade.
Dozens of town residents gathered among the grounds of the Bobby “Brad” Carter Sports Complex at Jasper City Park on Friday, March 20, to cheer on this year’s ensemble of Little League baseball, softball, and tee ball teams. 26 teams in total participated in the event, ranging from the Little League Crusaders and Mariners, to The Glitter Bombs and Sandlot Sisters.
Jasper Park Director Justin Baker explained the annual ceremony and parade first began in 2017 to help startup the town’s annual and spring sport season in a major way, with volunteers contributing to make each ceremony a reality. In addition to the large scale lineup of teams, a ceremonial first pitch is also hosted in honor of individuals who significantly contributed to the seasonal program, with this year’s honoree being Eldon Ritchie.
“I served on the Park Board for years and I always wanted to have one because I’ve seen other parks do it,” Baker said. “It’s a way to honor them and everybody is in a good mood, and it’s a good time just to get everybody together.”
Baker noted the event contributed to the program’s overall growth and popularity over the years, with this year’s season to feature up to 32 teams total across baseball, softball, and tee ball. During the ceremony, Jasper Mayor Jason Turner took a moment to thank all Jasper residents and all involved within the program for each group’s role in supporting both the event and every team involved, crediting each into making what the sport program has become.
“I just want to thank everybody for coming out and making this program into what it is today,” Turner said.
Turner also announced that all scoreboards within the park are to be completely replaced with brand new scoreboards within the near future. He also took a moment to further announce the park’s upcoming new public pavilion, the project recently breaking ground back in February, ensuring that a bright and growing future for the town’s public park is on its way.
“It’s just wonderful. We enjoy it,” Turner said. “This is something that we are passionate about, it’s giving back the youths and the community.”