By The TimesLedger
The Jamaica Estates-Holliswood Little League opened its spring season Saturday, April 21, with a festive parade along Union Turnpike, Francis Lewis Boulevard and into the Cunningham Park ball fields. Bagpipers from Archbishop Molloy High School led hundreds of Little Leaguers in new major league uniforms, their families and friends.
Police from the 107th Precinct protected the route as the Jamaica Estates-Holliswood-South Bayside Ambulance Corps assured everyone’s well-being. Speakers included state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose), who applauded the families who support the program, and state Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D-Bayside), who recalled his own youthful participation in the Little League. Weprin’s younger son watched along with JEHLL members, as Padavan and Weprin threw first balls to start the games.
With the weather holding fair, teams took to the fields. The youngest, instructional division evoked smiles and pride as they began learning the skills of hitting, running the bases, playing the field and playing as a team. The older baseball and softball teams in the Minor, Majors, Junior and Senior divisions demonstrated strength and team spirit while families and fans renewed their acquaintances after the winter hiatus.
