The Center Moriches varsity softball team recently hosted Little League Day for the local baseball and softball players of the Moriches Bay Little League. The event was held at the ballpark on April 28.
The event, according to organizers, was “an opportunity to capitalize on the new friendships formed during the ongoing winter clinics, as well as to encourage young players to see the culmination of their local skill development, the varsity field.”
During the event, players were encouraged to dress in their uniform or T-shirt and arrive prior to the start of the varsity home game. At that point, the players had a chance to meet-and-greet with some of their favorite players and then march onto the field of the opening ceremony.
Additionally, Moriches Bay Little League Major player Ava Andersen tossed out the “first pitch” to varsity catcher, Lilah Eten. Moriches Bay Little League Minors player Gracie Andersen donned her catching gear to make the “first catch” of the game, fielding a ball from varsity pitcher, Olivia Haney.
“During the game, the Little League players cheered on the older girls from the sidelines and took notes from their coaches,” said Kerry Coonan, board of directors for Moriches Bay Little League.
The event, she said, was a great opportunity for the younger players to follow along with the senior player in their position, from infield to outfield, pitcher, to catcher.
“The younger players cheered loudly as the Center Moriches Red Devils squad went on to defeat their opponent, 17-1,” she added.
Also, during the game, each Little League player entered a raffle where prizes were distributed each time the Red Devils scored a run. After the game, players joined the local Little League players during their own practice.
“The connection between Little League and the varsity softball team is so important because the varsity squad is made up of girls who have their roots in the Moriches Bay Little League. Programs like Little League Day and Winter Clinic allow us to give back to an organization that has given us so much,” said Karly Coonan, junior shortstop. “It allows us to show the younger girls that we believe in them and that we are their ‘big softball sisters,’ prepared to help both on and off the softball diamond.”
The relationship between the varsity softball team and Moriches Bay Little League, according to Coonan, dates back more than 10 years. High-school and junior-high-school players volunteer their time on Sunday afternoons working with the younger players.
“It was very special seeing our older girls on the varsity team collaborate with the true foundation of Center Moriches softball in the younger girls,” said Lilah Eten, junior catcher. “I love seeing the young girls come out to the field to watch us play. Having the younger athletes there is as much fun for them as it is for us. Keeping the younger generation engaged and wanting to play this sport that we can all share a love for is a special thing in itself.”
“Little League Day is a great opportunity for up-and-coming players to see what the varsity experience is like!” added Finnley Coonan, freshman utility. “Taking the field and shadowing their position was a great way for the younger players to better understand the game! I loved the younger players marching onto the field with our senior team, hand-in-hand.”
This summer, the varsity players will also host weekly developmental sessions.
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