to coaches, participants, parents

Opening day of rec league baseball this year went over with very few hitches other than dismal and threatening weather that packed a cool punch at 8 a.m. Saturday morning.

Coaches, parents and players turned out en masse for the event and were cooperative, patient and organized considering that more than 800 kids were on hand.

The Messenger, in preparation for its annual edition of rec league teams, was able to get photos of nearly every team at the event, meaning that the number of people left out this year should be few, other than a small number of players who arrived after pictures were taken.

Coaches, parents and rec league organizers deserve a lot of credit for pulling off the big event. Hours of preparation went into organizing opening day and that preparation paid off big when it resulted in a nearly seamless flow of events and a timely start to the activities.

We thank everyone who made the program a success, especially the folks at the parks and rec department with the city of Troy. They accommodated many people and multiple requests Saturday and their planning and organizing should not go unnoticed.

Now, though, the real work begins for parents who will have to check schedules for practice and play and will make many trips back and forth to the ball field in the coming weeks and months. Kids will work throughout the season to improve their swing, their fielding and their athletic skills, while constantly honing their sportsmanship and teamwork with guidance from the many volunteer coaches in the leagues.

Providing summer recreation for 800 kids is something worthwhile – rivaling academics and school athletics in many ways – as it seeks to help keep our children entertained and to help them develop as individuals.

Thanks to everyone who participates in this worthwhile cause and who helped make opening day a positive experience for many kids and fans. We believe it was symbolically the right beginning to a great summer.