NPYBL bringing back old fashioned baseball spirit

Saturday, May 22, 2010

BAINBRIDGE -- The North Putnam Youth Baseball League celebrated their opening season this year with a bang. Red, white, and blue flags all around the ball field, balloons blowing in the wind around the dugouts and stands, burgers on the grill, music over the sound system, and little ball players lined the fence anxiously waiting to take the field.

The day began with players being announced onto the field carrying with pride their home-made team posters. After a team huddle, high fives, and a roar of the crowd, they took their place on the ball field to cheer on other division players.

Naomi Barker was the guest of honor for the day as she threw out the opening pitch to North Putnam Major League player Jacob Berry to begin the 2010 season. Nomi has lived in Putnam County her entire life.

She has owned Bainbridge Video & Tan for 25 years, the tanning salon for 22 years, and the laundry mat for seven years. She was on the Bainbridge Town Board for five years and has loyally supported the Bainbridge little league baseball program since 1988.

"Fantastic community support and turnout made opening day special this year," said league President Tim Davis. With the American Flag flying high in center field, members of the North Putnam Middle School choir lead by Kelly Thomas, sang the "National Anthem" and led the crowd with "Take Me Out To the Ballgame."

Mike Mahoy from Roachdale Police volunteered his time to radar players' pitching skills in the batting cage. NPYBL Major league players ran home run derby stations, and many players, parents, and three generation families raced around bases for record breaking home run speed times, which were announced loud and proud over the speaker.

North Putnam Youth Baseball League wanted to express sincere appreciation to the players, sponsors, merchants, individuals and volunteers who help make the baseball program possible for the youth of the community.

"With new development strategies, you can expect great things from our ball players this year and hope to continue to receive community support for the kids who want to play ball for the North Putnam baseball program," said Vice President Greg Lyons.

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