With crisp uniforms and big smiles, young ballplayers celebrated the start of a new season of baseball.
Little League and Pony Baseball teams throughout Orange County hosted opening day events on Saturday, while others are already underway with their spring season or have plans for starts next weekend.
Many leagues hosted the traditional open day parade of teams, lining up speakers to give the youth players words of wisdom and encouragement, and local leaders to throw out first pitches.
Then, after the festivities, it was time to get down to business, with calls of “play ball” ringing out on field after field.
Angel’s t-ball players celebrate with their coach, Jose Negrete, during Irvine Pony Baseball’s Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Four-year-old Alexander Robles hones his catching skills while playing catch with his dad, Jose Robles, during Opening Day of Irvine Pony Baseball on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Four-year-old Haley Lathrom’s screaming pink baseball shoes glisten in the sun during Irvine Pony Baseball’s Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Irvine Pony League Baseball players on the Seattle Mariners goof around during Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Irvine Pony Baseball players take the field during Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Irvine Pony Baseball teams compete during Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Baltimore Orioles players in Irvine Pony Baseball run through drills during Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Irvine Pony Baseball Coach Sebastian Miles works with his players during Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children take part in Irvine Pony Baseball’s Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Irvine Pony League Baseball players enter the field during Opening Day on the Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Four-year-old Alexander Robles hones his skills while playing catch with his dad, Jose Robles, during Opening Day of Irvine Pony Baseball on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Children in Irvine Pony Baseball run through drills during Opening Day games on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Houstoon Astros players celebrate Irvine Pony Baseball’s Opening Day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
UC Irvine has opened Oso Tower, a five-story student housing complex with 424 undergraduate beds and a new community center. The building offers a wide variety of amenities for students,… Continue Reading UCI opens Oso...
By Jeff Amy and Alexa St. John | The Associated Press It seems like a terrible time to build an electric vehicle plant in the United States, but Rivian Automotive… Continue Reading ‘Do or die’...
A Great Park visitor takes a photo of a Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda on display in Hangar 244 at the Palm Court Arts Complex during the city’s annual Fiesta… Continue Reading Irvine hosts 4th...
ORANGE COUNTY FOOTBALL TOP 25 POLL Notable this week: For the first time in a long time, Mater Dei is not No. 1 in the Orange County football poll. Mission… Continue Reading Orange County football...