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)
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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)
