More than 300 Montgomery Little League players, their coaches, and their families marched through the Village of Montgomery last Saturday, April 27 during the league’s annual parade, a kickoff to the new season and a celebration of these player’s baseball spirit.

Around 12:30 p.m., 28 teams comprising 350 players assembled at the municipal parking lot along Clinton Street, huddling with their teammates and containing their excitement for the big trot. At 1 p.m., the crowd took off on Clinton and made its way to Veterans Memorial Park, showing off their team spirit with colorful tees, homemade signs, and party blowers for all to see and hear.

These terrific teams included:
Juniors Baseball: Tigers
Majors Baseball: Titans and Rangers

Minors Softball: Blue Jays, Crush, Shepherds, Storm
Minors Baseball: Bombers, Marines, Mustangs, Rookies, Wolfpack
Coach-Pitch Softball: Baby Boomers, Pink Cheetahs
Coach-Pitch Baseball: Bears, Cubs, Lightning, MechaGodzillas, Sharks, Supersonics
Tee-Ball: Dinos, Dragonflies, Earth Shakers, Firestix, Mighty Heroes, Mudflaps, Rockets, Yellowjackets

Once everyone reached the park, the teams lined up along the baseball field to get their photos taken at home base, followed by a sprint to the outer field. Elvis Cole, president of the Montgomery Little League, gave a speech and expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the parade.

The outpour has been very good, and you should all be proud of yourselves. I appreciate all of you for coming out,” he said.

Cole thanked the various people who made the Montgomery Little League and its parade possible, including the league’s board and volunteers, the sponsors, the residents who matched the players’ spirits, and local officials like Montgomery Mayor Mike Hembury, Wallkill Supervisor George Serrano, and Walden Mayor John Ramos.

“Just enjoy the day and enjoy your kids,” Hembury said. “Because once they’re grown, they’re gone. This is your moment.”

“Who’s ready to play some baseball and softball?” Serrano asked, provoking roars from the crowd. Serrano mentioned that his favorite Little League division is tee-ball, as he enjoys seeing the little ones hit the ball and run around.

Cole then listed the teams who boasted the most spirit at this year’s parade, including the Bombers, Crush, Mighty Heroes, Pink Cheetahs, and Rangers.

After Cole wrapped up his speech, players and attendants enjoyed the park, ate hot dogs, and played several baseball games starting at 3 p.m. Cole could not be any happier with how the day turned out.

“It went amazing. I love this little league,” Cole said after his speech. “It was a great turnout with great members and volunteers.”