The summer kicked off with Independence Township Parks and Recreation Opening Day of Youth Baseball and Softball.
It was a big ceremony as 83 teams walked in a parade from the soccer fields to the ballpark.
James Seaton, a student at Clarkston Junior High School, played ‘The Star Spangled Banner? on his electric guitar after all of the teams gathered on the field.
Dr. James O’Neill stood on the pitcher’s mound and threw out the first ball of the season to his son, Dr. Tim O’Neill, on the home plate.
Many of the teams played their first games after the ceremony.
‘Our team did an excellent job,? said Coach Greg Nygaard about his T-Ball team’s first day.
‘Every kid on our team hit the ball very well.?
Local businesses sponsor each team playing.
The teams play every weekday evening except Fridays.
Games will be played all over the Clarkston area at different sites. Clintonwood Park, Sashabaw Plains Park, Sashabaw Middle School, Pine Knob Elementary, and Clarkston High School through the end of July.
For schedules, standings and more information, go to www.twp.independence.mi.us