By By Adam Prestridge
Dirt was kicking up and bubble gum was popping Saturday morning at Johnnie F. Woods Memorial Park for Opening Day of the Atmore T-ball League.
League president James Lewis said the day couldn’t have gone any smoother.
A parade from the Atmore Area YMCA to the park began the Opening Day festivities. The teams then lined the infield of one of the parks two diamonds and were welcomed by Lewis. Pastor Gene King of Grace Fellowship followed by giving the invocation and Lana Langford sang the National Anthem.
The players, coaches and parents then heard an inspirational speech from Atmore native and longtime Atmore baseball and football coach Mickey Cannon. Atmore councilman Louie Turner III concluded the ceremonies with the opening hit.
Again, Lewis stressed how great the season started off.
Lewis went on to add that this year’s umpire crew is comprised of high school students.
The Atmore T-ball League is made up of six teams. A total of 72 players make up those teams, which are scheduled to play 10 games each.
Once the 10-game season is completed, an All-Star team will be selected from each division. According to Lewis, the league is divided into an East and West division and will play in the East/West All-Star game on May 3. From those two teams, two traveling All-Star teams will be chosen, which will compete in the Gospel Project World Series tournament. The 5-6-year-old tournament will be held at the Northeast Pensacola Park and the 7-year-old tournament will be held in Milton, Fla.
Lewis also has a treat in store for those All-Stars.
The Atmore T-ball League plays games on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.