Brooklyn Park Youth Celebrate Opening Day of Baseball

Spring has finally sprung in the northwest suburbs, which means it’s time for the youth baseball season.

Saturday was opening day for youngsters in the Brooklyn Park Athletic Association.

There was a collage of team colors at Northwoods Park for the ceremonies as the young ballplayers were introduced before family, friends and teammates. Over 400 kids ages 5 to 12 signed up this year.

“It’s a great sport,” said Dwight Athias of Crystal, who has two kids playing this season. “This is a good organization, really good teams, really organized. They have a lot of meetings and the kids have a lot of fun.”

“My favorite position is shortstop,” said Adam Aasen of the Brooklyn Park Bulldogs. “Baseball is really fun. It’s my favorite sport. Everybody’s into the game.”

The Park Center baseball team was also at opening day. The Pirates exchanged hand shakes and fist bumps with the kids.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Park Police honor guard was there for the raising of the flag and the star spangled banner.

It made for a picture-perfect event that brought many people together.

“You see all the kids out here playing year after year,” said Pierre Johnson a coach for the Brooklyn Park Mets. “I see kids who I remember playing T-ball, now they’re on the traveling team. Baseball’s always going to be America’s past-time.”

 “When we do the national anthem it feels like we’re actual major league players,” said Preston Nelson of the Brooklyn Park Bulldogs. “It’s fun to see old friends on baseball teams.”

Before the opening day ceremonies, teams collected food donations for CEAP.