Point Pleasant Sluggers Swinging for Opening Day

Point Pleasant Borough, Beach and Bay Head baseball and softball players were swinging the bat and rounding the bases this weekend in heated anticipation of next week's parade and season kick-off.

This is the time of year they've waited for, through the crackling fall and the dreary, frozen winter. For kids who paint their eye black on and pull on their uniforms at 9 a.m. on spring Saturdays, even though their game isn't until 5, this is the time of year they pine for.

And when it finally comes, it's better than Christmas morning.

The 650 local players registered in the Point Pleasant Youth Baseball and Softball Association will kick off the parade Saturday with the Point Pleasant Beach VFW Color Guard leading the way. 

Teams will assemble at the Borough High School parking lot and will begin to march at 10 a.m. — making their way down Spruce Street, turning right onto River Avenue and then right again at Pizza Express Restaurant. They will march behind the restaurant. 

The teams will turn right onto Maplewood Avenue and then loop around the complex, entering the fields from the east side.

Once all of the teams have been introduced, the VFW Color Guard will conduct a flag-raising ceremony followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

Other highlights include a welcoming statement by PPYBSA President Jerry Gencarelli, the reading of a sportsmanship creed, recognition of community members who have contributed to the growth of the program, and the ceremonial throwing of the first pitch of the season by Mayor William Schroeder.

The cry of “play ball” will signify the opening of the season for the 58 softball and baseball teams, with the first games taking place at noon on both the Major 60 and Major 70 fields.

Family and community members are invited to join in the celebration by cheering on the players and teams as they march along the parade route and at the field during the opening day festivities.

For more information, contact Gencarelli at info@pointbaseball.com or Secretary Lynne Landis at lynne.landis@pointbaseball.com.