By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – The start of the 2016 Wabash Little League season got underway on a beautiful spring day at the Field of Dreams on Saturday afternoon. A large number of parents lined the parking lot and walkway to the National League diamond to watch their kids make the procession to see Little League President Bryan Dillon and Wabash Mayor Scott Long address the players during the opening ceremony. Dillon told MiBash News that the season will run through the end of June and that over 500 boys and girls will play on over 40 teams this year.
Dillon noted the changes coming soon to the Field of Dreams, including a new playground for the kids not playing ball and new netting for some of the diamonds. Last year, the opening day was rained out and moved to a weeknight. In fact, Dillon noted that this was the first opening day that actually happened as scheduled in the last five years and said he was pleased with the large turnout on Saturday.
Dillon on what the Wabash Little League means for the kids.
During his comments, Dillon told the kids that lined the infield that the league is about making friends and playing hard and then making it home safely. He noted that winning is secondary because it’s all about trying your best. After a presentation honoring volunteer Doug Smith, two disabled players from the Challenger League threw out the first pitch.
One very special part of the Wabash Little League is the amazing Challenger Division which gives physically and mentally disabled kids a chance to play ball just like their siblings. Challenger League Commissioner Sam Hipskind said that his division starts in early June, which is a little later than last year, and ends by July 4th. While there will be six scheduled games for the Challenger League players, the games will be played on Saturday mornings with the exception of two night games during the week. Hipskind said that he wants to give the disabled players the chance to play under the lights just like their colleagues.