Storm band plays National Anthem
4/30/2009
Opening Day draws hundreds
By Sue G. Collins
Staff Writer for the Saline Reporter.

Under a perfect spring sky in Saline, hundreds of families gathered at Tefft Park Saturday to salute eager young players at the Opening Day for the Saline Area Youth Baseball and Softball.

SAYB&S President Paul Whitfield welcomed players, coaches and families to the mid-day ceremony kicking off a season of house baseball and softball in the community. He praised the 120-plus volunteer coaches and league directors for their time and efforts for the 680 boys and girls playing in 10 house leagues, on 46 baseball and 12 softball teams.

For the first time, a brass band made up of ball players from the Saline Storm 11-U team played the national anthem to open the ceremony. Garrett Saunders, Adam Head, Kyle Chrzanowski, Brendan Printup, Brandon Baldus and Josh Nelson wore their blue-and-white uniforms while proudly playing their instruments at home plate.



Saline youth Matt Ulrich, who was tragically killed in a dirt bike accident earlier this month, was honored by his teammates, who will wear his jersey number and initials on their sleeves this season as a tribute to the Saline player. Coach Doug Bower and Whitfield presented the boy’s jersey to Matt’s parents, Jeff and Holly Ulrich and their family.

Saline Schools Superintendent Scot Graden threw out the opening pitch just as the city noon-time siren sounded to his son, Jay Graden, who plays for the Saline Area Fire Department-sponsored team in the Pee Wee Reese League.
Games and team pictures continued through the afternoon at fields throughout city parks and school playgrounds. The season continues through July with weekday evening games and weekend tournaments.

Whitfield honored league directors Gerald Vazquez, Patrick Nelson, Steve O’Keefe, Scott Adle, Tim Geiger and Shelley Foley, along with Doug McCormick and other board members who make the season possible.

The SAYB&S organization is nonprofit, providing developmental leagues teaching the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, along with the fundamentals of baseball and softball.