Politics & Government

PHOTOS: Ivy Hill Little League Opening Day

Little leaguers full of energy on first day of season

Baseball season is officially underway in Newark's West Ward, as parents, coaches and athletes of the Ivy Hill Little League celebrated opening day Saturday with a series of games.

"This is what community looks like," said West Ward Councilman Ronald C. Rice during opening day ceremonies.

The league, formed in 1998 and headed by President Houston Stevens, now has more than 100 young athletes all coached by volunteers.

Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wearing crisp uniforms and baseball caps, players broke in their mitts and ran around the sunflower seed-dotted diamond before meeting with Mayor Cory Booker, who offered inspirational advice to the youths as a former little leaguer himself.

"Your reputation in life is being built right now," he said. "The best players always are the ones with the best character."

Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Click through the pictures above to see more.

Is your son or daughter featured in one of our photos? Email newarknj@patch.com to let the editors know!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here