It wasn’t exactly the sunniest, warmest of days – but the hundreds of young ballplayers gathering at TL Davis Sports Complex in Oakdale didn’t seem to mind.
The sun stayed mostly behind the clouds and a few drops of rain pattered down, though not enough to stop Opening Day Ceremonies for the OBSA, Oakdale Baseball Softball Association on Saturday, March 19. Players, along with family and friends, enjoyed the ceremonies, with the presentation of the colors by the VFW Color Guard, the performance of the National Anthem by the Oakdale Community Band and a ceremonial prayer from Pastor Henry Raven.
Among the OBSA board members introduced were President Larry Devereaux, Vice President Fred Lynch, Secretary Paul Westberg, and Treasurer Lauren Noble.
Oakdale Mayor Cher Bairos served as emcee and throwing out the ceremonial first pitches were longtime volunteers with the youth baseball and softball programs, Paul Westberg and Larry Loger.
Westberg threw out the baseball, with 13-year-old Easton Thalman – the 2021 Jason Turnage courage award winner – catching the pitch. Thalman, who isn’t playing this year, instead was on the field as an umpire, working on opening day as opposed to playing.
Loger sent an underhand softball toss to Breanna Platt, who plays for the LSU Tigers in the softball 12-14 division.
“We want to give a special thank you to all sponsors and coaches who give their time and effort to support sports education for the youth of the community,” said Mayor Bairos. “We know it is through sports that many of us learn valuable life skills and memories that stay with us through a lifetime.”
Players at all levels had the chance to cheer as their team names were called and, once all the pomp and circumstance was complete, Mayor Bairos declared it was time to “Play Ball!” and the season was officially underway.
Teams scattered after the 10 a.m. ceremonies to get in some practice tosses and warm up for the games, slated to begin at 11 a.m., and it was also picture day for teams. There were also a variety of silent auction items to bid on and raffle prizes to take a chance on, as well as the snack bar being open.
Sign-ups were a success this season, said officials, with the OBSA seeing nearly 900 young athletes taking the field at all levels.
Along with TL Davis, fields are used at Cottles Woods Park and also at Fair Oaks Elementary.
Local resident Patty Reeves was ready for a day at the field, as she has three sons playing baseball this year. Oldest son Alex, 13, is in Babe Ruth while Cooper, 9, is in the Minors and Dustin, 6, will play T-Ball.
Patty said she and husband Mike are lifelong residents of Oakdale and baseball season always sees them on the field.
“Alex is 13 and he has played since he was five,” she said, comfortably seated in her chair, with an umbrella at the ready and some snacks available as well. “I love everything about it and the boys really feel like they’re a part of something.”
