Myers ushers in 54th Rogers City Little League season
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
?Okay, we?re ready to play ball!? declared Little League grand marshal Jack Myers, at the conclusion of opening day ceremonies at Little League Park. Myers, a longtime board member and a successful post season baseball manager, who won a Big League state championship, threw out the ceremonial first pitches. The first pitch was high and out of the strike zone, while he did much better with the underhand softball throw. It was right on the money.
Both pitches were to his grandson, Connor Myers of Rudyard. He also received a commemorative plaque for his years of service to the program. UNDER BREEZY conditions and overcast skies, the rain held off for the parade. Baseball and softball players ranging from ages 5 to 14 left the Grambau Center for the traditional march along Third Street. The rows of young people, in their colorful shirts and hats, turned onto Woodward for the final leg to the fields. Once on the field, the players lined the outer edge of the infield.
?With Little League, some things have changed, and some things have not,? said Little League vice president Ben Sharpe, opening the ceremony. ?The rules have changed, but the game has not. ?Faces still have freckles and smiles. Uniforms stil
?Take the time to enjoy the game, encourage your teammates and make new friends,? said Sharpe. AS PART of the festivities, it was an opportunity for outgoing Drug Abuse Resistance Enforcement (D.A.R.E.) officer Joe Brewbaker, who also serves as Presque Isle County Sheriff?s Department undersheriff, to pass the torch to new D.A.R.E. officers David Whitford. ?I feel strongly that he is going to do a phenomenal job with this program,? said Brewbaker. ?He loves kids.?