Brookline Little League Parade and Special Dedications
Kick Off 2001 Season In Grand Style

APRIL 28 - On a beautiful spring day the Brookline Little League Association kicked off the 2001 baseball season with the annual parade, followed by a special dedication of field and structural renovations by city and state officials, and finally those words we've waited for all winter long, "Play Ball!"

The morning began near Brookline's Engine House #26, where the boys and girls of the baseball and softball program gathered, dressed in their new uniforms and proudly displaying their individual team banners. At the eleventh hour, BLLA President Tony Colangelo signaled the start of the procession.

With a police escort and the fire engines leading the way, the pride of our community began their march towards the Community Center fields, beginning with the Instructional Leaguers and ending the the Little League boys. The many parents and residents that lined Brookline Boulevard were charmed by the spirit and enthusiasm of our ballplayers.

Once the throng of parents and kids reached Sam Bryen fields, everyone gathered around the BLLA Wall of Fame for some special remarks by several distinguished guests regarding the recent work that is transforming the look of our sports complex into something that Brookline residents can truly call one of the nicest in the City of Pittsburgh.

On hand to address the crowd were Mayor Tom Murphy, State Representative Michael Diven, City-Council President Bob O'Conner and Councilman Jim Motznik, General Services Director Dale Perrett, and Parks Directors Dwayne Ashley and Mike Radley.

Our special guests all discussed the importance of organized sports for our community children and praised the many volunteers that generously donate their time to make it all possible. Their attention then turned to the myriad of ongoing improvements to Brookline Park, gifts from the city which will benefit Brookliners for years to come.

Through the tireless work of the above mentioned officials, and many city laborers, our park is undergoing a substantial facelift. Over a quarter million dollars are being spent on projects including new dugouts for the upper baseball and softball fields, a beautiful resurfacing of the Wall of Fame and painting of the surrounding structures, paving of the upper parking lot and entranceway, much-needed improvements to McGibbeny Field along with an expansion of that area that will include a new field and walking trails.

There is also a multi-purpose field being created in the spot once occupied by the old tennis courts, improvements planned for the pool area and many changes in store for the Recreation Center building itself, including a new roof and a hardwood basketball court. Construction will proceed throughout the summer. When it is over, Brookline Park will be a showcase for all the City, the standard by which future city parks will be judged by, and today was the day for our community to celebrate.

After much applause and praise for those responsible for all the hard work and planning, the focus switched to feeding the hundreds of ballplayers and the judging of their team banners. After the hotdogs, chips and drinks were meted out to the hungry kids much of the crowd dispersed, impressed with the work already completed and looking forward to that yet to come.

The culmination of the festivities was the moment many of us had waited for, the season opening games on both the baseball and softball fields. The long cold winter had given way to the cool days of spring, and after months of preparation, it was finally time to play ball.

On the boy's side, defending Little League champion Medicine Shoppe was upended by last year's runner-up Poremski Plumbing, 7-4. The Medicine men jumped off to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Poremski countered with six in the second, then held off a last-inning rally for the win. Bo Hodgkiss was the winning pitcher for the plumbers with help from reliever Zach Sheridan, who also contributed three hits.

In the girls Little League opener, C.E.C., led by shortstop Jamie Havens and pitcher Krista Bradley, came from behind to strike down three-time defending champion Slick's, 11-9. Haven's batted two-for-two, with a triple, two walks, three runs batted in and four runs scored. Bradley recorded seven strikeouts in her impressive mound debut. For Slick's, Kate Llewellyn banged out three hits and scored three runs.

In a late game on the boys field, Bill O'Malley's much improved A-Boss Optical Minor Leaguer's banged out a 17-7 win over Getaway Cafe. After two years in the cellar, it looks like this could be the season for A-Boss, so keep an eye out for these boys in green.

At 6:00pm the first day of the 2001 season came to an end, and what a fine day it was. There was so much to be thankful for. The new year has begun with so many promises and expectations regarding the condition of our park finally being fulfilled. It looks to be another great year for the BLLA program, and it started in grand style.

President Tony Colangelo would like to thank all the volunteers who worked hard preparing the fields, cooking the food, stocking the concession stand, and doing all the administrative legwork that made this Opening Day a special time for everyone involved, especially the kids. The league offers its sincerest thanks to all of the city officials and especially the city laborers, who worked day-in and day-out, regardless of the weather, to make our sports complex something for all Brookliners to be proud of.

<Click Here For More on the Wall of Fame Dedication>

* Photos and article by Clint Burton *