Clear skies and 80-degree temperatures were on tap for the official start of the 2004 Clayton Valley Little League Baseball season.

On Saturday, March 13, several hundred families turned out to enjoy the sunshine and celebrate the 40^th season of CVLL while their future Big Leaguer’s paraded across the field waving their hats to the adoring fans. 

CVLL President, Jennie Fitzgerald, welcomed the crowd and officially dedicated the Major’s Field to the late Merrill “Mack” McCarty, one of the original Co-Founder’s of Clayton Valley Little League.

Fitzgerald went on to introduce former Chicago Cub Jared “The Spark” Martin who in turn introduced the teams that make up the 2004 CVLL roster.

Martin, who is also the baseball Vice President for CVLL Board of Directors, played outfield for the Cubs from 1976-1981.

But the big stars of the day were of course the kids. Decked out in their brand new, soon to be soiled uniforms. Smiling like pros that just sold stacks of $20 autographs, they responded to the cheers with waves and cheers of their own, one team tossing candy to folks in the lower decks. They stood proudly as local resident, Corina Loftin, sang our National Anthem and threw their hats in the air like Naval Academy graduates. After the parade families lingered in the sunshine while enjoying carnival games and old fashioned Kettle Korn.

I was there in both professional and parental capacity. My boy was signed by the Peanut Division Yankees and was not about to miss an opportunity to bask in the love of his fans. He was also under the mistaken impression that his favorite superhero, The Flash, was going to be in attendance. Jared, I’m sorry to say that he was a tad disappointed once I explained the difference between The Spark and The Flash.

Actually, it was hit or miss up until parade time. In true Yankee fashion, he held out for a private batting coach, first pick of the snacks and a guaranteed “clean up” spot in the batting order. Thrown in to sweeten the deal was a private chauffeur (me), cleat cleaner (me), valet (again, me), and a personal water “toter”. (This position used to be referred to as  “water boy” but some how “water broken down father” seemed unflattering.)

While the negotiations were taking place, Mr. October busied himself with his GameBoy. I believe there was a time not so long ago when kids would take advantage of a lull to toss the old cowhide around, play a little pepper or pick sides for a quick scratch game. Instead the boys crowded around the GameBoy as Coach Steve and I loosened our arms while discussing the finer points of contract negotiations.

Thankfully, in the end, an agreement was reached and he donned the Yankee jersey just in time to join his teammates as they proceeded onto the track.

The remainder of the festivities was uneventful, mainly because I missed the festivities. I had to fulfill my volunteer duty as a Photo Day Kid Wrangler immediately following the parade. Fortunately I was able to bribe The Spark to run me over some Kettle Korn.

I must remember to include a Kettle Korn addendum in next year’s contract.

BIO: Clayton resident, Joe Romano is a free-lance writer for hire. He can be contacted at jromano01@yahoo.com