PLAY BALL!

Bryce Alderton

Clear skies made for a sunny Saturday in Newport-Mesa, providing the

perfect backdrop for Little League opening day.

Players, coaches, families and friends celebrated in Newport Beach

and Costa Mesa, each in their own way.

More than 2,400 hamburgers were sold as major league Hall of Famer

Rod Carew and former knuckleball great Charlie Hough spoke to the

crowd gathered at Lincoln Elementary School, home of Newport Beach

Little League.

Newport Beach council members Steve Bromberg, John Heffernan and

Gary Adams were on hand to watch the teams parade around the interior

of the park.

The Angels defeated the Mariners (Majors Division) -- a final

score was not available -- in the only game.

Costa Mesa American Little League kicked off its season with nine

games at Costa Mesa High following a parade of teams and ceremonial

first pitch by city dignitaries.

“The games are a lot of fun. We couldn’t have all that excitement

and not be able to play,” CMALL Commissioner Amy Stephens said in

reference to doubt earlier in the week about the weekend weather.

“People were talking fast so the kids could get out there and play.

They can’t sit still all day.”

About 2,000 supporters arrived at Mariners Park to celebrate

NHBA’s opening festivities Saturday morning. Former New York Yankees

pitcher Dan Naulty, along with Newport Beach Mayor Tod Ridgeway,

welcomed the crowd -- treated to a pancake breakfast -- before

players could take part in various instructional clinics.

A highlight was an appearance by the Marine Corps color guard,

stationed out of Camp Pendleton, which adopted the city of Newport

Beach in 2003, NHBA opening day Chairman Mark Meisenheimer said.

Fifteen NHBA games at four sites were played, including the first

baseball game played at the Bonita Canyon Sports Park. The Giants

defeated the Cubs, 14-5, in the Bronco Division (11- and

12-year-olds).