But Saturday’s opening day in Ansonia was a little more special than usual, thanks to some recent improvements and a tribute to the memory of a 6‑year-old girl.
Leah Rondon died last summer after a tragic accident in which she was struck by a vehicle on Ford Street.
Leah’s parents, Colleen and Henry, are the president and vice president of the little league’s board of directors. Her older brothers, Sam and Henry Jr., play in the league.
Before throwing out the first pitch to his son, David Jr., at the end of Saturday’s opening ceremony, Mayor David Cassetti asked those gathered to bow their heads in Leah’s memory.
“What a beautiful day, and how fitting that we are paying tribute to Leah Rondon today,” Cassetti said. “She was a beautiful young girl who is no longer with us here on earth but who will be forever remembered in our hearts and our souls.”
Click the play button on the video above to watch the opening ceremonies via the Little League’s Youtube page. Colleen Rondon served as emcee.
Click here to see more photos of the ceremony on the Little League’s Facebook page.
The Assumption Church’s Fr. Jim Sullivan offered a blessing and a prayer for the league’s season.
Cassetti thanked the league’s coaches, players, and volunteers, along with Ansonia Recreation Director Jeff Coppola, as well as Public Works Director Michael D’Alessio and DPW employees.
Public works crews recently installed a new infield and backstop at the field, and also put up a new flagpole, fixed some fencing, and helped set up the sound system for Saturday’s ceremony.
During the ceremony, Colleen Rondon also thanked members of the high school baseball team who offer skills clinics to their younger counterparts.
The league’s players then took the “Little League Pledge.“
In an email, Colleen Rondon said Saturday’s opening day was “picture-perfect.”
“We appreciate the Mayor’s kind words, Fr. Jim Sullivan’s beautiful prayers and blessing, and the participation of our AHS baseball player volunteers,” she said. “Seeing everyone come together like that, with all the kids and coaches in their uniforms filling the infield, makes all the hard work worth it. We are looking forward to great things for our league.”
