The “Little League” season for the North Royalton Baseball Boosters is coming to an end. While some teams are involved in the playoffs, the 5-and-6 year old league, known as ‘‘the Rookies,” brought their season to a close in a unique way.
Instead of playing the final game on one of the two fields in the middle of the York Road complex, the eight teams got to play under the lights at Diamonds #4 and 5.
Before the game, the public address announcer announced the name of every player and coach who would be participating. Then, the players gathered around the pitcher’s mound for the playing of the National Anthem. Mayor Bob Stefanik held the flag while the rookies saluted “the Red, White and Blue.”
The boosters played music in between innings, sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the second-inning stretch and announced each batter while on their way to home plate.
Any baseball, or softball player, of any age will tell you how cool it is to have that done when you’re playing a game. Just imagine what that’s like if you are 5 and 6 years old and playing in a game just like the Indians do.
“I know my team enjoyed all the excitement,” said Justin Beets, the manager of the Athletics who played the Indians on the final night of the year. “All of our players got a hit tonight. I think it was a good way to end the season.”
Mark Delaney, the manager of the Indians, said, “It was a great night for the kids. They’ve grown in confidence and have made great progress.”
The rules for “Rookie League” are a bit different than older age groups. The rookies started the year hitting off a “Tee.” But, halfway into the season, the league switched to “coach pitch,” getting players used to what they will face next season. While the players in the field try to get outs, all batters get to first anyhow and run the bases.
For their final game, the rookies had an umpire on the field for the first time, which made the cry of “Play Ball” mean something special.
John Marquard, co-commissioner of the Rookie League, was the man on the mic for the final game of the year. John provided some interesting tidbits about the players (e.g. He likes chicken, or he likes ice cream, he’s a Cavs fan). John said to make the final game something special for the rookies it was just like baseball. It took a team effort.
“My co-commissioners, Mike Lark and Craig Zeleznik, helped with the setup for these games. They’ve done a tremendous job this year,” said Marquard.
The North Royalton Baseball Boosters succeeded with one of their two goals for the Rookie League this year. More 5 and 6 year olds signed up to play in the Rookie League this year than in 2015. The second goal could take longer to realize. Can this class of rookies get more of their friends (male and female) to sign-up and play baseball/softball?
We’ll have to wait until next year.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer